WASHINGTON, D.C., April 16, 2026 – The ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC) today announced the appointment of veteran employee benefits attorney Doug Hinson as Executive Director of the ERIC Legal Center.
In his new role, Mr. Hinson will guide and coordinate the ERIC Legal Center’s participation in cases that could have significant effects on employers sponsoring benefit plans for their workforce. The ERIC Legal Center engages in litigation to preserve ERISA preemption, fights state mandates and other burdensome measures, and intervenes in matters that could significantly affect the design and administration of employee benefit plans.
“Doug’s extensive experience in ERISA litigation and employment law will be a tremendous asset to the organization, and we are pleased to welcome him as the new Executive Director of the ERIC Legal Center,” said James Gelfand, President and CEO of ERIC. “Having worked on so many of the issues that are before the judiciary today – including 401(k) fee and employer stock matters – Doug brings a deep understanding of the challenges facing employers and plan sponsors. We are confident his expertise will strengthen our advocacy on behalf of our members and advance ERIC’s mission.”
Mr. Hinson brings a deep and diverse set of experience to ERIC, having served as a leader of Alston & Bird LLP’s ERISA Litigation Group. During his 34-year tenure, he represented numerous Fortune 500, government, private, and non-profit clients in a wide range of ERISA litigation matters, including 401(k) fee and employer stock matters, welfare benefit terminations, defined benefit calculation and anti-cutback actions, and severance matters. In addition, Mr. Hinson has substantial experience and expertise in securities, complex commercial, and insurance class action litigation. Most recently, Mr. Hinson has led Hinson Mediations LLC, advising on significant and complex ERISA and securities litigation matters.
Mr. Hinson is an alumnus of Georgetown Law School and Emory University. Chambers USA has recognized him as a “national leader” in ERISA litigation. He previously served as the chair of the Employee Benefits Committee of the Tort, Trial and Insurance Practice Section—and a member of the Joint Committee on Employee Benefits—of the American Bar Association.
ERIC also announced that Tom Christina will transition to the role of Director Emeritus of the ERIC Legal Center, in which he will continue to contribute his significant litigation experience, ERISA expertise, and institutional knowledge.
