Stephanie Tanzi Barry – AKAM

Stephanie Barry did not set out to follow a conventional legal path, but her career reflects a series of intentional decisions shaped by discipline and a clear understanding of how she could best apply her skills. Today, as general counsel for AKAM, she operates at the center of a fast-growing organization, guiding strategy while building a legal function from the ground up.

Stephanie Tanzi Barry | AKAM | General Counsel

AKAM, a property management firm with a rapidly expanding footprint across New York, Florida, and beyond, has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. Founded more than four decades ago, the company has combined its long-standing industry presence with a modern growth strategy fueled by acquisitions, technology integration, and private equity investment. Since 2023, its portfolio has expanded from roughly 400 properties to approximately 1,000, reflecting both organic growth and targeted acquisitions.

Barry joined the organization during this period of acceleration, stepping into a role that did not previously exist.

“I came in as the first in-house lawyer, and it was a tall order from day one,” Barry says.

As general counsel, she is responsible for employment issues, vendor contracts, corporate governance, acquisitions, and strategic initiatives. Operating as a department of one, she also manages outside counsel while serving as a key advisor to the executive leadership team. Her work requires constant prioritization and the ability to move seamlessly between routine matters and complex transactions.

Despite the pace, she views the environment as energizing. Being embedded within the organization allows her to see how decisions unfold over time, a contrast to private practice, where matters often end once a dispute is resolved.

The shift from litigator to corporate advisor

Before moving in-house, Barry spent years in litigation, handling commercial matters that required her to quickly develop expertise across a variety of subject areas. The work demanded adaptability and a competitive mindset.

“As a litigator, you’re not an expert in one specialty for a long period of time. You put the hat on, handle the case, and then take it off,” Barry says.

That ability to immerse herself in new issues has proven invaluable at AKAM. However, the transition required a broader perspective. Rather than focusing on isolated problems, she now operates as a business partner, helping guide decisions from inception through execution.

“When you’re an in-house lawyer, you have to be as ingrained with the company and the operations as any of the other executives,” Barry says.

This shift has been one of the most rewarding aspects of her career. Instead of addressing issues after they arise, she is involved in shaping strategy, identifying risks early, and helping the business move forward with confidence.

Building a legal function from scratch

One of Barry’s most significant challenges has been establishing a legal infrastructure within a company that previously operated without one. Upon joining AKAM, she had to create systems, processes, and templates to support both daily operations and long-term growth.

“One of my challenges when coming in was getting the word out within the organization that I’m here as a resource and how I can help,” Barry says.

That effort required a thoughtful approach. Barry has worked to position herself as a partner who helps teams navigate complexity rather than avoid it, ensuring that legal is seen as a function that enables progress rather than impedes it.

She has played a central role in shaping how the company approaches risk and opportunity, including involvement in acquisitions such as Metro Management and Orsid Management, as well as expansion into new markets. At the same time, she continues to focus on scalability, planning for department growth, and implementing legal technology to improve efficiency and consistency across the organization.

A company balancing scale & personalization

AKAM’s approach to property management centers on balancing operational scale with individualized service. While the company has the resources of a large organization, it tailors solutions to each property’s needs.

“Each property has its own needs, and we work to make sure we’re providing the right level of service without losing that personal touch,” Barry says.

Technology plays a critical role in achieving that balance. By integrating digital tools into a traditionally manual industry, AKAM aims to improve efficiency while preserving the human elements that matter most. Strategic vendor partnerships have also helped introduce new services, reinforcing the company’s competitive position and long-term value proposition.

Barry’s position on the executive leadership team allows her to contribute directly to these conversations, aligning legal strategy with business objectives and helping guide the company’s long-term direction in a measured and sustainable way.

A traditional, yet unique path

Barry’s journey into law began early. From a young age, she envisioned attending law school, an ambition that became more defined at Fairleigh Dickinson University, where she studied psychology. Her academic interests gravitated toward analytical coursework, reinforcing her inclination toward law.

A pre-law class confirmed her decision, leading her to Washington and Lee University School of Law.

Outside the classroom, Barry was a Division I soccer player, an experience that instilled discipline and competitive drive. She later recognized the parallels between athletics and litigation, particularly in the strategic thinking and resilience required to succeed.

Early in law school, she considered family and healthcare law, influenced by her family’s background in healthcare. However, her career took an unexpected turn toward litigation, where she spent nearly a decade honing her skills and developing a reputation for thoughtful, strategic problem-solving.

Over time, she developed a passion for crafting arguments and navigating complex disputes. Even as she built her practice, the idea of moving in-house remained, prompting her to gradually shift her focus toward real estate-related matters in anticipation of that transition.

That opportunity came in 2023, when she joined AKAM as senior corporate counsel before becoming general counsel in 2025.

“It was the perfect synergy, and joining AKAM was the smoothest transition in-house I could’ve made,” Barry says.

Today, she is focused on what comes next. As AKAM continues to expand, she is committed to building a legal function that can grow alongside it, supporting the company’s evolving needs while maintaining a pragmatic, business-oriented approach.

Outside of work, Barry prioritizes health and wellness, staying active and spending time with her husband and two children on Long Island. Her story reflects a willingness to evolve and a clear understanding of where she can add the most value, positioning her to help guide AKAM through its next phase of growth with both confidence and perspective, while continuing to adapt alongside the organization she helps lead.