Elisa D. Garcia

Educational Background

Elisa D. Garcia has built an impressive career as a C-Suite Executive and Chief Legal Officer, influencing major corporations and contributing to significant business strategies. Her educational journey began at Plainview-Old Bethpage High School, where she graduated in 1975. Elisa then attended Stony Brook University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government and later a Master’s Degree in International Policy Analysis and Planning.

Following her stint at Stony Brook, Elisa pursued legal studies at St. John’s University School of Law, where she obtained her Juris Doctor degree. Her education provided a strong foundation for her extensive career in corporate law and governance.

Professional Journey

Elisa began her professional journey as Counsel for GAF in 1990, eventually moving to Philip Morris International in 1994, where she served as Regional Counsel for Latin America. Here, she managed legal affairs for the company’s food, beer, and tobacco businesses in the region.

In 2000, she took on the role of Executive Vice President and General Counsel at Domino’s, becoming the company’s first General Counsel. During her tenure, she led the Legal and Franchise Services teams and supervised Domino's initial public offering.

Elisa's next move was to Office Depot, where she served as Chief Legal Officer from 2007 to 2016. In this capacity, she oversaw legal, compliance, risk, and internal audit functions, and played a strategic role in the merger with OfficeMax, achieving significant cost synergies and integration goals.

Her experience further expanded at Macy’s Inc., where she was the Chief Legal Officer from 2016 to 2023. At Macy's, she focused on board administration and general corporate counsel, enabling the company to navigate complex legal and retail challenges.

Directorships and Associations

Concurrently, Elisa has also held several key directorships. She has been a Director at the Institute for Inclusion in the Legal Profession since 2013, where she has advocated for greater diversity within the legal profession. She's been on Dollarama's board since 2015, contributing to its growth across Canada and Latin America.

Elisa’s influence extends to associations such as the American Arbitration Association and the Association of Corporate Counsel, where she served as a director for several years, along with her involvement with the Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce.

Skills and Personal Interests

Her professional journey is further marked by numerous skills and expertise in board administration, business strategy, corporate governance, and mergers and acquisitions. Alongside English, she is fluent in Spanish, enhancing her ability to manage international legal affairs effectively.

Outside of her demanding career, Elisa is passionate about animal welfare and environmental conservation, especially in protecting oceans and coasts. Her dedication to both her professional field and personal interests underscores the breadth and depth of her contributions to the corporate world and beyond.