Attorneys

Mark Licata, 55, began his career as an attorney with Reynolds, Allen & Cook in Houston in 1976 after graduating fro the University of Texas Law School.  Reynolds, Allen & Cook was a mid-sized law firm in Houston, Texas (50+ lawyers) with a varied civil practice.  Mr. Licata became a partner in 1980 and was placed in charge of the firm's corporate practice upon the death of one of the firm's founders in 1982.  While at Reynolds, Allen & Cook, Mr. Licata had a varied transactional practice, focusing on major capital transactions such as mergers, acquisitions, public and private offerings, as well as general corporate representation.

In 1985, one of Mr. Licata's clients, McFaddin Ventures, Inc., filed to become a public company.  Prior to this IPO, its wholly owned subsidiary, Vista Host, Inc., was spun out and Mr. Licata was asked to become the company's President and Chief Operating Officer.  Vista Host was a privately held company in the hotel development and management business with over 30 properties in 16 states.  While with Vista Host, Mr. Licata was responsible for all development and administrative functions and participated in the development and construction of 11 hotels, including the $30 million Kansas City Marriott Hotel.

In 1987, Mr. Licata, while serving as a member of the Board of Directors of McFaddin Ventures, was asked to join the management team as President and Chief Operating Officer.  McFaddin Ventures was a publicly held company that operated 52 entertainment clubs in the United States .  While at McFaddin Ventures, Mr. Licata was responsible for the company's restructuring efforts, including the reduction of corporate overhead, sale of unprofitable operations and restructuring of the company's senior and subordinated debt.

In 1989, Mr. Licata joined Looper, Reed & McGraw, in an of counsel position.  Again, Mr. Licata's practice focused on major capital transactions and financings.  Mr. Licata remained of counsel with Looper, Reed & McGraw until 1995.

In 1991, Mr. Licata joined Mr. Tallerine in the acquisition of Goldking Oil & Gas Corp., a diversified oil and gas company.  In 1995, Mr. Licata left Looper, Reed & McGraw to join Mr. Tallerine at Goldking Oil & Gas, where he served as President and Chief Operating Officer.  In addition, Mr. Licata served as President and CEO of  Goldking Realty Corp., a subsidiary of Goldking Oil and Gas Corp.  Goldking Oil and Gas Corp. was sold to Panaco, Inc. in 1997 in a $43.8 million transaction.  Subsequent to the acquisition by Panaco, Mr. Licata served as Vice President, General Counsel and Director of Panaco until 1998.

In 1999, Mr. Licata returned to Looper, Reed & McGraw in an of counsel capacity where he continued the practice of law until he moved from Houston in June of 2003.  From 2003 until 2006, Mr. Licata served as President and General Counsel of Goldking Realty Corp.

In 2006, Mr. Licata joined Berg Hill Greenleaf & Ruscitti to return to the practice of law and is focusing on corporate and transactional matters.

Mr. Licata graduated from the University of Texas in 1972 with a BBA in accounting (with Highest Honors), and from the University of Texas Law School in 1976 (with Honors).  Mr. Licata is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of the State Bar of Texas.