April Khoury is a seasoned professional in Risk Management and Compliance, with over 22 years of experience across a variety of industries. As the Director of Risk Management and Compliance at Belmont University, she has led innovative risk mitigation strategies and crafted business continuity plans that ensure operational resilience for a campus of 11,000 people. April’s extensive knowledge of emergency preparedness and compliance frameworks has positioned her as a trusted leader in both strategic foresight and operational excellence.
Throughout her career, April has spearheaded initiatives that have fundamentally enhanced the university’s preparedness for emergencies and compliance risks. She is responsible for creating and maintaining a comprehensive emergency management plan that covers 15 key departments, 13 potential hazards, and vital vendor partnerships. April’s vision includes the successful implementation of the Building Coordinator Program, improving communication and coordination across 65 campus buildings. Her proactive approach to emergency preparedness ensures the university can respond effectively to potential disruptions.
A Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP), April excels at crafting continuity plans and directing emergency operations strategies, ensuring that the university can maintain operations even during major disruptions. She has led the development of business continuity plans across 73 university departments and facilitated training for over 300 staff and faculty members, fostering a culture of resilience. This hands-on leadership style and deep expertise in business continuity planning have earned her a reputation for strong client retention and operational stability.
Before joining Belmont University, April served as the Director of Client Relations & Continuity Planner at Bold Planning Solutions, where she maintained a 95% client retention rate. There, she responded to inquiries about continuity planning and emergency operations plans, demonstrating web-based planning tools to prospects and managing technical support requests for over 3,000 organizations nationwide. Her ability to maintain long-term partnerships and client satisfaction further reflects her commitment to operational excellence and client engagement.
April’s career began at Alliance Communications, where she managed client relationships and provided strategic support during corporate transitions. Her deep knowledge of contract negotiation and vendor management enabled her to guide corporations through acquisitions and new location growth seamlessly. These early experiences helped shape her ability to manage complex projects while fostering strong partnerships.
In addition to her work at Belmont University, April’s leadership extends to her role as a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Trainer, certified by FEMA, where she provides training on emergency procedures and preparedness for local communities. She also holds a Leading Change Certificate from Belmont University, reflecting her continuous pursuit of professional development and her ability to drive change in dynamic environments.
April’s educational background includes an MBA from Belmont University and a Graduate Certificate in Community Preparedness and Disaster Management from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her commitment to lifelong learning has empowered her to remain at the forefront of risk management, consistently applying cutting-edge practices in risk assessment, insurance management, and business continuity.
With a career dedicated to fostering security, resilience, and strategic foresight, April Khoury is a leader who not only protects institutions from risk but also positions them to thrive in an ever-changing world. Her proactive approach, coupled with her ability to navigate complex risk environments, makes her a trusted advisor and indispensable leader in the field of risk management and compliance.
Character:
April is a dedicated and proactive leader, known for her integrity and commitment to fostering a culture of resilience in her organization. Her focus on preparedness and client service showcases her unwavering dedication to safeguarding both people and operations.
Knowledge:
April’s extensive experience in risk management, compliance, and business continuity, combined with her educational background, make her an expert in navigating institutional risk and developing comprehensive emergency strategies.
Strategic:
April’s ability to develop long-term risk mitigation strategies and implement business continuity plans ensures that organizations can navigate disruptions effectively, minimizing operational downtime and fostering a resilient organizational structure.
Communication:
April is an effective communicator, both in leading teams and facilitating training sessions. She fosters strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring that her strategies are understood, embraced, and executed across the board.
