Theodore Roknich is a seasoned enterprise risk and audit executive with over 25 years of experience in financial services, specializing in risk management, internal audit, regulatory compliance, and financial controls. With a strong foundation in finance, he has built and led audit and risk management functions at various banking institutions, ensuring compliance, strengthening governance, and mitigating financial and operational risks. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a commitment to improving internal audit methodologies, integrating data analytics, and enhancing regulatory compliance frameworks.
Roknich earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1998, laying the groundwork for his expertise in financial oversight, auditing, and risk management. His career began at Bank One Corporation as a Senior Risk Analyst, where he performed operational audits across retail, investment management, and commercial lending lines of business. He quickly gained experience in corporate governance, business continuity planning, and regulatory compliance, setting the stage for his leadership roles in internal audit and enterprise risk management.
As an Internal Auditor at Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, he conducted comprehensive financial and operational audits, developing system-wide risk assessments and implementing automated workpaper solutions. His move to KPMG LLP as a Senior Associate further strengthened his expertise in Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, IT audit, and risk management across various industries, including financial services, healthcare, and manufacturing.
Roknich continued to advance in leadership roles, serving as Vice President – Internal Audit Manager at MidAmerica Bank, where he managed Sarbanes-Oxley compliance efforts and oversaw the Bank’s branch audit program. His tenure at Xerox Capital Services, LLC as Audit Manager further expanded his experience in operational audits and Sarbanes-Oxley testing, while his leadership at First Chicago Bank & Trust as Vice President – Internal Audit and Risk Management saw him build an internal audit function from the ground up, reducing reliance on external resources and improving efficiency.
For over a decade, Roknich served as Senior Vice President – Audit Services at First Midwest Bancorp, Inc., where he acted as Chief Audit Executive, reporting directly to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. He played a pivotal role in transitioning the audit function from an outsourced model to a hybrid staffing structure, aligning with the bank’s significant asset growth from $7 billion to $24 billion. He also spearheaded the development of risk assessments, audit methodologies, and continuous monitoring programs, while managing key regulatory relationships and implementing a Sarbanes-Oxley compliance framework.
In 2022, Roknich established Spwark Solutions, LLC, an independent consulting firm specializing in internal audit and risk management. As Principal, he has advised financial services organizations on audit methodology enhancements, risk assessments, quality assurance functions, and regulatory compliance strategies. His expertise has been instrumental in assisting firms with restructuring audit departments, integrating data analytics, and optimizing internal controls.
Currently serving as Enterprise Risk Manager at Horizon Bank, Roknich provides independent oversight of the bank’s enterprise risk function, ensuring alignment with risk appetite statements, regulatory expectations, and emerging risk trends. He reports to the Risk Committee of the Board of Directors and oversees various risk management functions, including third-party risk, regulatory compliance, Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, and information security.
Throughout his career, Theodore Roknich has been recognized for his leadership in enterprise risk and audit services, helping financial institutions strengthen their governance frameworks, navigate regulatory landscapes, and implement data-driven risk management strategies. His extensive experience, combined with a commitment to continuous improvement and regulatory excellence, makes him a trusted leader in financial risk management.
Character
Theodore Roknich is a principled and results-driven leader with a strong commitment to integrity, accountability, and ethical decision-making. His extensive career in risk management and audit demonstrates his dedication to strengthening financial governance and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Knowledge
With over 25 years of experience in financial services, Theodore Roknich possesses deep expertise in enterprise risk management, internal audit, regulatory compliance, and financial controls. His background in Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, data analytics, and governance frameworks has made him a trusted advisor to executive leadership and board committees.
Strategic
Theodore Roknich has a proven ability to develop and implement risk management strategies that align with organizational objectives and regulatory expectations. His leadership in transitioning audit functions, integrating technology-driven risk assessments, and optimizing internal control frameworks has enhanced the operational resilience of multiple financial institutions.
Communication
A skilled communicator, Theodore Roknich effectively collaborates with executive teams, board committees, and regulatory authorities to provide clear and actionable insights on risk management and compliance. His ability to translate complex financial and regulatory concepts into strategic recommendations has been instrumental in driving informed decision-making at the highest levels.
