Valerie Towery is an accomplished financial services compliance executive with extensive experience in regulatory compliance, risk management, and operational efficiency. As Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer at Visa Global Services Inc., Valerie oversees AML/BSA compliance and manages teams across the U.S. and the UK, driving initiatives to enhance compliance frameworks and mitigate financial crime risks. Her expertise spans a range of financial sectors, having held leadership roles at Worldpay, SquareTwo Financial, and Western Union, where she developed and implemented robust compliance programs, navigated complex regulatory landscapes, and optimized compliance operations. A U.S. Army Reserve veteran and fluent Russian speaker, Valerie’s global cultural awareness, strategic insight, and commitment to ethical standards continue to make a significant impact in the financial services industry.

Thomas Tutaj, MBA, CHC, CHPC, is a seasoned compliance and business operations leader with over 30 years of experience in healthcare, insurance, and financial management. Known for his integrity and commitment to fostering ethical practices, Thomas has a proven track record of designing and implementing effective compliance programs across Medicare, Medicaid, and managed care environments. His strategic vision, combined with deep regulatory expertise, enables him to align compliance initiatives with organizational goals, ensuring both operational excellence and regulatory adherence. A skilled communicator and relationship builder, Thomas leverages his leadership to drive business success while maintaining the highest standards of accountability and transparency.

Jeffrey Miller is a seasoned expert in governance, risk management, and compliance with over two decades of experience leading corporate compliance initiatives in the healthcare and life sciences industries. Currently serving as Director-in-Charge at Granite Governance, Risk and Compliance, LLC, Jeffrey has built a reputation for integrity and strategic leadership. His career spans senior roles at notable organizations including Saxton & Stump, LLC, Asterion Consulting, and Biomet 3i, where he oversaw complex compliance programs and corporate integrity agreements. Jeffrey’s deep knowledge of healthcare law and regulatory compliance is complemented by his ability to craft innovative solutions to navigate evolving legal landscapes. In addition to his executive roles, he contributes to the field as an adjunct professor at Villanova University and through publications on compliance and cybersecurity, reinforcing his position as a thought leader in the industry.

I’m excited to share my professional biography with you all. With over 36 years in global legal, compliance, and business operations, I’ve had the privilege of working extensively in private equity, hedge funds, and fund formation. My career has been dedicated to creating and expanding legal teams and compliance programs, advising on investment transactions, and ensuring effective governance. I take pride in balancing commercial and legal considerations while also focusing on mentoring and elevating team members. My strategic insights and communication skills have been integral in driving organizational success and fostering a collaborative environment. I invite you to read more about my journey and the work I’ve done in the industry.

Whether you’re a start-up or an international conglomerate, a robust Governance Risk and Compliance (GRC) program is essential to protect against financial, regulatory, and reputational risks. As the landscape evolves with advanced technologies and regulatory changes, organizations must adopt a proactive and collaborative approach. Effective GRC programs address key questions regarding internal responsibilities, expert involvement, and strategies for mitigating threats. Managing vendor relations, consolidating systems, and aligning to meaningful metrics are crucial. A strong GRC framework requires ongoing revision, adaptation, and commitment from senior leadership to ensure resilience and effectiveness across the enterprise.