Kevin Martin: Strategic Account Executive & Technical Sales Leader Driving Scalable Growth in Cloud-Native Ecosystems

John Blocher is an accomplished actuarial and risk management executive with a proven track record of driving financial stability, regulatory compliance, and strategic innovation within the insurance industry. As Chief Risk Officer, Vice President, and Actuary at Liberty Bankers Insurance Group, he oversees enterprise risk management, capital strategies, and product optimization, leveraging his extensive expertise in actuarial science and financial analytics. With a career spanning leadership roles at major financial institutions, John has played a pivotal role in risk-based capital calculations, reinsurance strategies, and financial reporting, ensuring operational resilience and long-term growth. His active contributions to industry committees, including the American Academy of Actuaries and the Society of Actuaries, underscore his commitment to shaping industry best practices and mentoring future actuarial professionals. Through his executive leadership, technical proficiency, and strategic foresight, John continues to make a significant impact on the evolving landscape of insurance and financial risk management.

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. Throughout his career, he has built and led audit and risk management functions, ensuring compliance, strengthening governance, and mitigating financial and operational risks. As a trusted advisor to executive leadership and board committees, he has successfully developed risk management strategies, integrated data analytics into audit processes, and enhanced regulatory compliance frameworks. Currently serving as Enterprise Risk Manager at Horizon Bank, he continues to provide strategic oversight, aligning risk management with business objectives and regulatory expectations. His leadership and expertise have played a critical role in improving financial oversight, operational resilience, and governance within the institutions he has served.

Julie Peck is a seasoned executive with extensive expertise in financial, IT, and operational audit, as well as cybersecurity and enterprise risk management. With a distinguished career spanning Fortune 500 companies, a "Big 4" accounting firm, and global manufacturing and financial services organizations, she has consistently been selected to lead critical initiatives and drive transformation. Known for her strategic vision, collaborative leadership, and ability to build high-performing teams, Julie has played a pivotal role in strengthening internal controls, enhancing cybersecurity frameworks, and optimizing risk management programs. Her career includes leadership roles at Nouryon, Gardner Denver (now Ingersoll Rand), Johnson Controls, Fiserv, Deloitte & Touche, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Julie holds an MBA from the University of Notre Dame, a BBA from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, and multiple professional certifications, including CPA, CISA, and CISSP.

I’m excited to share my professional biography, highlighting over two decades of experience in legal leadership, corporate governance, and compliance. My journey reflects a passion for ethical practices, strategic innovation, and empowering individuals and organizations to succeed.

James Clark is an accomplished actuary and business leader with over 30 years of experience driving excellence in risk management, actuarial science, and underwriting. Known for his innovative problem-solving and team-focused leadership, James has a proven track record of transforming insurance operations into profitable and dynamic enterprises. His expertise spans product development, enterprise risk management, compliance, and strategic planning, complemented by his passion for empowering teams and fostering individual growth. With a unique blend of technical knowledge, strategic vision, and exceptional communication skills, James continues to shape the future of the insurance industry while delivering meaningful value to organizations and customers alike.

With over 40 years of global experience in financial strategy, enterprise risk management, and SME development, I’ve dedicated my career to driving sustainable growth and innovation in over 60 countries. From guiding strategic transformations to pioneering housing and agribusiness finance, I’m passionate about creating impactful solutions. Here is my biography.

I'm excited to share my journey in the life sciences sector! With over 39 years of experience leading risk management strategies for FDA-regulated companies, I’ve had the opportunity to help businesses navigate complex risks and regulatory challenges across industries like medical devices, biotech, pharmaceuticals, and clinical trials. At Hylant, I lead a team dedicated to building tailored risk management frameworks that allow our clients to focus on innovation while we manage the evolving market complexities. Integrity, perseverance, and paying it forward are values that have guided me throughout my career, and I’m passionate about supporting businesses as they grow and succeed in a distracted world. Let’s connect and explore how we can collaborate to protect and grow your business!

Nichole T. Thompson is a seasoned compliance executive with over 15 years of professional experience in internal audit, compliance, and enterprise risk management. Her...

I’m thrilled to share my professional journey with you all! With over 35 years of experience in banking and finance, I’ve had the privilege of pioneering risk management practices and developing frameworks for leading financial institutions. As Chief Executive of RiskBusiness and publisher of The Risk Universe, I’ve been dedicated to advancing operational excellence and global risk management education. My work spans international markets and diverse sectors, reflecting my commitment to enhancing risk management practices worldwide. I’m excited to continue contributing to this field and sharing my insights with you all!

Lois Gardiner, a distinguished Senior Finance Executive, brings over three decades of experience in risk management and insurance across industries such as oil and gas, renewables, and transportation. With a proven track record of leading complex projects and integrating risk management into strategic planning, Lois is known for her ability to deliver results and build strong relationships with stakeholders at the highest levels. Her expertise, combined with her passion for developing talent, makes her a standout leader in the financial and risk management sectors.

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.