I am excited to share my professional biography, highlighting over 30 years of experience in environmental leadership, operations, and strategic growth. From managing complex remediation projects to leading organizational transformations, my mission has always been to deliver sustainable solutions and drive innovation.

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.

In the intricate world of fund management, compliance serves as the cornerstone of trust and accountability, extending far beyond the basic adherence to regulations. It demands a proactive approach that integrates rigorous auditing, accurate financial reporting, and a robust control environment. By fostering a culture of integrity and continuous improvement, fund managers can navigate evolving regulatory landscapes with confidence, ensuring both organizational resilience and stakeholder trust. From leveraging technology for seamless audits to aligning team goals with compliance objectives, a comprehensive compliance strategy not only mitigates risks but also drives sustainable success and ethical leadership in the industry.

The modern nicotine market has undergone a profound transformation, driven by evolving consumer preferences and the demand for less harmful alternatives to traditional tobacco products. As the founder and former President of Dryft Sciences, and now as a consultant with Chemular, I’ve had a front-row seat to this evolution. At Dryft, we pioneered one of the first nicotine pouch brands in the U.S., leveraging innovative flavors, cutting-edge manufacturing, and strategic regulatory compliance to build a product that resonated with consumers seeking a discreet, smoke-free experience. Today, the nicotine pouch market is valued at over $1.7 billion annually, with intense competition and rapid innovation shaping its future. Navigating this fast-growing sector requires not only superior product development but also a robust understanding of regulatory complexities—a challenge I’ve embraced throughout my career, helping brands succeed in this dynamic and transformative landscape.

With over 38 years of experience in clinical research, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare marketing, I’m proud to share my professional biography highlighting my journey and contributions to the healthcare industry. From leading global projects to advocating for causes close to my heart, my career reflects a commitment to excellence and innovation. Here is my biography.

G. Christopher Hall is an innovative and proven leader in the field of cybersecurity, boasting a remarkable 30-year career focused on safeguarding organizations’ critical...

In an increasingly interconnected world, strategic HR leadership has become indispensable for organizations navigating cultural diversity, rapid change, and complex regulatory landscapes. By aligning HR strategies with business objectives, HR leaders ensure that talent management initiatives drive growth and operational success. Key priorities include acquiring and developing top talent, fostering diversity and inclusion, ensuring compliance with global regulations, and enhancing employee engagement. Leveraging technology and data analytics further enables HR leaders to make informed decisions and streamline processes. Through these efforts, strategic HR leadership not only supports organizational goals but also builds a resilient workforce poised to thrive in the dynamic global marketplace.

Margaret Morton exemplifies a leadership style rooted in solution-oriented thinking and resourcefulness, making her a trusted figure in the field of cybersecurity. With a proven track record of successfully managing complex security programs across global organizations, she brings an unwavering commitment to mitigating risk while ensuring regulatory compliance. Her deep knowledge of industry standards, paired with her expertise in program and change management, enables her to navigate the dynamic cybersecurity landscape with precision. Whether managing cross-functional teams or spearheading enterprise-wide initiatives, Margaret consistently delivers outcomes that align with both business objectives and security goals. Her strategic vision is complemented by her exceptional communication skills, allowing her to effectively engage with stakeholders at all levels of the organization. From preparing executive briefings to influencing policy development, Margaret excels in translating complex cybersecurity challenges into actionable insights, fostering collaboration and driving consensus. As a result, she is not only recognized for her technical expertise but also for her ability to lead with influence and create lasting impact across the organizations she serves.

AI: Transforming Challenges into Opportunities for U.S. Banks The U.S. banking sector faces mounting pressures: escalating fraud, rising customer expectations, inefficiencies, and stricter regulations. But there’s a game-changer—Artificial Intelligence (AI). By harnessing AI’s ability to analyze data, detect patterns, and automate workflows, banks can turn obstacles into competitive strengths. 🔒 Fraud Prevention: AI detects anomalies in real-time, adapting to evolving threats and safeguarding customer trust. 🤝 Customer Experience: AI-powered tools offer personalized, 24/7 service, enhancing satisfaction and loyalty. 💳 Credit Risk Assessment: Smarter, data-driven lending decisions reduce defaults and expand financial inclusion. ✔️ Regulatory Compliance: Real-time monitoring transforms compliance from a burden into a strategic advantage. ⚙️ Operational Efficiencies: AI-driven automation cuts costs and accelerates processes like loan approvals. For banking leaders, adopting AI isn’t just about survival—it’s about thriving in an industry poised for transformation. Those who act now will lead tomorrow’s financial landscape.

In Mastering Financial Leadership in the Modern Age, Rick DeVincenzo exemplifies the transformative power of strategic financial leadership in navigating today’s complex business landscape. His remarkable ability to transition seamlessly across private, public, and startup environments highlights a rare combination of adaptability and expertise. By building high-performing teams, driving operational excellence, ensuring financial integrity, and mastering the unique dynamics of startups and diverse sectors, Rick has demonstrated that finance leaders can be catalysts for innovation and growth. His story offers invaluable insights for anyone seeking to align financial strategies with organizational success while fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and sustainability.

As a legal executive and former SEC regulator with over three decades in global financial services, I’m excited to share my experience and insights in corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and strategic advisory. My journey reflects a commitment to empowering organizations and supporting industry advancements. Here is my biography.

Steve McCann is a seasoned executive with over 45 years of experience in accounting, business transition, and strategic planning. Throughout his career at RSM US LLP, Steve demonstrated an unwavering commitment to helping family-owned and closely held businesses navigate complex transitions, particularly as owners approached retirement. With expertise in financial statement auditing, regulatory compliance, mergers and acquisitions, and tax planning, Steve has consistently provided clients with thoughtful, tailored solutions that align their personal and business objectives. His deep knowledge of US GAAP, financial analysis, and business strategy, combined with his strong leadership skills, allows him to deliver results and offer invaluable guidance to organizations facing critical business decisions.

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.

Meredith Jackson is an innovative and resourceful executive with a distinguished career leading corporate transactions, growth initiatives, and governance.   Meredith has a proven...

I'm excited to share my professional journey, reflecting over 40 years of leadership in financial services and operational excellence. My career has been driven by a passion for empowering teams, innovating processes, and delivering customer-focused results. Here is my biography.

In a dynamic business environment, accurate and compliant financial reporting is crucial for transparency, investor trust, and sound decision-making. Outdated and complex processes, however, can jeopardize these goals, leading to errors and regulatory risks. By adopting robust financial systems, standardizing procedures, investing in team training, leveraging advanced technologies like AI, and conducting regular audits, organizations can streamline their financial reporting processes. These measures not only enhance efficiency and accuracy but also ensure consistent compliance with evolving regulatory standards, empowering executives to confidently navigate today’s financial landscape.