Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Laura Buckley is an experienced Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) professional with a strong background in the banking and financial services industry. She currently serves as the Director of Governance, Risk and Compliance at Cadence Bank, where she oversees the organization's risk management strategies and regulatory compliance initiatives.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Director of Governance, Risk and Compliance at Cadence Bank, Laura is responsible for developing and implementing robust risk management frameworks, ensuring the organization's adherence to regulatory requirements, and driving strategic initiatives to enhance the bank's overall risk posture. She collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to identify, assess, and mitigate a wide range of risks, including operational, technology, and compliance-related concerns.
Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Laura held several key positions within Cadence Bank, including Operations and Technology Risk and Compliance Director, and Technology Risk and Compliance Director, SVP. In these roles, she successfully led the implementation of advanced risk management systems, streamlined compliance processes, and provided strategic guidance to senior leadership on technology-related risk mitigation.
Before joining Cadence Bank, Laura served as the Chief Technology Officer at Peoples Community Bank of the West Coast, where she spearheaded the organization's digital transformation initiatives and oversaw the integration of cutting-edge technologies. She also has experience as a Network Engineer and IT Manager, further strengthening her technical expertise and operational understanding.
Academic Background
Laura holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of Florida, where she graduated with honors. Her strong academic foundation has been instrumental in her ability to bridge the gap between technology, risk management, and compliance in the banking industry.
Areas of Expertise
- Governance, risk, and compliance management
- Operational and technology risk assessment and mitigation
- Regulatory compliance and reporting
- Strategic planning and project management
- Cybersecurity and data privacy
- Financial services industry knowledge
Professional Impact
Throughout her career, Laura has demonstrated a consistent track record of driving positive change within the organizations she has served. Her leadership in the implementation of advanced risk management systems and compliance frameworks has resulted in improved risk postures, enhanced operational efficiencies, and stronger regulatory adherence.
Conclusion
With her extensive experience in the banking and financial services industry, coupled with her expertise in GRC, Laura Buckley is a valuable asset to Cadence Bank. Her strategic vision, technical acumen, and collaborative approach make her well-positioned to continue contributing to the organization's success and driving sustainable growth in the future.