Merie Sullivan-Tierney
Rutherford,NJ
Summary
Accomplished Vice President with solid experience in leadership roles. Skilled in strategic planning, execution, problem-solving, and communication with good understanding of risk principles, project management and team leadership. Offers strategic planning abilities, background in change management and forward-thinking mindset. Results-oriented, well-versed in interfacing and consulting on risk management and business processes to drive results based on sound overall business judgment. Collaborative with relentless work ethic. Ready for challenges and focused on meeting future demands.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
VP, Operational Risk and Process Excellence
Mastercard International
02.2019 - Current
- Designed a standardized and scalable enterprise Operational Risk Management Framework and Risk and Control Self-Assessment to enable a consistent approach to documenting risks and controls.
- Built Operational Risk Management Playbook that provides detailed operational and practical direction, guidelines, tools, and high-level training (Degreed) on operational risk.
- Designed, aligned and standardized an enterprise issue management framework and process.
- Spearheaded multiple cross-functional risk harmonization initiatives to align risk management processes, terminology and technology across functional boundaries to maximize operating effectiveness and efficiencies.
- Designed OpenPages to support and align with the enterprise issue management framework, Risk and Control Self-Assessment and harmonization efforts.
- Maintained the Operational Risk Management policy, aligned with Enterprise Risk Management, which defines the principles, statements of intent and roles & responsibilities to support the organization's goals, objectives, and expected behaviors.
- Collaborated with senior management to develop an Operational Risk Management strategy proposal; which defines vision, mission, goals and implementation plan.
- Led the consolidation of key risk/issue data elements, from various sources, into a common data repository and developed program level reporting with flexibility to view data through various lenses (i.e. process, control, product, etc.)
- Directed GRC improvements to reduce inconsistencies, drive automation, improve process flows, eliminate waste and improve user experience.
- Centralized OpenPages business priorities and success criteria to enable the development of the future state GRC transformation plans and strategy.
- Analyzed industry trends and regulatory requirements to inform operational risk program design.
- Led a team of Six Sigma Master Black Belts to cultivate a culture of innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement through an enterprise competency based training and certification program.
- Monitored industry trends, keeping current on latest changes and competition in industry.
- Worked on prioritized manual controls that can be automated to reduce risks.
- Executive Risk Committee Appointed Corporate Policy Director
- Participated in the Guest Auditor Program
Director, Third Party Risk Management
Mastercard International
12.2012 - 02.2019
- Optimized and advanced the design and implementation of Third Party Risk Management framework; which includes third party on-boarding, assessments, risk treatment, control validation and on-going monitoring.
- Developed, managed and executed a comprehensive third party risk management governance & oversight program that meets regional, functional, and regulatory/customer requirements in alignment to best-in-class practices to drive efficient and effective business results.
- Successful engagement with Regulators and Customers to demonstrate Third Party governance and oversight practices.
- Implemented newly formed organization, operating model and GRC platform.
- Led complex initiatives and issues, with focus on risk management, and significantly improved existing methods, practices and techniques.
- Set vision for driving process standardization and best practices through change management initiatives and performance metrics.
- Implemented cross-functional initiatives to deliver on risk goals, policies and procedures.
- Established and maintained partnerships with multiple policy/process stakeholders and subject matter experts to accomplish business objectives.
- Partnered with three lines of defense to develop, manage and document best practices for risk processes.
- Manage team of 12, conduct goal setting and performance appraisal processes, provide coaching as organizational resource.
- Internal control management and testing
- Spearheaded innovative approaches to resource allocation and strategic planning.
- Leveraged professional networks and industry knowledge to strengthen the program and customer relationships.
- Reported issues to Sr. management with great detail.
- Worked closely with organizational executive leadership to guide operational strategy.
Manager, Sourcing & Supplier Management
Mastercard International
02.2011 - 12.2012
- Designed and implemented the Third Party Lifecycle Management framework and technology; which included prioritization methodology, intake process, supplier profiles, risk assessment & scorecards, performance management, ongoing monitoring practices and termination.
- Implemented a supplier performance management program; which includes 360 scorecards & reporting.
- Supported business units through delivery of risk tools, risk awareness training platform and treatment options.
- Managed risk strategy, risk management operations and supplier relations to reduce costs and risks while improving value and supplier performance
- Assisted sourcing operations by providing risk insights, risk trends and risk requirements by service type.
- Managed risk management process by analyzing risk trends, defining requirements, developing strategy, authoring assessments and negotiating contracts.
- Managed team of 5, conducted goal setting and performance appraisal, mentored and coached internal and external team members .
Sr. Analyst, Data Management-Supplier Maintenance
Mastercard International
02.2006 - 02.2011
- Improved supplier data through standardization, system implementation and data management.
- Recommended and implemented data standardization and usage.
- Led the Supplier Maintenance implementation of iSupplier; designed an automated intake form & webpage, created desktop procedures, managed project documentation and led UAT sessions.
- Coordinated with systems partners to finalize designs and confirm requirements to support supplier profile standardization; minimize duplication, improve tax reporting and advance risk monitoring activities.
- Maintained supplier database to ensure current and accurate information is listed.
Education
Certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt -
Six Sigma Institute
Wollerau Switzerland05.2023
Associate of Arts - Business
University Of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ2012
Skills
- Risk Management
- Establishing Company Guidelines
- Advisory/Consultation
- Team Leadership
- Relationship Building
- Strong Communication Skills
- Executive Presence
- Business Storytelling
- Influence and Drive Change
- Critical Thinking
- Strategic Planning & Project Management
- Certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt
Honors & Awards
2022 CFO Award (Control Management)
2015 Finalist for Future Leader Award (Procurement Leaders)
2014 Finalist for Risk & Resilience Award (Procurement Leaders)
Timeline
VP, Operational Risk and Process Excellence
Mastercard International
02.2019 - Current
Director, Third Party Risk Management
Mastercard International
12.2012 - 02.2019
Manager, Sourcing & Supplier Management
Mastercard International
02.2011 - 12.2012
Sr. Analyst, Data Management-Supplier Maintenance
Mastercard International
02.2006 - 02.2011
Certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt -
Six Sigma Institute
Associate of Arts - Business
University Of Phoenix
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