Marco Valadez

Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC)
Third-Party Risk Program Manager

Senior risk and compliance leader with 9+ years of experience across Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC), Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM), IT application controls, and enterprise risk programs within financial services, payments, and technology environments. Proven ability to design and operationalize scalable risk frameworks, translate regulatory and legal requirements into executable controls, and lead complex, cross-functional initiatives spanning Security, Engineering, Privacy, Legal, Audit, and Procurement.

Currently located in the Greater Los Angeles Area, CA.

Experience

Feb 2026 – Apr 2026

Third-Party Resilience Program Manager (Client: Microsoft)

Led the design and execution of Microsoft’s CO+I Third-Party Resilience Program, focused on mitigating supplier-driven risks impacting global datacenter construction and delivery.

Apr 2025 – Nov 2025

Senior Program Manager, Risk Review & TPRM (Contract)

Led enterprise-wide vendor and security governance operations, coordinating intake, triage, tracking, and communication of third-party and internal security review requests across multiple business units and newly acquired organizations.

Jun 2023 – Apr 2025

Risk Program Manager, Data & Analytics

Led large-scale governance and compliance operations requiring high-volume request coordination, tracking, and cross-team communication in a regulated environment.

Jan 2019 – Nov 2022

Senior Risk Consultant, Third-Party Risk Advisory

Advised Fortune 500 clients on third-party risk operations, vendor assessments, and audit-related security workflows.

Feb 2016 – Nov 2018

Third-Party Risk Management Analyst

Supported a high-volume vendor security program with a strong operational focus.

Results

30%

Reduced potential risk by 30% at Uber through mitigation strategies and structured assessments.

$1M

Uncovered $1M in FEMA reimbursements and increased efficiencies by 30% for MultiCare Health Systems after conducting comprehensive data analysis.

97%

Achieved 97% compliance and 40% risk reduction and identified 78% over-retention of data after initiating the new three-part risk management Data Retention and Destruction Program.

Expertise

  • Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC)
  • Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM)
  • IT Application Controls (ITAC)
  • Information Technology General Controls (ITGC)
  • Risk Assessments & Control Design
  • Control Testing (DE/OE)
  • Audit Readiness
  • Regulatory Exams
  • Program & Project Management
  • Cross-Functional Leadership
  • Data Governance
  • Privacy Controls
  • KRIs & Executive Reporting

Education

(BA) Bachelor of Arts, Economics & American Studies / Ethnicity

Meet Marco

Q & A

Why did you choose your profession?

I chose risk management because it makes sense to me. I have an inquisitive mind, and risk management allows me to explore a variety of possibilities to protect people and their information. I have a passion for advocacy, and risk management provides a professional outlet to the vulnerable.

Who are your main influences?

Tom Edzel, mentor
Dale Carnegie
Jim Rohn
Deepak Chopra
Napoleon Hill
John C. Maxwell
Jose Valadez, my Dad

What is your greatest accomplishment?

As a first-generation college student who grew up in poverty, I never thought I would make it to college. In fact, I barely graduated high school.

It wasn’t until I turned 27 that I knew I wanted a better life for myself and my family. Because of this I enrolled in community college and started with remedial math and remedial English. I worked my way up to advanced calculus and advanced English. It was here when I applied to USC and was awarded a full-ride scholarship for academics and an extraordinary circumstance.

At USC, I surpassed my expectations and goals. I graduated with two degrees: one in economics, the other in American Studies and Ethnicity, and a minor in entrepreneurship.

I also graduated with honors and wrote an honors thesis. At my graduation, my family was there to celebrate. Without my knowledge, I was awarded several prestigious awards for academic excellence, community service, and leadership.

When I walked off the stage after receiving my awards, my dad looked at me with tears in his eyes and said, “I love you, son. This is who you are.”

What tools do you use?

GRC tools like Archer, ProcessUnity, and ServiceNow

What are you working on right now?

Certified Risk Management Professional (CRMP)

What are your long-term goals?

Business School, Director of Risk Management, and possibly Chief Risk Officer

Which recent projects are you proud of?

The most recent project I was given was at City National Bank, where I was asked to create a financial project model for 2024-2025.

Do you live by any piece of advice or motto?

“Education is an ornament in prosperity and a refuge in adversity.”
– Aristotle

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about learning, personal development, professional development, and uplifting underserved communities.

What is the one thing you need to know about your co-workers?

I want to know that they are good people. This means being inclusive, thoughtful, and honest.

Do you have a favorite season?

Summer

If you were an action figure, what accessories would you be sold with?

No accessories. My powers would be my mind.

Interests

Volunteering

Biking

Working Out

Testimonials

I have had the pleasure of working closely with Marco Valadez at City National Bank for the past year in the capacity of Data Retention and Destruction, and I can confidently say that he would be a valuable asset to your team. Marco has consistently demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication in his Risk Management role as VP of Risk Program Management. He has been instrumental in Data Retention and Destruction, where he achieved 97% compliance and 40% risk reduction and identified 78% over-retention of data after initiating the new three-part risk management Data Retention and Destruction Program.

Marco possesses a deep understanding of Risk, more specifically Governance, Risk, and Compliance, which has significantly contributed to our organization’s success.

Mickel Rossi, Business Analyst, City National Bank

“Marco was a valuable member of the EY team. While his aptitude for technology, governance, and risk matters is limitless, Marco’s ability to build effective and highly collaborative relationships makes him stand out. Marco has a hunger to learn and a desire to serve. He would be a vital asset for any organization lucky to have him.”

Scott Skinner, Director of Strategy, EY-Parthenon, Strategy & Corporate Finance

“Working with Marco on several joint projects for clients like the YMCA of Monrovia, Green Dot Corporation and the University of Southern California has been an outstanding experience. Marco’s professionalism, thoughtful vision, and spirit of partnership have been pivotal to our successful outcomes. His ability to integrate diverse ideas into cohesive project plans has ensured that our initiatives are not only innovative but also highly effective. Marco’s expertise in project management has consistently delivered results that exceed client expectations. His collaborative spirit and commitment to excellence make him an invaluable partner in any endeavor.”

Rodney T. Marshall, Owner, Marshall Projects & Consulting