- What is motivating you to leave your current position?
As an attorney, I always admired the difficult task of guiding companies to pursue aggressive policies in business while in full compliance with the regulations, laws, and standards of ethical conduct. When I came across the opportunity of ‘The Business Integrity Counsel and Regional Business Integrity Officer – North America’ at Mondelēz International, it is a lot more than just motivation that propels me leave the current position. It has been and is my dream job. I am excited by the prospect of helping Legal, Business Integrity, and Global Security (LIS) department achieve its global mandate to mitigate and manage risk, support and enable strategic transactions and business objectives. As part of a global team, I am eager to work with the contacts in the LIS department, as well as the Mondelēz business and senior management teams on all integrity functions of Mondelēz’s business and help increase the business.
- Please summarize your experience in cross border legal and compliance matters
Over the past 10 years, I had an extensive record of accomplishments of counseling on key legal and regulatory issues. I have communicated complex and sensitive information to individuals and groups at various management levels in the U.S. and overseas.
In particular, I provided compliance and legal advice to several clients at American Express and some continue on an ongoing basis. For various American Express facilities in multiple locations in the U.S. and overseas, I am currently the lead compliance and legal advice attorney.
Prior to joining American Express, I was responsible for regulatory matters and litigation with focus on securities and corporate defense, white-collar law and internal investigations at Sullivan & Cromwell LLP. I was intimately involved in a range of significant maters, both domestic and cross-border. I gained valuable experience pertaining to the consumer products industry has confronted in recent years, including investigations and litigation relating to Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) matters, price fixing, violations of economic sanctions, and tax and money laundering offenses.
- What has your involvement been in counseling clients on anti-corruption / trade sanction / data privacy matters?
I have developed an in depth knowledge and experience in advising clients on the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), the U.K. Bribery Act, other related anti-corruption laws, sanctions compliance, export controls matters, customs issues, and corporate data privacy and protection matters. I regularly represented US domestic and multinational companies as well as their employees in various aspects of FCPA internal investigations, enforcement actions, and compliance matters before the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), the United Kingdom’s Serious Fraud Office, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), and other civil and criminal authorities in the U.S. and abroad. I have represented Boards of Directors, Audit Committees, officers, senior management, and employees of multinational companies in anticorruption investigations and trade and data protection/privacy enforcement actions in dozens of countries and on virtually every continent.
- How have you used technology to collaborate and share knowledge with team members and clients?
Being highly proficient and adaptable, I use technology extensively in working effectively on projects with colleagues, clients, co-counsel, and even opposing counsel. I use the latest “Web 2.0” resources and other technology tools, like Google Docs, Microsoft Office, and Adobe Acrobat on a daily basis.
- I often draft a document such as policies and procedures on my computer and circulate it via email to others on the team.
- I regularly provide comments on various documents through use of tracked changes or with a document comparison product such as Workshare (formerly DeltaView).
- I frequently coordinate my team’s calendar on Microsoft Outlook so that scheduling meetings is done regularly, properly and conveniently.
- I routinely create and manipulate pivot tables in Microsoft Excel to work with large data sets.
- I normally produce training decks and presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint.
- What has been your experience in developing an organization’s compliance program, including compliance policies?
I am responsible for oversight and direction of American Express’ worldwide AML, Sanctions, and Compliance programs. I participated in a variety of senior management activities designed to enhance the firm-wide regulatory risk management control practices. As a member of the global team, I assisted in the management of American Express’ international regulatory and reputational risk arising from cross border business. I am also responsible for legal, compliance and ethics related policies and procedures for American Express and its subsidiaries. I served as a member of the American Express Management Risk Committee, American Express Compliance Committee, and the firm’s Anti-Money Laundering Oversight Committee.
- What has been your experience in developing and delivering compliance training?
My experience encompasses developing and implementing compliance programs, financial and legal fact-finding, assessing organization vulnerabilities and risks, focused analyses and operational reviews, implementing effective monitoring systems, testing internal compliance controls, developing and delivering compliance education and training programs, and working with senior management and Boards in developing strategic plans.
- What experience have you had that best reflects your leadership skills?
I have been a people leader for the past 7 years. In addition, I served on the Diversity Committee and Pro Bono Committee at American Express. I also mentored several employees through the Black Employee Network Mentoring Program at American Express. At Sullivan & Cromwell, I served on the Associate Experience Committee and, as a Floor Advisor, I mentored junior lawyers.
I was the Chair of the First Decade Committee, Secretary for the Association of Black Women Attorneys, a member of the Board of Directors of the Federal Bar Council Quarterly, and the Co-Chair of the Federal Bar Council Fall Bench and Bar Retreat.
- What attracts you to a position at Mondelēz International?
Mondelēz International has a stellar reputation as both a great company and an exciting place to work. Having been raised enjoying the various brands in the Company’s portfolio, I love the Company’s snack foods and beverages. I recently met a Mondelēz employee at a legal and compliance conference who spoke highly of Mondelēz Company’s culture and work environment, thus reinforcing my own assessment. Based on my education and experience, I strongly believe that I am an ideal fit for ‘The Business Integrity Counsel and Regional Business Integrity Officer’ and I would certainly succeed in Mondelēz’s LIS department.
