Compliance Specialist Information Security

VERGIL J. ESSEX

GRC ANALYST

*****, ******* ******** 616-***-**** ************@*****.*** LinkedIn PERSONAL SUMMARY

Strategic and detail-oriented compliance specialist with hands-on expertise driving governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) initiatives across highly regulated environments. Proven ability to translate complex regulations into actionable strategies that strengthen data security, ensure compliance, and minimize organizational risk. Adept in leading compliance management efforts, optimizing internal controls, and aligning cross-functional teams with frameworks such as NIST, SOC 2, ISO 27001, and HIPAA. Recognized for building resilient compliance programs that protect sensitive information, enhance audit readiness, and support enterprise-wide regulatory success. KEY SKILLS

Security & Regulatory Frameworks: Governance & Compliance Knowledge, Risk & Compliance Assessment, Fraud Detection

& Prevention, Internal Audit Support, and Compliance Monitoring & Reporting.

Analytical & Cross-Functional Skills: Data Analysis & Interpretation, Cross-Functional Security Collaboration, Incident Management & Resolution, Stakeholder Communication & Alignment, and Remote Security Operations.

Governance, Risk & Compliance: Security Policy Development, Regulatory Frameworks (NIST, ISO 27001, SOC 2, HIPAA), Vulnerability Identification & Mitigation, Access Control & Information Security and Emergency Response Planning. WORK EXPERIENCE

Unit Supply Specialist 05/2023 - Current

ARMY NATIONAL GUARD Remote

Administered inventory management processes, ensuring strict adherence to military security protocols and implementing robust access controls to safeguard sensitive assets while maintaining operational integrity and confidentiality.

Collaborated with leadership to develop and enforce policies aimed at safeguarding military assets, ensuring complete compliance with security regulations and effectively minimizing unauthorized access to sensitive materials and information.

Performed in-depth risk assessments, identifying and evaluating potential security vulnerabilities across logistics operations, providing targeted recommendations to mitigate risks and enhance compliance with established security regulations and protocols. Mortgage Banker & Client Support Specialist 11/2023 - Current AMERISAVE MORTGAGE Remote

Conducted comprehensive risk and fraud assessments, identifying vulnerabilities and contributing to the development of secure transaction processes, ensuring both security and regulatory compliance in client dealings.

Designed and implemented access management strategies, strengthening security within financial systems and ensuring proper authorization controls to prevent unauthorized access and safeguard sensitive client and financial data.

Ensured compliance with financial security regulations by consistently monitoring and enhancing data protection protocols, securing sensitive client information from unauthorized access and potential breaches across all transactions and processes. Account Manager 04/2022 - 11/2023

AUCTION ZIP Remote

Designed and executed compliance-driven client roadmaps, aligning product features with specific business goals while ensuring unwavering adherence to key industry standards, including SOC 2, ISO 27001, and NIST frameworks.

Analyzed and mitigated risks in auction transactions, evaluating both financial and operational exposure within digital bidding processes, ensuring stringent compliance with security regulations and safeguarding against potential security breaches.

Collaborated effectively with cross-functional teams to refine security protocols, leading policy development for auction security improvements, fraud deterrence, and fortifying comprehensive risk management strategies to enhance operational integrity. Project Analyst 02/2023 - 05/2023

SIRE TRANSFORMATIONAL BUSINESS CONSULTING Remote

Led audit preparation, conducting detailed compliance assessments, reviewing security controls, and optimizing governance strategies to ensure full adherence to industry standards and support long-term regulatory success.

Directed comprehensive risk evaluation initiatives across various business operations, analyzing process vulnerabilities and executing strategic mitigation plans to ensure full compliance with industry regulations and security standards.

Contributed to the development of security policies, ensuring alignment of business practices with established industry frameworks, strengthening organizational compliance, and improving overall risk management strategies across operations. Sales Development Representative 08/2021 - 04/2022 INFOTELLIGENT Remote

Partnered with cross-functional teams to align business objectives with regulatory standards, driving compliance initiatives and reinforcing security measures that safeguarded company interests and ensured sustainable operational success.

Conducted in-depth needs assessments, identifying critical business pain points and aligning product offerings with client goals, empowering data-driven decision-making that enhanced efficiency and led to measurable improvements in operations.

Drove high-impact outreach with 100+ calls daily, engaging senior decision-makers in Sales and Marketing, pinpointing operational challenges, and delivering tailored strategic solutions to accelerate business growth and improve performance. Campus Safety Liaison 10/2015 - 05/2021

CORNERSTONE UNIVERSITY Grand Rapids, MI

Spearheaded security awareness training programs for students and staff, ensuring compliance with campus safety regulations, minimizing security incidents, and promoting a proactive safety culture throughout the university.

Executed comprehensive risk assessments to identify operational vulnerabilities, supporting governance initiatives, and enforcing policies that strengthened campus security and mitigated potential risks for students, staff, and faculty.

Formulated and executed emergency response protocols, enhancing risk management strategies, optimizing incident handling, and ensuring timely, effective responses to emergencies while maintaining strict compliance with safety standards. EDUCATION

Master of Arts: Leadership 01/2017

CORNERSTONE UNIVERSITY Grand Rapids, MI

Bachelor of Science: Communications 01/2014

EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY Ypsilanti, MI

CERTIFICATIONS

Security Clearance Ongoing

CompTIA Security+ Expected Completion 06/01/25

Certified Scrum Master, Scrum Alliance 11/01/22

Enterprise Design Thinking Practitioner, IBM 12/01/22

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