Biography
Kelsey Theroux is a third-party risk professional with a strong background in compliance, due diligence, and operational resilience. She began her career in member-facing roles within the banking industry, where she developed a deep appreciation for the systems that uphold trust, accountability, and regulatory integrity. Her early experience in frontline operations naturally progressed into roles focused on backline operations and quality assurance. This foundation eventually led her into risk management, where she has led comprehensive third-party assessments and contributed to building scalable, centralized third-party risk programs. Currently between roles, Kelsey is taking this time to intentionally deepen her expertise in third-party risk, staying engaged with evolving frameworks, tools, and best practices. She believes effective risk management is not just about meeting regulatory requirements, it’s about fostering trust, supporting business continuity, and driving smarter, more resilient partnerships. Beyond her professional work, Kelsey is an active advocate for public health and community causes. She brings that same sense of purpose and dedication to everything she does, whether she’s strengthening an organization’s risk posture or helping drive change in her community.
Leadership Characteristics
Initiative-Driven, Collaborative, Detail-Oriented, Process Improvement, Strategic Thinker, Resilient, Adaptable, Educator and Mentor, Mission-Oriented.
Leadership Challenges
"When I stepped into third-party risk management, I faced the challenge of inheriting a program that was outdated and ineffective, all while having limited prior experience in the field. Drawing on my expertise in operations and operational efficiency, I approached the situation with confidence, focusing on streamlining processes and implementing effective strategies. By taking the time to learn the intricacies of third-party risk, I was able to apply my leadership skills to modernize the program, bringing it back up to date and making it more efficient. Through dedication and strategic improvements, I transformed the program into a functional, well-structured framework that aligns with current standards and the organization’s operational needs."
Key Take-a-ways
"One of the aspects I appreciate most about third-party risk management is the opportunity to dissect processes and uncover gaps. By pulling apart the due diligence of a third party, I can identify areas where vulnerabilities exist, not just within the vendor relationship but across the broader organization. This analytical approach strengthens risk management and presents opportunities to enhance efficiency in other operational areas. Addressing these gaps leads to a more resilient and well-structured framework."
Fun Fact
"I have been dancing since I was two years old, and it has been an incredible journey. From attending a performing and visual arts high school to competing in dance competitions, every step led to an exciting opportunity to earn a bronze medal as an Olympian in Modern and Jazz Dance. Competing for a spot on the USA dance team was a thrilling experience, and dance has always been a source of joy, discipline, and creativity in my life."