RHEA NYGARD
Cyber Risk & Policy Strategist @Federal Reserve System
In this portfolio, discover the critical intersection of financial stability and emerging technology, where policy, regulation, and innovation collide. As a Cybersecurity Policy Analyst at the Board of Governors, I lead strategic initiatives that safeguard the U.S. financial system from systemic operational and cyber risks. From high-level interagency policy to a new focus on AI and quantum computing, explore how we can navigate emerging threats and opportunities to ensure a resilient financial future.
🎬 My Genres (Core Competencies)
Original Specials (Leadership & Projects)
Certifications / Licenses
COMMISSIONED EXAMINER
Federal Reserve System commissioned examiner for safety and soundness and IT examinations.
AZURE AI
Azure Artificial Intelligence certified professional.
AZURE DATA FUNDAMENTALS
Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals certification.
AWS CLOUD PRACTITIONER
Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Cloud Practitioner.
CISA
Certified Information Systems Auditor - ISACA certification for audit, control, and security professionals.
CAMS
Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (ACAMS).
CPA
Certified Public Accountant - Licensed accounting professional.
GFACT
GIAC Foundational Cybersecurity Technologies certification.
CCSK
Certified Cloud Security Knowledge - Cloud security expertise certification.
CCZT
Certificate of Competence in Zero Trust - Zero Trust architecture certification.
Featured: Strategic Risk and Innovation Enablement
Securing Financial Stability.
Enabling innovation with prudent risk oversight and technical acumen to strengthen system-wide financial stability against complex digital threats.
Emerging Technology Policy Focus
FeaturedLeveraging 26+ years of regulatory and Big 4 audit experience to provide strategic guidance on emerging technology. My focus is ensuring secure digital transformation by translating complex risks (AI, Cloud, Cyber, Quantum Computing) into clear, pragmatic guidance and enabling prudent adoption across the financial system.
Relevant Work Experience
Cybersecurity Policy Analyst
Board of Governors, Supervision & Regulation - Operational Risk and Resilience Policy
June 2023 - Present
• Perform in-depth analysis related to cybersecurity, operational resilience, and/or regulatory issues
• Lead and conduct special studies and projects related to recommending positions for domestic and international workgroups
• Contributing lead author on the System Risk report
• SME presenter for banker and examiner outreach on "Ask-the-Fed" program
• Respond to congressional/special inquiries regarding Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM)
Commissioned Examiner - Safety & Soundness and IT
Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas
September 2013 - June 2023
• Operational Risk Specialist involved in the direct supervision and regulation of Supervised Insurance Organization
• Determines the adequacy of a financial organization's risk management systems for controlling risk in specialty areas, including IT risk, Internal Audit, Internal Controls over Financial Reporting (ICFR), and BSA/AML
• Lead Enforcement Action (MOU) remediation effort reviews and recommend whether correction actions taken are adequate
• Cyber Security Examiner for System Safeguard Exam for Financial Market Utilities (FMU), FRB Chicago
• Cyber Security Examiner for FinTech Significant Service Provider (SSP), FRB Atlanta
• Interagency coordination through Federal Banking Agencies (FBA): OCC, FDIC, and FRB
Financial Institution Accountant
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
August 2010 - September 2013
• Oversee the financial management of subsidiary holdings of failed institution receiverships
Retail Bank Deposits Product Manager / Internal Control Finance Manager
Citi
August 2004 - May 2010
• Coordinated all aspects of consumer and business deposits, including compliance, legal, operations, technology, treasury, marketing, sales, branch services and Citibank on-line
• Served as SME on Eclipse Customer Relationship Management and Sales Station application for Retail Bank Deposits
• Recommended country specific features to be included in the business online project, wealth planning, and sales consultation platform
• Critical resource for functional specifications and user acceptance testing (UAT) for deposit products
• Recommended security matrix tailored for users and organization structure
You Don't Just Need Experience. You Need Foresight.
I offer a rare combination of deep financial regulatory leadership (Fed, FDIC) coupled with proactive, hands-on knowledge in emerging technology (Azure AI/Data, Cloud Security, Quantum Risk). Most policy experts analyze the past; I am actively building frameworks for the future.
My career has consistently focused on translating complex, system-wide risk—from Big 4 audit controls to global policy mandates—into actionable strategy. If your goal is to enable safe innovation and secure the system against the next wave of digital threats, we should connect.