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Laura Studer
Sr. Information Security Risk Auditor at Optum
Professional Background
Laura Studer is a seasoned IT and cyber risk management specialist with an impressive track record of serving clients primarily in the financial services and healthcare industries. Currently, she holds a pivotal role in Optum's Enterprise Information Security organization, where she is dedicated to effectively managing Supplier Risk while also championing Information Risk Governance across the organization. Laura's extensive background enables her to craft and maintain robust security frameworks that guide her team in assessing and mitigating risks associated with third-party vendors.
Prior to her current role at Optum, Laura made significant contributions at UnitedHealth Group (UHG), where she specialized in the IT Internal Control over Financial Reporting (ICFR) program. This program encompassed more than 200 technologies and provided Laura with comprehensive insights into the intricacies of IT governance, risk assessment, and compliance. Her tenure at UHG was marked by her leadership in various projects, including the New York Department of Financial Services (NY DFS) Cyber Control Assessment, where her analytical skills were critical in evaluating new technologies for their materiality in relation to the IT ICFR program.
Laura blends her strong technical expertise with a dedication to nurturing the professional growth of her team members by providing mentorship and leadership. Her enthusiasm for helping others advance their skills has not gone unnoticed, as she consistently offers constructive feedback to foster an environment of continuous learning and improvement.
Education and Achievements
Laura Studer earned her Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and Management Information Systems (MIS) from the prestigious Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. This academic foundation laid the groundwork for her successful career in IT and cybersecurity, equipping her with essential skills in both accounting principles and information systems management.
Throughout her career, Laura has continually sought opportunities to deepen her knowledge in IT and cybersecurity frameworks, excelling with notable industry frameworks such as NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF), NIST SP 800-53, COBIT, ITIL, ISO, and PCI, among others. This strong grasp of regulatory guidance, including the FFIEC IT Handbooks, OCC Bulletins, and AICPA Cyber Risk Management Criteria, contributes to her reputation as a proficient leader in managing IT and cyber risk for her clients.
Professional Experience
Laura has held several impressive positions throughout her career. Currently, as Senior Information Security Risk Auditor at Optum, she has taken on the essential role of coordinating the Supplier Information Risk Governance program. Here, she focuses on developing standard and consistent methods for assessing the information security risks posed by the vendors that collaborate with the organization.
Before her tenure at Optum, she served as an Internal Audit Consultant within UnitedHealth Group, initially addressing the needs of the IT ICFR program. In her capacity as an Internal Audit Consultant, Laura played a vital role in facilitating audits across UHG's diverse applications, platforms, and facilities. Her innovative approach to leading special projects, such as cybersecurity control assessments, showcases her ability to manage complex challenges.
Prior to her significant contributions at UHG, Laura gained invaluable experience at Ernst & Young (EY), where she served as a Senior Consultant in Cyber & Technology Risk. Her responsibilities included leading efforts in IT Risk Transformation, allowing her to develop a solid understanding of the intricacies associated with cyber risk management in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.
Her tenure at EY also saw her take on various roles, including Advisory Intern in the IT Risk Assurance (ITRA) department, and she excelled in team-oriented projects that further honed her skills in assessing risk management solutions.
Additionally, Laura's commitment to developing future leaders is evident from her involvement as a Peer Career Coach at the Undergraduate Business Career Center at the University of Minnesota, where she dedicated time mentoring fellow students.
Skills and Expertise
Laura Studer’s impressive skill set includes extensive expertise in multiple IT and cybersecurity frameworks, ensuring her ability to navigate the complexities of risk management effectively. She has a profound understanding of important regulations and standards, which has enabled her to successfully lead initiatives that enhance the security posture of her clients.
Laura's skills in strategic assessment, analytical decision-making, and effective communication form a trifecta that empowers her to tackle the challenges of cyber risk management. She thrives in environments that require collaboration across disciplines, demonstrating her ability to work with teams to reinforce a culture of security and compliance.
Promoting a cooperative and learning-centered environment, Laura's dedication to developing team members through coaching and feedback fosters a dynamic work atmosphere that emphasizes professional growth and mutual support.
Achievements
- Successfully developed and implemented Supplier Information Risk Governance strategies at Optum, strengthening the information security posture across vendor relationships.
- Played a pivotal role in coordinating UHG's IT ICFR program, navigating compliance across 200+ technologies and enhancing internal controls and governance.
- Led key projects, including the NY DFS Cyber Control Assessment, furthering the knowledge of cybersecurity compliance and risk evaluation for UHG.
- Contributed significantly to IT Risk Transformation efforts during her tenure at EY, providing invaluable insights and recommendations to several financial services and healthcare clients.
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