Russell Sommers ’05, Partner, Baker Tilly US

Russ is a dynamic executive level professional, subject matter expert in governance risk and compliance specializing in highly regulated industries and public companies specializing in financial services, insurance, digital assets, banking and technology. Russ began his career as a financial statement auditor, then transitioned to a risk advisory professional. He understands how to foster successful interactions between boards, executives and their professional services firms. Russ specializes in establishing the sustainable governance models needed to address regulatory and compliance expectations while retaining the agility needed to be successful.

Russ is an expert at putting structure around unstructured environments, delivering value for the organization and creating organizational transparency for directors and executive management. Russ helps his clients build, implement maintain and monitor effective enterprise risk management, internal audit, SOX and cybersecurity programs.

Specialties: Digital Assets, financial services regulation, cybersecurity (NIST, ISO, SEC, NYDFS, NAIC, FFIEC), corporate governance, SOC 1 and SOC 2 readiness and reporting, internal audit, SOX & Model Audit Rule (MAR) readiness and compliance, enterprise risk management/ORSA, vendor risk management, IPO readiness, consent order redress and strategic planning.