Karrin Russo

Karrin Russo is a Governance and Controls Senior Manager within the first line of defense Risk organization at Truist. She advises both the Head of Artificial Intelligence and the Enterprise Data Office, bringing over 12 years of experience in Technology and Data. Karrin holds certifications in Data Privacy and is a recognized innovator with multiple U.S. patents to her name.

What makes you a Risky Woman?

She plays a pivotal role advising the Head of Artificial Intelligence and the Enterprise Data Office at Truist—demonstrating her influence at the intersection of innovation, governance, and risk in cutting-edge tech domains.

Name your top 3 achievements

1. US Patent inventor
2. noted by leadership as emerging talent/top performer
3. Mother

What is the biggest risk you’ve taken in your career?

Karrin took one of the biggest risks of her career when she chose to step away from a well-established technical role to move into the less-defined and rapidly evolving space of AI governance and enterprise data strategy. At the time, the frameworks around AI risk and ethical data use were still emerging, and there was no clear playbook. Karrin loves a challenge and loves to learn!

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

Most people do not know that I have a degree in psychology and computer science.

What is the best quality for successful leaders in Risk?

One of the best qualities for risk leaders is strategic foresight—the ability to anticipate emerging risks and opportunities before they fully materialize, and to guide the organization proactively rather than reactively.