Michael Rasmussen, The GRC Pundit
Michael Rasmussen is an internationally recognized thought leader and pioneer in governance, risk management, and compliance (GRC). With over 30 years of experience, he has extensive expertise in enterprise GRC strategy and processes supported by robust information and technology architectures. Known as the “Father of GRC,” Michael was the first to define and model the GRC market in February 2002 while at Forrester, setting the foundation for the modern understanding of GRC.
Michael helps organizations build and refine their GRC strategies, ensuring alignment with business objectives to deliver effective, efficient, resilient, and agile operations. He is a highly sought-after keynote speaker, author, and advisor. His influential work has contributed to U.S. Congressional reports and committees. Michael is an OCEG GRC Fellow, serves on the Leadership Council of OCEG, and chairs the OCEG Technology Council.
Michael is frequently quoted in the press and respected for his expert commentary on broadcast news channels. He is an Honorary Life Member and Global Ambassador of Risk Management with The Institute of Risk Management for his contributions to risk management and GRC. Treasury & Risk recognized him as one of the 100 most influential people in finance, highlighting his work in “Governance and Compliance: Saving the Planet and the Corporation” and naming him a “Rising Star in Rocky Times: Corporate America’s Outstanding Executives.”
Before founding GRC 20/20 Research, Michael was a vice president and ‘Top Analyst’ at Forrester Research, Inc. He also led the risk and compliance consulting practice at a professional services firm and gained experience managing compliance and risk within commercial organizations before that.
Michael’s educational background includes a Juris Doctorate in law and a Bachelor of Science in Business. He holds a Master’s in Church History with a focus on Medieval Church History from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and has a Master’s in Pastoral Ministry at Nashotah House. He is certified as a GRCP (GRC Professional), iPMP (Integrated Policy Management Professional), CCEP (Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional), and CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional). OCEG has recognized him as an OCEG Fellow for his global contributions and advancement of GRC practices.
Certifications & Designations
- OCEG Fellow
- Honorary Life Member & Global Ambassador of Risk Management, Institute of Risk Management (IRM)
- GRC Professional (GRCP)
- Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional (CCEP)
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Degrees
- Master of Pastoral Ministries, Nashotah House
- Master of Arts, Church History – focus medieval church history
- Juris Doctorate, Oakbrook College of Law & Government Policy
- Bachelor of Science, Business, University of Phoenix
Association Involvement
- Open Compliance and Ethics Group (OCEG)
- Chicago Regional Business & Ethics Network (CRBEN)
- Institute of Risk Management (IRM)
- Society of Corporate Compliance & Ethics (SCCE)
- Professional Risk Manager’s International Association (PRMIA)
- Information Systems Security Association (ISSA)
- Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA)
- Information Systems Audit & Control Association (ISACA)
Business Networking:
- Business Blog: The GRC Pundit
- LinkedIN: Michael Rasmussen
- LinkedIN Group: GRC 20/20
- X: GRCpundit
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