Former BECU Chief Risk Officer John Stewart Joins UMD Smith School to Fortify Risk Management

UMD Smith School Welcomes John Stewart as New Risk Consortium Director

The University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business has named John Stewart as the new Director and Executive-in-Residence for the Smith Enterprise Risk Consortium (SERC). This prestigious role positions Stewart at the helm of the school's innovative applied risk management center, which integrates academic knowledge with real-world industry practices.

Stewart, who has a rich background in financial services with nearly 30 years of experience, takes over this role after serving as the Chief Risk Officer of Boeing Employees' Credit Union (BECU). He is celebrated as one of the original members of SERC's Advisory Council, a testament to his significant contributions that helped establish the Consortium's focus on industry collaboration and risk management education.

Having succeeded Clifford Rossi, Stewart's wealth of expertise encompasses executive leadership roles and profound insights into enterprise risk management and regulatory landscapes. His in-depth experience with both consultancy and corporate environments equips him with a unique vantage point on financial services regulatory conditions, which is crucial for SERC's future growth.

Dean Prabhudev Konana of the Smith School highlighted Stewart's involvement since SERC's inception in 2023, praising his efforts in building foundational elements that define the Consortium's objectives today. His previous experiences include participation in the Risk Leader Circle, the CRO Risk Summit, and mentoring Smith students such as Krisha Chheda, who showcased a Google-sponsored project during a prominent education series.

Stewart's vision for SERC aligns with the Consortium's mission to advance applied risk management, bolster industry partnerships, and prepare the next generation of risk professionals. He aims to further develop SERC’s community, nurturing an environment where faculty, students, and practitioners collaboratively solve pressing industry challenges—a distinguishing feature of the Consortium.

“I believe in empowering teams to do the right thing and creating transparent frameworks that weigh risk against potential rewards,” states Stewart. This philosophy resonates deeply with SERC’s objectives, reinforcing the Consortium's role as a nexus for analytical insights and practical training.

Under Stewart’s guidance, SERC is set to expand its influence nationally; the Consortium already boasts programs like the SERC Risk Academy and executive education certificates in cutting-edge areas like artificial intelligence governance. The collaborative forums address an array of timely topics, including climate risk, supply chain vulnerabilities, and geopolitical challenges—an indication of SERC’s capacity to adapt and respond to current issues in the risk landscape.

Prominent organizations such as JPMorgan Chase, Nasdaq, and Moody's Analytics rely on SERC for insightful risk management solutions, providing a robust network for its community members. As steered by Stewart, SERC will continue to integrate applied analytics with focused training, enhancing the skill sets of risk leaders entering the field.

William Longbrake, SERC Risk Fellow, shared insights on Stewart’s longstanding commitment to risk management, praising his technical expertise and comprehensive understanding of both academic and industry realms. This unique combination positions Stewart as a formidable leader to guide SERC's future endeavors successfully.

For more information and updates on the Smith Enterprise Risk Consortium, please visit their official homepage.

About the Robert H. Smith School of Business

The Robert H. Smith School of Business is renowned for its dedication to management education and research, representing one of the 12 colleges and schools at the University of Maryland. The Smith School provides a wide range of programs, including undergraduate degrees, MBAs, PhDs, and executive education, with learning opportunities across North America and Asia, reinforcing its global reputation for excellence.