Valerie Abend serves as the Global Financial Services Cybersecurity Lead and Senior Managing Director at Accenture, focusing on aligning cyber risk strategies with business priorities while advising C-suite executives and board members. With extensive experience in cybersecurity and risk management, Valerie holds multiple leadership positions, including Global Cyber Strategy Lead at Accenture and membership on the Advisory Board of FS-ISAC. Additionally, Valerie is a Board Member of the Cloud Security Alliance and has been appointed to the Cyber Security Advisory Panel of the Monetary Authority of Singapore for three consecutive terms. Previous roles include Senior Critical Infrastructure Officer at the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and Managing Director at BNY Mellon. Valerie holds a Master of Public Administration from The George Washington University.