Melissa Amarine Pici, MSISA, CISA has built a reputation as a leading authority in audit, risk and compliance, known for her ability to guide organizations through complex regulatory landscapes while fostering integrity and innovation. Her career spans two decades of progressive leadership, marked by a commitment to advancing the standards of her profession and mentoring the next generation of experts.
A defining moment in Ms. Pici’s career came when she became a founding member of Internal Audit Collective LLC. As global director of governance, risk and compliance, she has played an instrumental role in shaping the organization’s vision and long-term strategy. She has developed comprehensive frameworks that strengthen oversight, ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and safeguard organizational resilience. Her influence is further reflected in her active membership with the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), where she engages with industry peers to promote best practices and knowledge-sharing across the field.
Ms. Pici’s academic background provided the foundation for her professional success. She earned a Master of Science in Information Security and Assurance from Norwich University, graduating summa cum laude. This advanced education deepened her expertise in information security principles and their application to governance and compliance. She also completed a Bachelor of Applied Science in Computer and Information Systems at St. Petersburg College with magna cum laude honors, building a strong technical base. In addition, she holds both an Associate of Arts degree and an Associate of Science degree from the same institution.
Ms. Pici’s career achievements have been recognized with awards, including the President’s Club Award, which highlights her exceptional contributions to organizational success. She attributes her progress to persistence, patience and resilience, as well as to her faith and the encouragement of colleagues, mentors and family members who have supported her journey.
Earlier in her career, Ms. Pici made significant contributions as a contractor with Syniverse in Tampa, Florida. During this period, she enhanced internal audit processes and risk management protocols, enabling the company to operate more efficiently while meeting rigorous compliance standards. She also worked as a contractor at AT&T in Tampa, where she focused on strengthening internal controls and advancing large-scale compliance initiatives. Her work during these years helped establish governance practices that continue to shape organizational performance.
Beyond her direct professional responsibilities, Ms. Pici has dedicated herself to outreach and education. She has shared her knowledge through webinars, conferences and speaking engagements, encouraging aspiring professionals to pursue careers in audit, risk and compliance. These efforts reflect her belief that knowledge should be passed forward to uplift both individuals and the broader industry.
Ms. Pici’s accomplishments are supported by an impressive array of professional certifications. She became a certified information systems auditor through ISACA, validating her proficiency in managing risk and auditing information systems. She later earned the certified DevOps security practitioner credential from Network Intelligence and completed the Microsoft Excel 2019 advanced certification through Pearson. Each credential underscores her commitment to maintaining the highest professional standards.
Looking toward the future, Ms. Pici envisions expanding her influence as a thought leader and mentor. She aspires to serve in roles such as business information security officer or chief compliance officer and is open to opportunities in executive leadership, including vice president positions. Her long-term goals also include contributing to the field as a keynote speaker and continuing to raise awareness about the importance of compliance, risk management and information security in an increasingly complex business environment.