Across nearly 15 years in the U.S. Army and in her more recent shift back into the civilian world, Colonel Karen “Gigi” Wrancher has showcased a steadfast commitment to leadership, excellence, and service. Since 2024, she has been vice president at The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., in Charlotte, North Carolina, providing strategic input on the development, management, and delivery of risk-based audit plans, ensuring comprehensive coverage and execution. She manages information technology infrastructure audits, and she documents the results in accordance with the rigorous standards of The Institute of Internal Auditors. Ms. Wrancher also articulates complex issues and themes to senior stakeholders, monitors key risk indicators and significant change activities, identifies thematic trends, and escalates emerging issues as necessary.
Prior to joining The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., Ms. Wrancher was a senior lead audit manager at Wells Fargo for several years. In this role, she led audit teams focused on information technology risk management, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements while delivering actionable insights to executive leadership. Among other strengths, Ms. Wrancher has demonstrated proficiency in establishing and managing relationships with both senior leaders and the broader team throughout her professional life. She is highly respected for fostering a supportive atmosphere that encourages communication and growth.
Ms. Wrancher’s distinguished career includes more than two decades of service in the U.S. Army. She enlisted as a support operations officer in 2007. Recognized for her strong leadership, she was promoted to executive officer, regional operations executive, logistics executive and battalion commander, and managing director and chief of staff of Fort Lee during her first five years in the Army. In 2015, she served as the chief compliance officer and Command Inspector General for the U.S. Army in Kuwait and Iraq, overseeing compliance initiatives during critical operations. Ms. Wrancher later contributed as operations manager, director of operations, and chief of the Assistance Division, the largest division in the U.S. Army Inspector General Agency. She retired from military service in 2020.
Before embarking upon her professional journey, Ms. Wrancher sought an academic foundation that has proven instrumental in shaping her path, beginning with a Bachelor of Arts in political science and government from Methodist University in 1995. In 2002, she obtained a Master of Arts in human resources management and services from The University of Oklahoma. Subsequently, Ms. Wrancher earned a second master’s degree – a Master of Science in military and strategic leadership, from Marine Corps University in 2005. She has additionally enhanced her skills through certification as a green belt in Lean Six Sigma management from the Lean Six Sigma Institute.
Beyond her military service and continued civilian career, Ms. Wrancher has embraced extensive civic engagement. Since 2022, she has served as vice chair of public policy and advocacy for the Junior League of Charlotte, where she works to advance community initiatives through nonpartisan advocacy for education. She previously was vice president of communications at The Rocks Inc., supporting professional development for military officers. She also chaired the Ascend Program for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated for several years and led its Emerging Young Leaders Program.
Outside of her career, Ms. Wrancher is a loving mother to two — Maj. Xavier Jones and the late Elijah Wrancher — and grandmother to four. She attributes her success in life to the values of hard work and dedication instilled in her by her own mother.
For the future, Ms. Wrancher aims to make a positive impact within her community through continued advocacy efforts with the Junior League of Charlotte, including statewide education advancement initiatives. Alongside her primary work in compliance, she is planning to establish a limited liability company focused on real estate ventures. Ms. Wrancher is also considering franchise business opportunities and exploring international property investments, including in Dubai.