Michael McGarry

Senior Risk & Governance Executive | Responsible AI Leader | Board-Level Advisor | Internal Audit

Greater Chicago Area

About

Seasoned senior executive with 25+ years of global experience leading enterprise risk management (ERM), corporate governance, internal audit, regulatory compliance, and responsible AI programs. Proven track record designing and scaling agile risk and resiliency frameworks that align with business strategy, enhance performance, and strengthen organizational resilience. Known for optimizing opportunity in risk-taking—empowering Boards and executive leadership to make data-driven, confident decisions. Committed to simplifying complexity, operationalizing governance, and embedding risk intelligence into business culture. Inspiring, people-first leader with deep experience managing cross-functional and international teams.

Experience

  • Senior Vice President, Risk & Compliance at CDW
    Feb 2026 - Present · 5 mos

  • Vice President, Governance and Risk at Walgreens
    Sep 2020 - Nov 2025 · 5 yrs 3 mos

    As the enterprise risk leader at Walgreens Boots Alliance, I’ve built and scaled key risk, governance, and compliance programs that align with strategy and strengthen organizational resilience. I lead the Enterprise Risk Management program, including executive and Board-level reporting, and established the Executive GRC and the Executive AI Committees—guiding risk decisions and the responsible AI use enterprise-wide. I modernized the corporate policy framework, reducing 60 policies to 35 to enhance clarity and drive enterprise-wide compliance. Recently, I’ve been entrusted with expanding our business resiliency and crisis management capabilities and designing a new Third Party Risk Management program. Previously, I led the cybersecurity incident response plan and managed risk programs spanning IT compliance (HIPAA, PCI), environmental health and safety, corporate security, and executive protection.

  • Senior Director, Enterprise Risk Management at Walgreens Boots Alliance
    Dec 2015 - Sep 2020 · 4 yrs 10 mos

  • Director of Enterprise Risk Management at Grainger
    Sep 2013 - Dec 2015 · 2 yrs 4 mos

    Built Grainger’s first global ERM framework. Designed and led multi-dimensional risk assessments, developed executive risk appetite, and launched the Risk Council. Trained leaders globally on risk-informed decision-making.

  • Director at Protiviti
    May 2002 - Aug 2013 · 11 yrs 4 mos

    Led ERM and internal audit engagements for Fortune 500 clients. Built the Midwest ERM practice and delivered 30+ enterprise risk assessments. Experienced in operational risk, SOX compliance, and Board presentations.