Dear colleagues,
I am pleased to inform you that Erica Rice, an accomplished enterprise risk management executive, has been named interim director of enterprise risk management for the University of Illinois System’s University Office of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), which identifies risks and develops plans to avoid material impact on finances and operations for the system.
The appointment took effect October 20, pending approval at the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois’ November meeting. A strategic leader with more than a decade of experience in risk leadership across federal agencies, Rice brings deep expertise in enterprise risk frameworks, compliance, and governance. She is a strategic and analytical leader with experience designing, implementing, and leading comprehensive risk frameworks in complex, high-stakes environments.
Most recently serving as deputy chief risk officer at AmeriCorps, she has led cross-agency risk initiatives, managed internal control and compliance programs, and enhanced transparency through data-driven risk insights and executive-level reporting.
Rice’s experience spans COSO framework implementation; governance, risk and compliance (GRC) systems; enterprise-wide risk assessments and mitigation; and board and executive communication strategies.
Rice’s commitment to public service, risk education, and strategic alignment will enrich the system’s approach to risk management, leadership, and governance.
Rice has a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Marshall University and a law degree from the University of Louisville’s Brandeis School of Law.
She will visit system and university leaders to introduce herself and begin building relationships. These meetings will also provide an opportunity to discuss key risk areas and priorities moving forward. Please join us in extending a warm welcome!
Thank you to Joe Barnes, chief digital risk officer, for assuming the role of interim director of enterprise risk management since May 1, with the retirement of Joda Morton. I appreciate his insight and the seamless transition that reinforced the importance of integrating digital risk considerations into all facets of enterprise risk management.
Sincerely,
Nicholas P. Jones
Executive Vice President and Vice President for Academic Affairs