Aisha J. Simmons
Aisha S. is a seasoned risk, controls, and internal audit professional with extensive experience creating strong risk cultures through comprehensive operational risk management programs. She has been in her field since 2012 and currently serves as Vice President at Goldman Sachs, where she has worked for three years in the risk and governance departments. In her role, she has played a key part in managing the transition of Goldman’s credit card business to Chase, ensuring proper controls, mitigating risk, and strengthening operational integrity across the organization.
Prior to Goldman Sachs, Aisha served as Head of Operational Risk at Mercury Financial, where she designed and launched the company’s first operational risk management program. She developed a robust framework to identify, assess, and monitor financial risks in real time while promoting a strong risk culture through enterprise-wide training and coaching. Earlier, as Vice President of Operational Risk Management at Barclays, she conducted in-depth risk analyses, guided first-line management teams in controlling emerging risks, and provided actionable insights to improve operations across technology, payments, and cybersecurity domains.
Beyond her professional achievements, Aisha is deeply committed to mentorship, community service, and family. She serves as secretary on the board of the Walden School, a Montessori school in Media, Pennsylvania, and actively participates in her children’s sports activities. A certified Mental Health First Aider, she advocates for workplace wellbeing, believing that strong teams are built not only through technical skill but also through empathy, communication, and supportive leadership.
• Mental Health First Aid
• Six sigma
• Producer In Life Insurance
• Producer in Accidental & Health Insurance
• Certified Microsoft Office Specialist
• Montclair State University - BSBA
• La Salle University - MBA
• Association of College & University Auditors
• Institute of Internal Auditors
• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
• NAACP Montclair State University Chapter
• Food Banks,
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
• Volunteer,
AIDS Coalition of Southern New Jersey
• Volunteer,
Food Bank of Delaware
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of dedication, strategic thinking, and a commitment to excellence in risk management. Over the course of my career, I have held leadership roles including Vice President of Business Controls at Goldman Sachs, Head of Operational Risk at Mercury Financial, and five years as Vice President in Operational Risk Management at Barclays. These experiences have honed my ability to navigate complex operational challenges, implement effective controls, and drive organizational resilience, all while maintaining a focus on fostering strong, collaborative teams.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the finance industry is to be strategic and confident in every decision you make. Prioritize building a strong professional network, seek out mentors, and embrace continuous learning to stay ahead in a constantly evolving field. Most importantly, trust your expertise and know that your perspective is valuable your voice belongs at the table.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are integrity, mentorship, and innovation. Professionally, I take pride in building Mercury’s first operational risk program and mentoring colleagues at Goldman Sachs, encouraging them to think analytically and creatively. Personally, I am committed to giving back to my community, exemplified by my service as secretary on the board of a private Montessori school, where I support education and foster growth for the next generation.