Michelle McAllister

I attribute my success to a strong foundation of values, discipline, and balance. I am most proud of being a mother of four, including three daughters, and of my ability to successfully balance the demands of a high-stress profession while protecting my family from its pressures. That balance has strengthened my resilience, sharpened my judgment, and reinforced my commitment to leading with integrity both professionally and personally. The guiding principle that shapes my work ethic—“Do better and be better”—was instilled in me by my father, who served in law enforcement, and continues to influence how I approach challenges, leadership, and accountability.

I am an experienced Compliance and Risk Management professional with over 20 years of high-performance investigative and supervisory experience in regulated, high-accountability environments. I specialize in identifying risk, conducting complex investigations, ensuring policy alignment, and leading teams through sensitive, confidential, and time-critical matters. My proven track record includes managing high-risk cases involving fraud, misconduct, and policy violations; conducting audits, quality-control checks, and process reviews; translating complex findings into clear, concise reports for leadership; improving workflows and compliance procedures; and leading cross-functional teams during critical incidents while driving accountability, transparency, and operational excellence.

My background has equipped me to excel in roles such as AML & Account Compliance Manager, Investigations Manager, Compliance Program Manager, Operational Analyst, or Risk Manager. I am passionate about protecting organizational integrity, strengthening compliance programs, and ensuring policies are applied fairly, consistently, and effectively. I bring professionalism, sound judgment, and a solutions-focused mindset to every challenge, and I am open to opportunities in Compliance Management, AML/BSA, OSINT and Investigative roles, Risk, Employee Relations, Public Safety, Operations, Communications Management, and Program Management.

The best career advice I have ever received is to take the leap of faith and have confidence in myself—especially in a male-dominated industry. I was encouraged to trust my skills, speak with conviction, and not minimize my experience or expertise. That advice reinforced the importance of surrounding myself with strong, supportive people and seeking out a mentor I could rely on for guidance, perspective, and honest feedback.

A particularly meaningful influence in my career has been a close friend who has served as both a mentor and trusted confidant. Through this relationship, I have learned the value of mentorship built on mutual respect, transparency, and shared experience. Their guidance has helped shape my leadership approach, strengthen my decision-making, and remain grounded during challenging and high-pressure moments. I plan to continue expanding on this mentorship experience as I reflect on the role it has played in my professional growth and long-term career direction.

Overall, this advice has reinforced my belief that success is built not only on technical skill and experience, but also on confidence, support, and a willingness to step outside of comfort zones. It continues to inspire how I lead, how I grow, and how I support and mentor others in their own professional journeys.

The advice I would give to young women entering this industry is to take the leap of faith and have confidence in yourself. Believe in your abilities, your training, and the value you bring to the table, even in a male-dominated environment. Do not hesitate to speak up, take on challenging assignments, or pursue leadership opportunities—your perspective and expertise matter.

Equally important is surrounding yourself with strong, supportive people and seeking out a mentor you can rely on for guidance, encouragement, and honest feedback. A trusted mentor can help you navigate challenges, build confidence, and grow both professionally and personally. Success in this field is not achieved alone, and building a strong support network will empower you to lead with confidence, resilience, and integrity.

The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, accountability, and continuous growth. I strive to approach every challenge with professionalism, sound judgment, and a solutions-focused mindset, ensuring that I act ethically and responsibly while supporting those around me. These values guide how I lead teams, conduct investigations, and maintain fairness and consistency in all aspects of my work.

In my personal life, I prioritize family, balance, and resilience. I am in a long-term relationship with my best friend, who is also a police officer, and together we share a passion for teaching and supporting others. I cherish time spent with my beautiful family, and I make it a point to maintain my physical and mental well-being through working out, practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and recently completing my first marathon. These activities help me stay focused, disciplined, and energized, reinforcing the same dedication I bring to my professional endeavors.

Overall, living by these values allows me to lead with purpose, nurture meaningful relationships, and continuously push myself to do better and be better in all areas of life.