Chris Phillips: Orchestrating Order in a World of Vendor Complexity
Partnerships are the lifeblood of
any thriving business. But not all partnerships are created equal. The
strongest ones are rooted in trust, mutual value, and a shared commitment to excellence.
What truly sets them apart is the ability to see beyond the handshake, recognizing
the potential risks before they become problems, and building safeguards that
allow innovation to flourish. Great partnerships don’t just happen. They are
carefully chosen, thoughtfully managed, and constantly strengthened through
clear communication, aligned goals, and a relentless focus on quality.
Chris Phillips has turned this philosophy into practice. As Vice President of Procurement and Vendor Risk at Lendmark Financial Services, she has created a model that others in the industry look to as a benchmark of excellence. From building the vendor risk department from the ground up to developing a company-wide vendor risk management framework, Chris brings strategy, structure, and heart to every decision.
From the Frontline to
the Forefront of Compliance
Chris Phillips began her career with humble roots that became foundational to
her growth. Starting out in the banking industry as a bank teller and personal
banker, Chris transitioned into a role within the Compliance Department. This
move from an operations position to a support function proved to be a turning
point. Her hands-on experience on the frontline allowed her to apply regulatory
requirements more effectively when she stepped into compliance.
Chris was drawn to the field of
compliance, third-party risk, and procurement because she understood early on
the importance of these behind-the-scenes functions. Over the years, her
perspective evolved. What once appeared as purely operational responsibilities
became, in her eyes, strategic functions essential to maintaining
organizational integrity. Today, she sees her work as a bridge that aligns
business goals with responsible practices, driving value and empowering
partnerships. For Chris, the role is more than a profession, it is a purposeful
and fulfilling career.
Blueprint for Vendor Risk and Procurement Excellence
In her current role as Vice President of Procurement and Vendor Risk, Chris
embraces a balanced approach. She focuses on forging strong, value-driven
partnerships through joint planning, clear communication, and aligned Key
Performance Indicators. For her, cost efficiency is important, but it never
comes at the expense of quality or risk mitigation.
Chris led the development of a comprehensive third-party risk management framework that introduces compliance measures throughout the vendor lifecycle. This initiative has ensured that Lendmark remains aligned with evolving regulations and industry standards. She thrives in a dynamic environment, and her position allows her to be both innovative and strategic across multiple facets of the organization.
Building a Risk
Culture from the Ground Up
Chris joined Lendmark Financial Services in December 2007 as a Compliance
Analyst. Following the company’s acquisition by a private equity firm in 2013,
she was tasked with launching and managing the newly created Vendor Risk
Department. At that time, there was no existing structure or roadmap. Chris was
a department of one, building the foundation from scratch.
Creating a Scalable
Culture of Risk Awareness
When Chris was tasked with launching Lendmark’s Vendor Risk Department, she
approached the challenge with a clear strategy. She adopted a phased approach
that allowed the framework to evolve thoughtfully. The absence of an existing
roadmap did not deter her. Instead, she focused on building a solid foundation
that could support long-term success.
One of the most significant
challenges Chris faced was transforming how the organization viewed risk.
Rather than treating it as a compliance checkbox, she worked to establish it as
a strategic business enabler. To support this shift, she concentrated on three
critical areas.
First, through education and
engagement, Chris built cross-functional relationships and provided targeted
training. Her focus was on helping internal stakeholders understand not just
what risk management required, but why it mattered.
Second, she developed scalable
frameworks by implementing foundational policies, risk-tiering models, and due
diligence procedures that could grow with the organization. This transition
moved the company from a reactive posture to a proactive one.
Third, Chris secured leadership
buy-in, working closely with senior executives to align the risk strategy with
business goals. Their support helped embed a sense of accountability and
awareness throughout the company.
For Chris, success was not just
about controls and processes. It was about building a culture grounded in
trust, shared responsibility, and transparency. Today, the Third-Party Risk
Management Program at Lendmark is not only a core function but also a key
contributor to the company’s resilience and value creation.
Maintaining Oversight
While Staying Local
With over 525 branches across 22 states, Lendmark Financial Services has a
broad geographic presence. Chris plays a vital role in ensuring that vendor
oversight remains consistent across this diverse network. Her approach combines
centralized structure with local sensitivity.
Chris emphasizes that Lendmark follows a holistic philosophy grounded in being the employer of choice, partner of choice, and lender of choice. This mindset shapes every relationship — whether with employees, customers, or vendors.
The third-party risk framework
developed under her leadership ensures consistency across the enterprise. Core
policies and controls are standardized and scalable, allowing each branch to
adhere to the same level of vendor due diligence, compliance, and performance
tracking.
At the same time, Chris
collaborates closely with regional teams to recognize and adapt to
market-specific needs. By maintaining flexibility within a strong framework,
Lendmark is able to deliver local solutions that still meet enterprise
standards. Chris describes this approach as maintaining integrity at scale
while remaining responsive to the communities they serve.
Procurement as a
Strategic Force
In Chris’s view, procurement in the financial services industry has evolved
significantly. What was once considered a transactional or operational task has
now become a critical strategic function. With rising regulatory expectations,
procurement professionals must ensure more than just cost efficiency.
Chris believes procurement leaders are now responsible for overseeing compliance, data protection, vendor ethics, and performance standards. The role requires deep collaboration across departments, a high level of scrutiny in vendor selection, and constant monitoring after contracts are signed.
For Chris, procurement is no
longer just about what an organization purchases. It is about who is trusted to
deliver those services. She prioritizes building strong, mutually beneficial
partnerships where vendors share in Lendmark’s mission and values. Her goal is to
cultivate long-term, win-win relationships that reflect the company’s
commitment to excellence, trust, and shared success.
Relentless Pursuit of Growth
Chris has always been an avid learner, believing that continuous education is
crucial—especially in today’s rapidly evolving regulatory environment. To stay
ahead, she regularly participates in webinars, reads white papers, and attends
industry conferences. Earning certifications like CRVPM IV and CCSA has not
only strengthened her subject matter expertise but also enhanced her leadership
credibility. These credentials have deepened her understanding of vendor risk
and compliance, empowering her to lead with authority and strategic clarity.
Chris also views these certifications as a reflection of her commitment to
excellence, values she consistently instills in her team to foster high
performance and accountability.
The Ripple Effect of Empowerment
Chris’s leadership philosophy was significantly shaped by her experiences in
the 2016 Pathbuilders Percepta program and the 2022 Achieva program. These
leadership development journeys taught her to lead with intention, clarity, and
a strong value system. Since graduating, she has paid it forward by serving as
a mentor in the same Percepta program, as well as within the Third Party Risk
Association and Lendmark itself. She views mentorship not just as an
opportunity to guide others, but also as a source of personal growth—some of
her mentees have even become close friends. For Chris, mentorship is a
responsibility and a privilege—a way to help more women navigate and shape
their professional paths.
A Culture Rooted in Service and Strategy
Chris attributes her leadership success to a servant-leadership mindset, putting
people first while remaining results-driven. She focuses on creating
environments where trust, growth, and accountability thrive. Through
consistency, care, and the support of a strong team, she has helped foster a
culture at Lendmark where everyone feels seen, heard, and empowered. Her
approach is rooted in service, authenticity, and strategic alignment, enabling
the team to overcome challenges, build cross-functional trust, and achieve
meaningful outcomes.
Seventeen Years of Purposeful Leadership
At Lendmark Financial Services, Chris contributes to the company's strong
community culture by leading with empathy, clarity, and a deep commitment to
helping others succeed. She mentors emerging talent, creates space for diverse
voices, and makes it a priority to recognize and elevate her team. Her leadership
style emphasizes listening, sharing knowledge, and offering meaningful growth
opportunities.
Chris works alongside colleagues such as Melanie Fuller, Loni Johnson, April Oglesby, Gerard Haynes, Nicole Adams, and Amanda Holley, individuals she considers instrumental to the team’s success. Together, they share a clear understanding of their mission: not just to get the job done, but to do it with excellence.
She also lives out Lendmark’s
LEND core values, Loyalty, Engaging, Nurturing, and Decisive, in her daily
leadership. Having served with Lendmark for more than 17 years, Chris
exemplifies loyalty through her consistent alignment with the company’s
mission. She engages across departments to build collaborative partnerships,
nurtures those she leads with intention and care, and makes decisive choices
that impact the company’s operational resilience.
The Strategic Spark Behind Lendmark’s Mobile Leap
Chris played a central role in Project ICON, the internal initiative that led
to the development and launch of the Lendmark Mobile App. Inspired by the
vision of founder and CEO Bobby Aiken, the project marked a pivotal moment for
the company by elevating the digital customer experience.
For Chris, this project was a
defining moment in her career. It sharpened her ability to think strategically
and reinforced the importance of innovation aligned with customer needs. It
also demonstrated her ability to lead cross-functional initiatives that deliver
long-term business impact.
The New Era of Vendor Risk
Chris understands that vendor risk today extends far beyond traditional
compliance. Under her leadership, Lendmark has expanded its third-party risk
strategy to address growing concerns around cybersecurity and Environmental,
Social, and Governance (ESG) factors.
The organization now integrates
comprehensive assessments into the procurement process, including data security
protocols and sustainability benchmarks. Chris ensures that vendors are not
only compliant but also aligned with Lendmark’s values around ethical sourcing,
cyber safety, and environmental responsibility. Her approach is holistic,
balancing operational risk with long-term resilience and stakeholder trust.
A Voice for Ethical Impact
As a published author and speaker, Chris uses her platform to influence the
procurement and risk management space in meaningful ways. She advocates for
transparent, values-driven vendor relationships that protect businesses while
fostering social good.
Chris draws heavily from her own experiences, using storytelling to demonstrate the value of trust and partnership in procurement. Grounded in faith and a strong ethical foundation, she encourages others to lead boldly and with integrity. Her goal is to help emerging leaders build careers that align with who they are while contributing to meaningful industry change.
Playbook for the Next Wave of Women Leaders
Chris is passionate about encouraging the next generation of women leaders in
procurement, compliance, and risk management. Her advice is simple yet
powerful: progress matters more than perfection.
She encourages aspiring
professionals to enter rooms with confidence, knowing their voices and
perspectives are valuable. Chris emphasizes the importance of building
technical competence alongside emotional intelligence, communication skills,
and strong networks. She urges future leaders to ask thoughtful questions, seek
mentorship, and understand the business beyond the surface.
Most importantly, she advises
them to lead from their values. Whether negotiating contracts or navigating
tough decisions, Chris believes that character is the constant that guides
long-term success.
Building a Legacy of Leadership and Trust
Of the many accolades Chris has
received, the one she values most is being recognized by her peers and leaders
for building Lendmark’s Third-Party Risk Management Program from the ground up.
Starting as a department of one,
Chris grew the program into a team of seven and led it from an idea into a
mature, scalable enterprise function. For her, the real reward lies in the
collaboration, impact, and growth, both her own and her team’s. Watching others
rise and take ownership of the vision she helped create is what makes the
achievement truly meaningful.
Data, Agility, and Purpose-Driven Growth
As Lendmark expands its national footprint, Chris is focused on leading
procurement and vendor risk into a more automated and insight-driven future.
Her goal is to integrate predictive analytics, enhance third-party visibility,
and streamline monitoring systems to drive smarter decision-making.
Chris is especially excited to
support the strategic vision of Lendmark’s executive leadership. Her focus
remains on building agile, scalable systems that not only meet regulatory
demands but also enable innovation, integrity, and long-term business value.
For her, the future of procurement and risk management lies in adaptability,
technology, and trusted relationships that support sustainable growth.
