Ann Marie Wright is an executive risk and transformational leader with a comprehensive background in guiding large scale strategic initiatives, driving operational excellence, and navigating complex regulatory environments in the financial sector.  Ann Marie is skilled in enhancing risk management frameworks, auditing processes, and compliance systems while elevating a culture of innovation and inclusion.  Ann Marie’s diverse career encompasses leading both global and domestic teams through organizational optimization, and transformational projects and initiatives.  ​

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Ann Marie is currently the U.S. Chief Risk Officer for BMO Financial Corporation, the US subsidiary of BMO Financial Group, the National’s eighth largest bank by assets.  Ann Marie is responsible for providing independent review and oversight of risk issues and ensuring that the organization is effectively identifying and managing the risks (e.g. credit, market, operational, liquidity) in BMO’s US Operations, which is approximately $400B in assets.  Being promoted to the role during the pandemic, Ann Marie has navigated numerous financial industry stresses as well as led the risk integration for BMO’s acquisition of Bank of the West in February 2023.  As part of her role, Ann Marie has extensive Board governance experience and serves on the subsidiary boards of BMO Capital Markets Corporation, BMO Harris Financing, Inc., and The BMO Chicago Branch.​

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Prior to this role, Ann Marie has served as the U.S. Chief Auditor, a key position in BMO’s US operations to maintain an effective control environment and ensure the safety and soundness of the Bank.   Ann Marie has also served as the Chief Operating Officer for BMO’s North American Commercial Bank where she led the development of short- and long-term strategies.   With over 25 years of experience, Ann Marie has distinquished herself by her drive for results, her collaborative style, and depth of experience across the 3 lines of defense.​

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Ann Marie serves on the Board of The Chicago Foundation for Women (former Board Chair), The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and Leadership Greater Chicago.  Sher maintains active membership in The Chicago Network, CHIEF, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., The Links Incorporated, and Jack and Jill of America.  ​

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Ann Marie  has also received the following awards:   Crain’s 2021 Notable Black Leaders and Executives (Crain’s Chicago Business, December 2021), Top 100 Women of Influence (Diversity MBA Magazine, 2020),  2019 Most Influential Women in Corporate America (Savoy Magazine),  Chicago United Business Leader of Color (November 2017), Most Influential Women in Commercial Banking (Crain’s Chicago Business, November 2017), and Top 100 Executives under 50 Award (Diversity Magazine, July 2016). ​

​Ann Marie holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and a Master's in Management degree specializing in Finance and Management Strategy from Northwestern University. ​

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