In this episode of Great Women in Compliance, co-host Dr. Hemma Lomax welcomes Shannon Ralich, Vice President of Compliance and Chief Privacy Officer at Machinify, to discuss the evolving landscape of data privacy, cybersecurity, and responsible AI.

Shannon shares her remarkable journey from a curious child taking apart electronics to a seasoned leader blending technology, law, and strategy. She offers insight into how curiosity and creativity can fuel governance excellence and explains what it means to design systems that anticipate risk and enable responsible innovation.

Together, Hemma and Shannon explore:

• How privacy and cybersecurity intersect in today’s fast-evolving AI environment
• The most pressing compliance challenges around data governance and global regulation
• Lessons from the SolarWinds and Uber cases and the growing conversation around individual accountability for CISOs and compliance leaders
• Practical steps for staying agile—through reliable news sources, cross-functional camaraderie, and professional networks
• How to translate corporate compliance skills into meaningful community impact through nonprofit leadership and animal rescue advocacy

Shannon’s message is a powerful reminder that the best leaders bring their full selves to the work: technical precision, ethical clarity, and human compassion.

Biography:

Shannon Ralich is the Vice President of Compliance and Chief Privacy Officer at Machinify, a healthcare intelligence company applying AI to improve the efficiency and integrity of healthcare payments. With more than 20 years of experience across legal, compliance, privacy, and cybersecurity roles, Shannon specializes in aligning governance frameworks with business innovation.

She also serves on the Advisory Board of the Privacy Bar Section of the IAPP (International Association of Privacy Professionals). She is widely respected for her strategic, forward-thinking approach to data protection and responsible AI governance.

Beyond her professional expertise, Shannon is a passionate advocate for animal welfare. She sits on the Board of Directors for the Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue, where she leverages her operational and technological skills to strengthen fundraising, improve systems, and support global rescue missions.

A lifelong learner and self-described “builder,” Shannon finds creativity and grounding through woodworking, outdoor adventures with her family, and contributing to causes that make both workplaces and communities more humane.

Note: The views expressed in this podcast are our own and do not represent the views of our employers, nor should they be taken as legal advice in any circumstances.