Spotlight on Operations Resource Committee Member Susan Migliaccio

January 9, 2025

Strong governance, risk, and controls expertise supports the FWA’s mission


If you have a question about driving technological, financial and strategic transformation, Susan Migliaccio is your go-to expert. With over 20 years of experience, she has a proven track record of advising executives in complex organizations on intricate challenges across finance, operations and technology to achieve their goals. Her unique ability to solve problems from multiple functional perspectives provides valuable insights to her clients and teams. She is adept at building strong relationships with clients and bringing the right people together to achieve consensus and drive change.


Sherree DeCovny, co-chair of the Marketing & Strategic Communications Committee, recently sat down with Susan to discuss how she has brought her expertise to various leadership roles within the FWA.

Sherree: Susan, to start off, please tell us about your professional background.

 

Susan: I studied Accounting in college, and I have my CPA. I began my career in audit, performing financial statement audits at Deloitte before being recruited by PwC. In 2006, I joined PwC's consulting arm. At PwC, I rose to the level of director, working with clients across diverse industries and sizes – from individuals to Fortune 100 companies. My role was to advise them on complex operations and finance matters, ranging from crisis management and resolution to general business advisory. I had the privilege of working on the ground with global clients in their local country operations, partnering with local PwC colleagues to incorporate cultural considerations into our approach and outcomes.

 

In 2018, I joined Bank of New York as part of the Transformation and Program Management team, providing leadership and oversight on high-priority, cross-functional, strategic bank efforts. My portfolio of work included platform conversions, business relocation and digital transformation to improve the user experience, enhance operational efficiency and mitigate risk.

 

Currently, I’m a director in Securities Services at BNY, where I lead change management initiatives across the Asset Servicing client service teams. I’m responsible for planning, executing and scaling new ways of working to enhance internal and external client experiences, protect and grow client relationships and drive optimal outcomes for both clients and the firm.

 

Sherree: Can you tell us about a time when you had to pivot in your career?

 

Susan:  Absolutely! Anyone who has a long career will find themselves pivoting at one point or another. My biggest pivot was going from the consulting world to being an in-house strategy and change management agent. I had been a consultant for over 10 years at that point, and my biggest challenge was going from a billable environment to an in-house consultant and advisor. The best part of making this transition is that I get to see the results of my projects and see the continuation of my efforts. I would be happy to talk to fellow FWA members who are considering that change in their careers.

 

Sherree: How long have you been a member of the FWA, and why did you decide to join?

 

Susan: About 15 years ago, I started attending some networking events at my firm to broaden my connections. Some people I met suggested that I should check out the FWA as well. I was so impressed by the caliber of the FWA’s programming and the people that I became a member.

 

Sherree: What leadership roles have you held in the FWA, and how have you benefited?

 

Susan: Soon after I joined the FWA, I became an active member of the Professional Services and Liaison Committee, which created programming for accountants, lawyers and other professional services providers. Volunteering on a committee gave me an opportunity to get to know other members in a smaller, regular/recurring setting and quickly build meaningful relationships within the organization.

 

The following year, I was asked to co-lead the Professional Services and Liaison Committee, which I did for a couple years. I served as the FWA’s treasurer for two years. I stepped off the board temporarily, and then returned a couple years later as chair of the Audit Committee – a role I held for three years.

 

More recently, I was appointed to be a member of the Operations Resource Committee (ORC) along with Katrin Dambrot and Stephanie Hauge. Our remit is to support the FWA’s office – sometimes by taking on special projects. For example, this committee reviewed our policies and practices to support the FWA’s move to a virtual office, from inception to its current mature state, to ensure alignment with the risks and opportunities associated with this change. Ultimately, our goal is to leave the FWA in a better place than when we started.

 

On reflection, each role and committee I participated in has a specific focus, so I was able to see the FWA through a few different lenses. Along the way, I’ve had the opportunity to share and learn from a diverse group of people who have gained unique expertise from working in different companies. It’s been a very enriching experience.

 

Sherree: How would you like to see the FWA evolve in the future?

 

Susan: The FWA’s vision is to promote professional development and advancement of all women through education, mentorship, networking, alliances and advocacy across the financial sector. As such, I’d like to see the organization continue to identify relevant educational programming for our members and students and be seen as a resource for the latest thought leadership. It’s so important for us to reflect the way the financial services industry is innovating and evolving.

 

Sherree: How have you benefited from the FWA?

 

Susan: I treasure the friendships and relationships I’ve built through the FWA. It’s fantastic to partner with like-minded individuals who have diverse experiences and goals. I always have someone to call when I need to get feedback on my ideas. Importantly, the experience and skills I've gained through my volunteer roles have been invaluable in helping me to drive my career forward.

 

My advice to members is join a committee and be an active contributor because you get out of the FWA what you put into it.







Enhance your FWA involvement today!

From Courtside to Connections: FWA’s Unforgettable Day at the Liberty Game

July 24, 2025
The roar of the crowd, a Liberty comeback win, and the connections sparked in the owner’s suite made July 13 a day that perfectly captured the spirit of the Financial Women’s Association. FWA members and friends gathered at Barclays Center not only to watch an exciting WNBA game but to celebrate community, inspiration, and collaboration. From courtside cheers to suite-side introductions, the atmosphere was electric as conversations sparked across every corner of the room. It was a chance to build new relationships and strengthen existing ones while enjoying world-class basketball. Moments That Mattered What made the day truly memorable was more than the final score. It was the opportunity to connect with leaders, colleagues, and friends in a unique setting. As Laura Smith Dunaief, FWA Wall Street Exchange Co-Chair, shared, “So much fun! Great networking and an exciting game!” Nina Batson, FWA Past President, summed it up perfectly, “Another great FWA event!” One first-time FWA attendee said, “It was my first FWA event and I left inspired and energized by the incredible women I met.” The event would not have been possible without the leadership of Keia Clarke, CEO of the New York Liberty, the support of Robert Windrem of NetsDaily, Programming Committee Chair Patti Domm, FWA Executive Director and COO Alissa Desmarais, and the talented photographer Leya Yusupov who captured the day’s energy.

Joele Frank shares Strategic Communications Career Opportunities with Wall Street Exchange

July 22, 2025
During week 4 of the Wall Street Exchange Program , participants were engaged in a highly interactive session about career opportunities in Strategic Communications (StratComms), a field with which only 50 percent of the interns were familiar. Heather Wallach and Jordan Resnick from Joele Frank shared that, for those with a passion for storytelling and writing and with exceptional attention to detail, StratComms offers an opportunity to flex those skill muscles by helping firms manage crises, communicate clearly, and develop company narratives. While many firm relationships might begin with transactional engagements, they often evolve into long-term partnerships.  StratComms requires coordination and cross-communication with other partners that form a firm’s advisory circle, such as Investor Relations and Public Relations firms. This makes relationship-building and other interpersonal skills valuable attributes. While a degree or background in finance is not required, Jordan Resnick shared advice for those interested in entry level opportunities. She recommended following business news platforms to learn and stay current and writing a cover letter that expresses curiosity and interest in the field. The WSE Committee extends its gratitude to Joele Frank and its speakers for an insightful session and for their support of FWA and the Wall Street Exchange Program.

Voices From Red Bank: Two Nights of Connection

July 17, 2025
Our Tastes of New Jersey series continued earlier this month with two dinners at Monticello’s in Red Bank on July 9 and July 12. Both evenings reminded us why these gatherings matter: authentic conversations, shared stories, and the chance to connect beyond titles and LinkedIn headlines. As one attendee said: “Absolutely fantastic evening. Each of you have such interesting backgrounds and experiences. It was a pleasure.” – Maggie Kriebelt The discussions covered everything from work-life balance to travel and even astronomy, creating a space where members could learn from and inspire one another. “Such a nice evening. A pleasure dining with all of you.” – Debra Curran Many thanks to Past President Nina Batson for making these evenings possible: “What a fantastic time. Thanks to Nina for facilitating it.” – Susan Aufiero-Peters We are bringing this same energy to Summit tonight, with Clinton and Westfield coming up soon. Join us at the table...

FWA Leaders Visit the Consulate General of the United Arab Emirates

July 16, 2025
The Financial Women’s Association had the great honor of visiting the Consulate General of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in New York City. We were warmly welcomed by Her Excellency Amna Ali Hamad Bin Zaal Almheiri and her team, who graciously shared their time and insights on the UAE’s remarkable journey of economic development, visionary leadership, and global engagement. Our visit marks the beginning of preparations for the FWA’s 2026 International Business Conference , which we are thrilled to host in the UAE next April. We extend heartfelt thanks to Her Excellency and the Consulate for their generous support and to Elynore Moran for her seamless coordination and professionalism. Each year, the FWA’s International Business Conference explores a region where fundamental investment and business opportunities are emerging. Since 1978—when we were one of the first U.S. delegations to visit China after its reopening—FWA has brought delegates to more than 30 countries across six continents. In every destination, we meet with senior government officials and business leaders to gain firsthand insights into economic conditions and policy strategies that shape global finance. For nearly five decades, the IBC has empowered our members to deepen their understanding of international markets and bring that knowledge back to their careers, companies, and communities in the U.S. As we look ahead to 2026, we are excited to spotlight the UAE’s dynamic role in finance, technology, and global diplomacy—and to further cultivate cross-cultural dialogue and professional exchange.
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