Committee Corner: Meet Naomi Ward

This month’s Committee Corner highlights Naomi Ward, an expert in Third Party Risk Management for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and an active member of the GovRAMP committee. With over a decade of experience in internal audit and executive leadership, Naomi brings a wealth of knowledge to her role, contributing to the enhancement of risk management practices. In her interview, Naomi shares insights on her journey, her experiences as a new member of the committee, and how collaboration with professionals across states has enriched her work. She offers valuable advice for those considering joining a GovRAMP committee and emphasizes the benefits of a structured, supportive environment.

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How long have you been involved with GovRAMP? 

I have been involved with GovRAMP for 1 year. 

Please provide a quote about your experience so far as a committee member. 

As a new committee member, I am grateful for the structured environment that allows new members to learn and grow within the group. This supportive framework has been instrumental in my development and integration into the committee.

What motivated you to join your respective committee? 

My extensive background in internal audit and risk management fueled my motivation to join this committee. I saw it as an opportunity to leverage my skills and experience to contribute to a vital area of GovRAMP's mission.

What advice would you share with someone interested in joining a committee with GovRAMP?  

The committee’s structure is thoughtfully designed to allow members to participate actively without feeling overwhelmed. This makes it an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in making meaningful contributions while managing their other professional responsibilities. 

What has been the most memorable or rewarding moment you have experienced working with the committee so far? 

One of the most rewarding experiences has been getting to know individuals in similar roles from other states. This interaction has provided valuable insights. It has been nice to realize that we all face similar challenges and continuously strive to overcome them. Our collective contributions to GovRAMP enhance our workflows and help us achieve our goals more effectively.