Vanessa Pickens

Corporate risk and compliance professional with experience in healthcare and insurance, specializing in risk analysis, regulatory compliance, and operational integrity within highly regulated environments. As a Senior Underwriter at Progressive Insurance, I analyze complex information, investigate discrepancies, validate documentation, and collaborate with stakeholders to support sound risk-based decisions and strengthen business processes.

I hold an Associate of Science in Programming & Analysis and am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Science in Technology Development & Management with a concentration in Cybersecurity while preparing for the CompTIA Security+ certification. My technical foundation includes cybersecurity principles, SQL, Python, secure system design, workflow analysis, and data governance.

My career goal is to specialize in Cyber Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) and Cyber Insurance, where I can combine my experience in corporate risk, compliance, and technology to help organizations strengthen security governance, manage cyber risk, and support regulatory and business objectives.

Senior Underwriter / Risk Analyst at Progressive Insurance (2025-01 – Present)

• Analyze system-generated policy data to identify anomalies, assess operational risk, and ensure compliance with regulatory and internal control requirements.
• Investigate complex policy discrepancies, validate data integrity, and document risk-based decisions to support audit readiness and governance.
• Document findings, risk indicators, and decision rationale to support audit readiness, regulatory compliance, and operational consistency.
• Identify potential fraud indicators, assess potential exposure, and escalate high-risk cases in accordance with established investigative procedures.
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to resolve complex issues, communicate risk and ensure consistent regulatory compliance.
• Strengthen operational controls by identifying process improvements that enhance data quality, workflow integrity, and risk mitigation.

Research & Testing Specialist / Insurance Agent at Progressive Insurance (2023-01 – 2025-01)

• Supported testing, validation, and quality assurance of digital platforms used for quoting, underwriting, and policy processing to ensure system accuracy and business readiness.
• Analyzed system workflows and business processes to identify data inconsistencies, operational risks, control gaps, and potential fraud indicators.
• Documented testing results and partnered with technical and business teams to support system enhancements and process improvements.
• Evaluated platform functionality, and workflow performance to improve data integrity and operational efficiency.
• Participated in user acceptance testing (UAT), providing feedback that improved system suability and business processes.

Shift Supervisor – Telehealth Systems at Banyan Medical Technology Systems (2022-01 – 2023-01)

• Managed daily telehealth operations involving sensitive healthcare data, ensuring compliance with HIPPA and protection with confidential information.
• Evaluated documentation process to identify compliance risks, improve data integrity, and maintain accurate electronic records.
• Strengthen operational controls by implementing workflow improvements that enhanced documentation quality and process consistency.
• Training and mentored staff on HIPPA compliance, documentation standards, and secure handling of sensitive patient information.

Travel Healthcare Professional at HealthTrust Workforce Group (2020-11 – 2022-11)

• Adapted quickly to diverse healthcare environments by learning multiple EHR systems while maintaining HIPPA compliance and documentation integrity.
• Safeguarded protected health information (PHI) by ensuring accurate documentation, data confidentiality, and adherence to organizational policies.
• Trained and supported staff on electronic documentation workflows, compliance procedures, and secure information handling.
• Promoted quality improvement initiatives by promoting standardized processes, documentation consistency, and operational compliance.

Oncology Technician Lead at Moffitt Cancer Center (2017-01 – 2020-11)

• Safeguarded protected health information (PHI) by ensuring compliance with HIPPA regulations and organizational privacy policies.
• Trained and mentored clinical staff on electronic documentation, workflow procedures, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Maintained data integrity by validating patient documentation and supporting accurate, complete clinical records.
• Supported quality assurance initiatives through process adherence, documentation accuracy, and compliance with established healthcare standards.

• B.A.S Technology Management & Development – Cybersecurity – St. Petersburg College (Present)

• A.S in Programming & Analysis – Hillsborough Community College (2025-05)

• Certificate in Programming Specialist – Hillsborough Community College (2025-05)