Zeynep Ilgaz
Pittsburgh
Summary
Google-certified Generative AI Leader and ISO certified Governance, Risk & Compliance Lead Implementer with expertise in data governance, regulatory reporting (CCAR, CECL, ICAAP) and quantitative analysis and data management. Proven ability to bridge AI innovation with compliant, well-governed data practices in the financial industry.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Vice President II- Data Manager
Bank of New York (BNY)
08.2023 - Current
- Deliver high-quality macroeconomic data and analytics to support CCAR, CECL, ad hoc stress tests, climate risk scenarios, and enterprise-wide stress testing exercises for the world’s largest custodian bank, strengthening compliance and strategic decision-making.
- Directed the full data lifecycle of macroeconomic and financial datasets, from acquisition and cleansing to validation, integration, storage, and secure distribution across modeling teams.
- Researched, extracted, and analyzed macroeconomic indicators using Bloomberg and other financial platforms to enhance scenario-based risk modeling and stress testing.
- Designed and maintained databases and spearheaded AI-driven initiatives to improve data accuracy, retrieval speed, and reliability for regulatory and quantitative models.
- Partnered with model developers, risk managers, and regulatory teams to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant delivery of critical economic variables.
- Maintained comprehensive documentation and procedures on macroeconomic data usage for stress testing, delivering required materials to internal audit and model risk management while serving as a bridge across all three lines of defense.
- Led data quality assurance initiatives, implementing standardized validation, documentation, and version control practices that reduced model errors and improved audit readiness.
Vice President I – Program Management Specialist
Bank of New York (BNY)
10.2021 - 08.2023
- Enhanced regulatory support by maintaining the Risk Modeling and Analytics inventory.
- Ensured compliance by monitoring model inventory changes against governance frameworks.
- Resolved discrepancies with RMA modelers and MRMG to improve data integrity.
- Provided analytical insights on model performance to support strategic decision-making.
Balance Sheet Specialist
PNC Financial Services
05.2019 - 10.2021
- Conducted data gathering, forecasting, and financial analysis for Non-Interest Expense projections in CCAR/DFAST Stress Tests, providing insights to senior leadership and the Executive Coordinating Committee (ECC).
- Executed business strategies as a non-model developer by testing and validating assumptions, performing sensitivity and back-testing, and ensuring alignment with regulatory expectations.
- Partnered with Balance Sheet Management and Finance Governance Organization (FGO) to support model risk management, streamline financial reporting, and enhance forecasting accuracy.
- Collaborated with key stakeholders, including Model Risk Management Group (MRMG), Internal Audit, and Finance Governance, to address regulatory requirements, coordinate responses, and drive remediation efforts.
Credit Associate
PPG Architectural Coating
03.2019 - 05.2019
- Performs credit investigations and evaluations of credit risk in order to approve new customer accounts and assign credit limits.
- Monitors accounts on a daily basis, places accounts on hold, releases orders, reviews collections notes and aged balances, provides account adjustments as necessary.
Graduate Student Teaching Fellow
University of Pittsburgh
09.2017 - 12.2018
- Enhanced student understanding in International Trade, Game Theory, and Microeconomics through tutoring.
- Evaluated and maintained accurate academic records for student performance assessments.
- Conducted extensive research using statistical techniques and library resources to gather data.
- Synthesized and analyzed research data to draw meaningful conclusions and insights.
- Organized and monitored research activities, ensuring timely progress reporting.
- Developed and refined research methodologies and procedures to improve project outcomes.
Government Official
Social Security Administration of Turkish Republic
08.2011 - 08.2013
- Ensured regulatory compliance through comprehensive audits of insurance plans.
- Managed asset-seizure proceedings against non-compliant employers, coordinating liquidations.
- Validated insurance contributions by performing risk assessments on declared assets.
Research Assistant
Maltepe University
10.2009 - 12.2010
- Enhanced research outcomes by designing comprehensive data-collection protocols.
- Analyzed quantitative and qualitative data to support ongoing research findings.
- Streamlined workflows and tracked milestones for efficient project management.
- Optimized research validity by refining experimental procedures and test plans.
Education
Master of Arts - Economics
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA12-2018
Bachelor of Arts - Mathematics
Pennsylvania Western University
California, PA05-2016
Master of Arts - Economics
Istanbul Technical University
Istanbul, Turkey06-2011
Bachelor of Arts - Economics
Istanbul University
Istanbul, Turkey06-2009
Certification
Certified Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) Lead Implementer- ITCerts, 2025
Certified Generative AI Leader- Google, 2025
Bloomberg Market Concepts, Bloomberg 2024
Timeline
Vice President II- Data Manager
Bank of New York (BNY)
08.2023 - Current
Vice President I – Program Management Specialist
Bank of New York (BNY)
10.2021 - 08.2023
Balance Sheet Specialist
PNC Financial Services
05.2019 - 10.2021
Credit Associate
PPG Architectural Coating
03.2019 - 05.2019
Graduate Student Teaching Fellow
University of Pittsburgh
09.2017 - 12.2018
Government Official
Social Security Administration of Turkish Republic
08.2011 - 08.2013
Research Assistant
Maltepe University
10.2009 - 12.2010
Master of Arts - Economics
University of Pittsburgh
Bachelor of Arts - Mathematics
Pennsylvania Western University
Master of Arts - Economics
Istanbul Technical University
Bachelor of Arts - Economics
Istanbul University