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Laurence Talley
Laurence Talley

Laurence Talley ’91

Director, Risk Advisory Services

One of the most memorable moments is my experience was the Alpha Phi Alpha led sit-ins and marches to encourage the acknowledgement and celebration of Martin Luther King Day. This was the impetus to what's now an outstanding day of programming and celebration of Dr. King's legacy.

Education

B.S., Accounting, University of Mount Union
MBA, John Carroll University 

Location

Bedford Heights, Ohio 

I consult companies in the design of internal audit functions including governance, resource management, infrastructure and operations. I also advise companies to enhance controllership and risk management processes. Efforts include leveraging data analysis techniques to evaluate the cost of controls, risk tolerances and the alignment of controls with business objectives.

Comfortable Environment

I chose Mount Union because of its small, intimate and comfortable environment. Not only did it have an attractive student-faculty ratio and a high job placement rate, but two highly-respected and admirable guys I grew up with attended Mount Union too.

Mount Union Success

Mount Union offers a unique balance of outstanding academics, athletics and traditional collegiate living in a very intimate and accessible format and package. The environment is undergirded by a diverse set of students and faculty with a common interest in academics, professional and personal success.

Favorite Professor

Professor Penny made me respect the accounting profession and also helped me to believe that I could be successful in the field.

Mount Union Memories

One of the most memorable moments is my experience was the Alpha Phi Alpha led sit-ins and marches to encourage the acknowledgement and celebration of Martin Luther King Day. This was the impetus to what’s now an outstanding day of programming and celebration of Dr. King’s legacy. Dr. King is one of the most prominent members of Alpha Phi Alpha, which makes our effort even more special. Additionally, dance parties with the Black Student Union (in the basement of the old medical center) created many memories.

Starting a Career

I worked at National City Bank (now PNC) in the internal audit department. I served as a trainee and participated in an audit development program.

Internship

I interned at Park View Federal Bank in Cleveland, OH. I worked primarily as a teller and supported a variety of retail banking activities. I actually landed this job with the help of my mom, who knew members of the bank’s leadership team.

Helpful Activities

I was a peer advisor at Mount Union, as well as a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, the men’s basketball team and treasurer of the Black Student Union.

Continuing Education

I earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the Boler School of Business at John Carroll University. I always enjoyed wearing my Mount Union paraphernalia while taking classes at John Carroll.

Preparing for Life After College

In addition to providing a great foundation in accounting and finance, Mount Union provided an outstanding network of accomplished professionals who I could easily leverage for mentorship, career guidance and marketing opportunities.

Dormitory Living

I lived in Cunningham Hall and the Alpha House, which is now a vacant lot that I would love to see turned into a study park!

Lifelong Friends

I absolutely remain in contact with a lot of my friends from Mount Union. Social media has been a great medium to support connectivity. Also, I typically return to campus for Homecoming and Alumni Weekend. The various alumni events during that weekend provide an outstanding opportunity to reconnect with old friends.

Future Goals

I want to learn to play the guitar well enough to play publicly.