Podcast | AI and Governance: Harnessing Innovation While Managing Risks- with Constantine Boyadjiev and Rich Kessler

Episode 12

Our Blind Spots in the Boardroom series is focused on critical business issues that can significantly impact an organization's strategy and operations, particularly those that the board and/or C-suite are not focused on at all or enough.

In this episode of the Blind Spots in the Boardroom podcast, Protiviti Managing Director and host Constantine Boyadjiev welcomes Rich Kessler, a Director in Protiviti’s Technology Risk and Resilience, to discusses the growing impact of AI, especially generative models, on governance functions. They explore the balance between innovation and risk, emphasizing responsible adoption through structured frameworks, cross-functional collaboration, and secure experimentation. The conversation encourages organizations to proactively manage AI's risks while leveraging its transformative potential.

With over two decades of experience in risk management, financial crime analytics, and regulatory compliance, Constantine advises global clients on the strategic application of data science and advanced analytics to combat fraud, enhance regulatory reporting, and improve operational resilience. A trusted advisor to Fortune 500 companies and financial institutions, he has designed and implemented enterprise-wide solutions leveraging AI and machine learning to detect and mitigate complex risk typologies. Constantine is also a three-time patent holder and plays a key role in driving innovation across Protiviti’s analytics offerings.

Rick Kessler serves as Director of the Land and Materials Administration at the Maryland Department of the Environment with extensive experience in energy policy, environmental regulation, and public service. He oversees statewide programs in waste management, site remediation, and sustainable materials. Rick previously held senior roles at the U.S. EPA and as Democratic Staff Director for the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee, where he helped shape key national legislation. He also served as Vice President of the Pipeline Safety Trust, advancing safety and environmental accountability.

For further information on this and other relevant topics for the boardroom, visit our Board and C-Suite Leadership insights collection on Protiviti’s website.

For information about Rich and to contact him, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikessler

For more information about Constantine and to contact him, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/constantineboyadjiev