Kelly Merchant

About Kelly Merchant

I lead compliance, shared services, and operational governance within QSR environments where execution speed and risk exposure move in parallel.My background spans Scrum-based delivery, security governance, and process optimization, with a focus on making privacy and compliance practical inside real operations. I’ve led cross-functional initiatives across technology, operations, and cybersecurity, guiding PCI programs, audit readiness, and consumer data risk frameworks that integrate into daily workflows.I work at the intersection of operations and risk. Not as a control function, but as an enabler. The goal is not more policy. It’s clearer systems, stronger accountability, and governance that supports growth rather than slowing it.I also advise QSR brands on strengthening consumer data oversight, improving vendor risk visibility, and aligning compliance programs with operational realities.Strong leadership, in my view, means connecting strategy to execution, building clarity across teams, and creating structures that make the right action the easy action.

Experience

1. Manager Shared Services and Compliance

   White Castle

   Dec 2023 — Present · US

   As Manager of Shared Services and Compliance, I lead cross-functional teams focused on strengthening operational efficiency, security, and regulatory alignment across the organization. My work centers on project management and Scrum delivery, ensuring complex initiatives move from concept to completion with structure, transparency, and measurable impact.I focus on enterprise-wide compliance programs including PCI, data security, and governance frameworks, partnering with business and technology teams to align policy with practical execution. I also guide continuous improvement efforts through process design, risk assessments, and collaborative problem-solving that supports both innovation and accountability.In this role, I combine technical insight with leadership—coaching teams, managing priorities, and using AI-driven tools and agile practices to enhance productivity and compliance outcomes. My focus is on creating scalable processes, driving engagement, and building a culture where efficiency, security, and strategy work together.

Education

• University of Washington

  Animal Behavior CAAB, Applied Animal Behavior - Behavioral Science

• Duke University

  Chimpanzee Behavior and Conservation

  2019 — 2019

• The Reiki Center Center For Healing Arts

  Animal Reiki Level One, Reiki Level One, Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems

  2013 — 2015

Skills

• Cyber-Security
• Windows
• C++
• Program Management
• Procedure Development
• Documentation
• Research
• Event Planning
• Project Planning
• Visual Basic
• Pci Standards
• Information Technology
• Process Improvement
• Compliance Pci
• Microsoft Office
• Photos
• Microsoft Word
• Team Leadership
• Policy
• Customer Service
• Mobile Applications
• Holistic Medicine
• Information Security
• Problem Solving
• Team Building
• Management
• Team Management
• Customer Satisfaction
• Training
• Html
• Proposal Writing
• Business Process Improvement
• Powerpoint
• Microsoft Excel
• Photoshop
• Mobile Devices
• Employee Training
• Leadership
• Outlook
• Basic Html