The field of compliance and risk management spans multiple dynamic and evolving industries, from aerospace to healthcare to financial services. At a recent webinar hosted by Seattle University School of Law, Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs Kelli Rodriguez invited Jon Lewis, an alumnus of the university’s Master of Legal Studies (MLS) in Compliance and Risk Management program, to discuss his career journey and the role of compliance in business operations.
A Unique Path to Compliance
Jon Lewis’s career trajectory showcases the diverse pathways leading to compliance and risk management. With an educational background in engineering, Jon’s first role was in the oil fields of California before transitioning to Boeing as an engineer. Over his 30-year career at Boeing, Jon progressed from engineering to manufacturing management and eventually into contract negotiations and risk management.
His exposure to contractual risk management while negotiating airplane sales worldwide ignited an interest in governance and corporate oversight. As he approached retirement, Jon sought to deepen his understanding of internal governance, leading him to the MLS program at Seattle University.
The Role of Compliance in Business
Compliance and risk management play a pivotal role in every industry. Jon’s experience in contractual risk management provided foundational skills in defining liabilities, managing payment terms, and clarifying regulatory expectations. These same principles apply broadly in aerospace, agriculture, or financial services.
One of Jon’s recent projects involved consulting for a company in the hops distribution industry, helping their Chief Risk Officer implement an enterprise risk management program. His work ranged from refining procurement policies to analyzing governance structures and implementing delegation of authority policies. His ability to translate business risks into structured compliance frameworks underscores the universal applicability of compliance expertise.
Bridging Business and Law
Compliance professionals act as a bridge between different areas of a company. They work across departments—finance, sales, legal, and marketing—to ensure organizational policies align with regulatory expectations and operational needs.
It’s challenging to gain buy-in from business leaders, who sometimes view compliance as an obstacle rather than a strategic advantage. However, when done effectively, compliance enhances operational efficiency, reduces liabilities, and streamlines decision-making. It also fosters equity by standardizing decision-making processes, ensuring fair treatment across an organization.
Why Pursue an MLS in Compliance and Risk Management?
Seattle University’s MLS in Compliance and Risk Management program is uniquely designed for professionals without a legal background who want to develop expertise in regulatory frameworks. The program is fully online, allowing working professionals to apply their learning in real-time to their industries.
Key benefits of the program include:
- Practical, Real-World Learning: Students work on projects directly applicable to their careers, such as regulatory analysis, risk assessments, and policy development.
- Diverse Industry Representation: The program brings together professionals from various fields, fostering rich discussions on how compliance impacts different sectors.
- Expert Adjunct Faculty: Courses are taught by industry practitioners who bring firsthand knowledge of emerging trends and challenges.
Advice for Prospective Students
Jon’s advice for students is, simply, to persevere. “It’s not always the smartest people around that are successful—it’s the ones who are the most determined,” he said. Balancing work, family, and school can be challenging, but the rewards are significant. Many students in the program have seen career advancements and new opportunities open up even before graduation.
For those looking to build a career in compliance and risk management, the MLS program at Seattle University School of Law facilitates the legal and business acumen necessary to thrive in this dynamic field.
Next Steps
If you’re interested in joining the Fall 2025 cohort, the priority scholarship deadline is June 30, with the final application deadline on August 1. Classes begin in early September.
For more information or to schedule a one-on-one conversation, contact Assistant Dean Kelli Rodriguez.
Compliance and risk management professionals play a vital role in ensuring business integrity, and Seattle University’s MLS program provides the skills needed to lead in this growing space.
