Heather Laberinto has been at Webster Bank for the past eight years in progressive audit and risk management leadership roles. She is currently responsible for technology and information security risk management processes across the newly-merged organization.
Laberinto also leads the team through annual external security audits of HSA Bank, one of the country’s largest providers of employee benefits solutions and a division of Webster Bank.
What’s been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career?
My biggest accomplishment was taking the leap from the finance world into technology and quickly becoming recognized as a value-added leader. It took long hours, studying and to be honest, quite a few Google searches to learn the technology landscape and more importantly, what needs to be in place to protect our customers.
How are you involved in the community?
I am a board member and treasurer at Children’s Community School in Waterbury. It’s incredibly rewarding and allows me to draw from my accounting background and provide meaningful support to a very special mission. I also volunteer on the committee of Wellmore Behavioral Health’s largest annual fundraiser—Festival of Lights.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I love to be physically active, especially in the outdoors. I am a longtime runner and enjoy training for half marathons and long-distance relays. I recently began studying Tang Soo Do with my 13-year-old son. I also love to cook and learn about other cultures through food.
Why do you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty?
• Am responsible for implementing the risk management framework to meet the heightened regulatory requirements for a large bank and secure our customers’ data.
• Dedicate hundreds of hours per year to serving the community as a board member and treasurer at Children’s Community School and a committee member at Wellmore Behavioral Health.
• Oversaw the first successful SOC 2 assessment for HSA Bank, a division of Webster Bank, positioning the bank to grow in the market.
Bring value to organizations by implementing and improving processes across multiple disciplines.
Fun Fact
Prior to Webster, I managed and co-owned the Watertown Meat Center, a local butcher shop, deli and grocery, with my sister Christy Buso.
Theme Song
“The Greatest” – Sia
Bucket List
What are two things that you would like to achieve before you turn 40?
I’d like to travel to Italy and obtain the CRISC (Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control) certification.
Click here to return to HBJ’s 2022 40 Under Forty Award Honorees