Zerr Recognized with Professional Progress Award

Brian Zerr, a 1997 BSIE alumnus, was honored with the 2016 Professional Progress Award for the industrial and manufacturing systems engineering (IMSE) department at Kanas State University. This honor recognizes successful alumni for their professional accomplishments within the first 20 years after their graduation.

Zerr currently serves as vice president and global head of operational risk oversight for American Express. He is responsible for ongoing monitoring of key risks in the company, including anti-money laundering, information security and fraud. Zerr and his team are also responsible for identifying process efficiency and effectiveness opportunities that save American Express millions of dollars each year.

Throughout his 18-year career with American Express, he has had positions of increasing responsibility in both credit and operational risk. He has worked in both U.S. and international card businesses, including a short-term assignment in Madrid, Spain, where he served as chief credit officer.

“My IE degree from K-State taught me how to think and solve complex business problems,” Zerr said. “After working with professionals across the globe, I’ve noticed many traits that set K-State grads apart, including work ethic and leadership readiness. I feel very fortunate to be part of the K-State family, and I enjoy staying involved in several engineering programs from afar.”

Zerr remains involved with his alma mater by participating in the IMSE Advisory Council, Professional Academy and Academy Mentor Program. He resides in New York City with his wife, Silvia.