Announcing USC’s interim chief compliance officer

Aug. 26, 2024

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Dear Trojan Community,

I am pleased to announce that Mike Blanton, vice president of professionalism and ethics, has agreed to also serve as interim vice president for culture, ethics, and compliance, beginning October 1, 2024, when Stacy Giwa steps into the role of interim senior vice president of human resources. 

In addition to his current responsibilities, Mike will oversee the Office of Culture, Ethics, and Compliance (OCEC), including providing strategic oversight for key compliance areas and working closely with the Working Group on University Culture, where Stacy will remain a co-chair, to assist with our continued community engagement to shape a culture aligned with our Unifying Values.

Mike is a highly skilled leader in the area of compliance. A graduate of the Gould School of Law and former outside counsel for USC, Mike was recruited to join the university in 2017 to lead the Office of Athletic Compliance. Then in 2018, he was promoted to vice president to lead the newly formed Office of Professionalism and Ethics, including Athletic Compliance, to foster behaviors consistent with professional and university standards. During this past year, the Office of Threat Assessment and Management was added to his portfolio. 

His historical knowledge and experience – as a student, alum, vendor, and employee – have enabled him to inform significant, positive changes at the university. He and his team were instrumental to the launch of the USC Report & Response website, a one-stop portal for Trojans and guests to report concerns and get access to the help and resources they may need, and their continued efforts to expand institutional knowledge and understanding of NCAA and conference regulations, which will continue to serve USC well as a new member of the Big 10. 

In his role as vice president of professionalism and ethics, Mike is a member of the HR, Equity, and Compliance (HREC) Leadership Team, working in close partnership with colleagues in the division, including in the Office of Culture, Ethics, and Compliance, and serving on HREC-led working groups, including the Employee Relations Consultative Group and Youth Protection Advisory Group. His experience will provide continuity as we continue to reinforce a culture of care and compliance across the university.

Before joining USC, Mike had a 20-year career as an attorney, managing cases, investigations, and counseling. He has also served as a temporary judge for the Ventura and Los Angeles County Superior Courts and is an active member of the California Bar Association.

Please join me in thanking Mike for taking on this important role.

Felicia A. Washington Senior Vice President Human Resources, Equity, and Compliance