Chris Farris
Lead Counsel – Compliance, Regulatory and Ethics, Accenture Federal Services
Chris Farris’ biggest recent achievement was bringing Accenture Federal Services’ Legal Risk Assessment process in-house from outside counsel, which resulted in substantial cost savings and provided greater transparency and control over policies, processes and procedures.
By incorporating data-driven metrics and expanding the scope of our assessments, Farris and his team enhanced the company’s ability to identify and mitigate risks more effectively. Additionally, by conducting these assessments as a collaborative team effort, Farris and his team improved cross-functional insight, increased efficiency and strengthened the company’s overall risk management strategy.
“Chris has a unique talent for partnering across functional areas and with all our people to understand our compliance needs and develop programs that have a meaningful and measurable impact,” said Deborah Ringel, general counsel for Accenture Federal Services. “With Chris at its helm, our Legal Ethics & Compliance program is robust, current and engaging, and always evolving to be even better.”
Why Watch
In 2025, Farris and his team are leading the charge on responsible AI and data-driven risk management. They are launching a comprehensive program – both internally and for clients – to develop and deploy AI responsibly, with high-risk applications undergoing elevated controls. They are also enhancing data collection and analysis to better measure risks and evaluate the effectiveness of the company’s compliance program.
“I am passionate about ethics & compliance and proud to work for a company that puts integrity into action,” Farris said. “I believe we can make learning fun and impactful through interactive trainings, gamification, and in-person engagement events. By finding creative ways to reach employees where they are and embedding E&C throughout our business, we are helping to mitigate risks and foster a culture of compliance.”
Fun Fact: Since his teens, Farris has worked in food service at a retirement home, behind a movie theater concession stand, as a janitor at Woolworth’s, a waiter at Bennigan’s, an executive assistant to a tech CEO and a director at a summer program for kids with disabilities.