By Beth Losik, Baker (KS)
Claire Sammon Roberts’, San Francisco State, leadership story is defined not by titles, but by sustained service, principled decision-making, and an unwavering commitment to developing others. With 47 years of involvement with Delta Sigma
Pi and a distinguished professional career in financial services risk and compliance, Claire has consistently focused on one core question: How do we leave this organization—and the people in it—better than we found it?
Initiated into Delta Omicron Chapter at San Francisco State University in the spring of 1979, Claire entered the Fraternity during a period of transition, when women were still newly integrated and support systems were uneven. Those early experiences
shaped her leadership philosophy—one grounded in resilience, inclusion, and the belief that leadership skills are best developed through real responsibility, honest conversations, and safe opportunities to practice growth.
Professionally, Claire built a trailblazing career in financial services at a time when few women held leadership roles in operations, payments, fraud, and risk management. From senior leadership roles at Bank of America and Wells Fargo to serving as senior director of risk management and compliance at Blackhawk Network and later vice president of risk and compliance at Marqeta, Claire established herself as a respected authority in complex, high-stakes environments. Her professional
expertise deeply informed her volunteer leadership, particularly in areas such as organizational risk management, policy development, and governance.
Within Delta Sigma Pi, Claire’s record of service is both extensive and intentional. She has served as District Director, Receiver, Regional Director, Western Provincial Vice President, Vice President–Organizational Development, member of
the Board of Directors, and Trustee of the Leadership Foundation. Most recently, she served as National Professional Development Chair from 2021–2025, leading the evolution of leadership training programs for collegiate members, alumni, and
volunteer leaders during a period of significant organizational change.
A defining hallmark of Claire’s leadership is her ability to navigate difficult, often sensitive issues with clarity and integrity. She chaired major task forces addressing risk management policy, code of conduct standards, and—most critically—the
adaptation of Ritual during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her leadership during this time ensured continuity, protected member experience, and safeguarded the Fraternity’s future at a moment when many organizations faltered. As Claire has noted, leadership
is rarely about consensus—it is about asking the right questions, respecting multiple perspectives, and making decisions rooted in long-term organizational health.
Claire’s passion for leadership development is perhaps most clearly reflected in the Claire & Mark Roberts Training for Volunteer Leaders Fund, established through the Delta Sigma Pi Leadership Foundation. The fund embodies
her belief that the most meaningful leadership lessons often occur outside the classroom—through mentorship, responsibility, and service. It also reflects her commitment to ensuring future generations of members have access to the same growth
opportunities that shaped her own journey.
In 2017, Claire became the first woman to receive Delta Sigma Pi’s Lifetime Achievement Award, the Fraternity’s highest honor. Yet she does not lead with the accolade. For Claire, the recognition matters less than the work
behind it—and the progress it represents. She views the award not as a personal milestone, but as a signal that the organization has grown to a place where leadership is measured by impact, not gender.
Across every role she has held, Claire Roberts has modeled a leadership style anchored in service above self, thoughtful governance, and an enduring commitment to people. Her legacy is not only the programs she built or the policies she shaped, but the
countless leaders she helped develop—many of whom continue her work today. In Claire’s view, that is the truest measure of leadership: showing up, doing what is right, and ensuring the organization can thrive long after you step aside.
To honor this monumental anniversary, Delta Sigma Pi is providing informational and historical profiles about some of the dedicated Deltasigs of our organization— all throughout the year. Stay up to date for new updates every week! Check back next week to hear about more amazing women in Delta Sigma Pi as we celebrate 50 years of women being initiated into Delta Sigma Pi.
Purchase the 50 years of women pin for only $15 with FREE shipping! Limit quantity. Visit dsp.org/shop
Claire and her husband Mark, San Francisco, established the Claire & Mark Roberts Training for Volunteer Leaders Fund.
Claire participated on a panel for the 50 years of Women celebration at the 2025 Grand Chapter Congress.