Natalie LaPorta is the Chief US Privacy Officer for Walgreens, where she focuses on various privacy matters that impact US patient and consumer data privacy, including state and federal data privacy compliance, complex contract negotiations, digital privacy, de-identification, AI, analytics, and marketing. Prior to her most recent role at Walgreens, Natalie was an Associate Attorney at Dentons US LLP, where she handled healthcare regulatory, tax-exempt bond finance, and M&A matters. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Benedictine University and a law degree from The John Marshall Law School.

New privacy laws, requirements, and expanding health data definitions require organizations to rethink and adjust their privacy programs accordingly. For companies like Walgreens, navigating these changes entails addressing both long-standing regulations, such as HIPAA, and emerging privacy laws that govern a broader scope of data. As businesses juggle diverse regulatory requirements, shifting data definitions, and operational demands, how can they create a privacy program that is effective and adaptable?

Walgreens’ approach to privacy exemplifies how businesses can adapt to an evolving regulatory landscape. Effective privacy programs start with understanding how shifting privacy requirements impact different business functions, from marketing to IT and analytics. With privacy regulations now extending beyond HIPAA to include other forms of personal information, companies need to develop tailored privacy strategies, provide ongoing education, and build strong relationships across departments to ensure privacy measures are integrated into everyday business operations. By making privacy a proactive and collaborative effort, companies can enhance compliance and reduce risks.

In this episode of She Said Privacy/He Said Security, Jodi and Justin Daniels speak with Natalie LaPorta, Chief US Privacy Officer at Walgreens, about the evolution of privacy programs in the healthcare and retail sectors. Natalie shares her journey of building a privacy legal function at Walgreens, the importance of building cross-functional relationships, and how tailored approaches can address privacy challenges. She also offers practical advice for creating a privacy culture and shares insights on navigating vendor relationships and using technology to support compliance efforts.