Frank Bernard, JD, is the Founder and President of Rare Sports Institute. Frank brings a vast array of leadership experience to the management team. Frank has over a decade of experience in the executive ranks leading contract and compliance functions for the government and private enterprise. Frank is a strategic decision-maker, possessing the ability to lead change in complex environments and highly matrixed organizations.
Frank previously held the position of Vice President, Operations, U.S. Ethics & Compliance – Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., serving as the point of contact for operational compliance within the United States and Puerto Rico.
Frank was responsible for translating the corporate vision into actionable and measurable strategies to drive performance and enhance program maturity. These strategies included the compliance subject matter areas of Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Lottery, Weights and Measures, and Employment and Licensing Compliance. In addition to these business areas, Frank was also responsible for Governance and Risk Management as well as Consumer Protection and Communications. Further, Frank led a large field based Operations team that facilitated training for over one million stateside associates.
As a respected and highly accomplished operations leader and compliance executive with a distinguished career of achievement in Operations, Frank also served as the former Regional General Manager for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. leading a nine billion dollar portfolio. In addition, Frank led compliance functions for the U.S. Department of Labor- Office of Federal Contract and Compliance and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Frank attended the US Air Force Academy (PLS) and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from North Carolina Central University, as well as a Juris Doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law.
Frank had a distinguished college football career having played for legendary coaches including Larry Little, Miami Dolphins Hall of Fame Member, Sam Washington, Pittsburgh Steelers – NFL Alum, Bishop Harris, NFL Coaching Alum, and Ted Sundquist, Former Denver Broncos General Manager. Frank earned distinguished honors such as USA Today Player of the Week during his college tenure while earning academic honors in the classroom based on the mentoring of these great leaders.