Chapter Profile - Philadelphia Area Chapter #24
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Joanna Kiszlo, CFE, Robert Cohen, CFE, Jackie Coyle, CFE, and Joe Galdo, CFE
The Philadelphia Area Chapter was formed 29 years ago and they have a long history of finding dedicated volunteers to not only serve the local members, but also promote the ACFE’s local events. The chapter board includes the four officers, training director and five directors that serve approximately 250 chapter members. Their board has a wealth of experience, as several board members have years of experience with the Philadelphia chapter, including their training director, Robert Cohen, CFE, who has been involved with the chapter for nearly 27 years.
The chapter has been instrumental in helping promote ACFE events in Philadelphia to their members. In addition to promoting the event, they have also provided invaluable feedback which has helped the ACFE choose better venues.
The chapter holds four breakfast events throughout the year, an all-day conference, a community document shredding event and a networking social event. In addition to these events, they also co-host an all-day conference with two other organizations to bring an additional All-Day Fraud Conference each March.
A unique event
Their last annual social event was held on November 14, 2019, which kicked off International Fraud Awareness Week. The event provided CPE for the presentation portion while also focusing on networking, and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere and specialty spirits aptly named the Cressey, Dark Web and Hidden Assets of 1675 Spirits, a local distillery located just outside of Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Area Chapter Vice President, Joanna Kiszlo, CFE
Their greatest achievement
While they are proud of the professional benefits provided to their members, they are most excited that a portion of their event fees are used to make an annual charitable contribution to a deserving non-profit organization serving their geographic area. In 2019, the chapter supported Operation Warm Inc, aka Coats for Kids, whose mission is to provide resources for indigent individuals, principally children, including clothing and related programs.
Chapter Recognition
Vice President, Joanna Kiszlo, CFE worked tirelessly to transition them into their new website. Joanna fielded all of the growing pain calls during their first annual member renewal and event registration in the new site. She dedicated numerous hours to updating the content and continues to work to keep their website relevant and informative.
Many ways to recruit new members
Since 2017, they have partnered with two local organizations to present an All-Day Fraud Conference each March. This year they not only provided attendees with information about the chapter but also offered a membership drive promotion during the event where new members received a gift for joining that day.
“We encourage non-CFEs to attend our networking and training events. As non-CFEs become involved with the chapter via attendance at events and trainings sessions, they’re exposed to our membership, board members, officers and expert speakers - all of whom can exemplify the various and unique opportunities a career in anti-fraud can offer. Through these efforts, the chapter has successfully promoted non-ACFE members to earn the CFE credential. We also promote the benefits of the CFE credential and membership in the ACFE via our chapter’s website and social media platforms.”
In 2014, the chapter partnered with Drexel University, LeBow College of Business to launch a fraud-themed case competition, which was named Fraud and Internal Control Case Competition, better known as FIC3. The goals have been to give students a setting to (1) apply what they have been learning in and outside the classroom, (2) develop knowledge in real time, (3) work and network with local business leaders and experts, (4) develop critical thinking, teamwork, and presentation skills, and (5) have fun. After five years, FIC3 has become the long-awaited all-day event that future fraud fighters and internal auditors from Drexel and other area schools look forward to the competition. The event has evolved to run over the course of a week with a kick-off event on Monday evening and the competition day on Friday. The FIC3 event was featured in the current issue of Fraud Magazine, co-authored by Frank Pina, their chapter president.
Future goals
They remain committed to offering highly regarded trainings and networking opportunities throughout the year. Chapter members directly benefit not only from the experts but also from the affordability of the CPE – annual dues and meeting costs have remained steady for multiple years. Their chapter incorporates networking opportunities into each event. The member’s section of the chapter website provides direct links to numerous resources, a member’s directory and other benefits, such as job postings and a space to share member authored articles. They are looking forward to rolling out several new website features this year which include a member spotlight.
Frank Pina, CFE and Jackie Coyle, CFE
Advice for other chapters
They encourage other chapters to join them in always encouraging its younger and newer members to strive to be the best they can be, for they will be the next generation of fraud fighters to carry on the work of so many who have paved the road before them. Actively invite their participation and ask for their thoughts. They’ll remember you were there to listen and give value to their voice. Keeping your arms open to all members generates a feeling of inclusivity.
