As we’ve entered our new year at the
IIA, we experienced much of what the last year brought us – highs full of
optimism of what the summer and year to come would bring. And the lows of continued uncertainty and the
impediments of returning to ‘normal’ that have made the last year and a half
one of the most challenging times of our lives.
Thankfully, we have the opportunity to
look back at the leadership offered by our Board and immediate past presidents,
Steve Randall and Eileen Iles. We also
have a very successful chapter year to look to – one in which we were agile in
adapting to remote education and networking events.
Further to that point, the past year,
under Steve’s leadership, we accomplished many great things! To name a few, we:
Hosted a successful 7th Annual
Hacking Conference
Hosted the 60th Annual Seminar with
over 1,000 attendees
Became an IIA CIA Premier Partner
Grew certifications by 3% (well beyond IIA
National Goals)
Provided five $2,000 scholarships to deserving
students
Enhanced our recognition of Chapter Award
Winners through recognition in the IA Magazine
In the year ahead, we will face many
new challenges. As auditors, we will
likely continue to audit in remote settings, focus much of our time on emerging
risks and challenges, and be faced with a challenging labor environment where
recruiting and retaining top talent will be of key important for the profession
as a whole and for our audit shops. As
individuals, we will continue to navigate important challenges, including mental
health, and seeks ways to ‘disconnect’ from workloads that seem never
ending.
It might not be what we expected or
hoped for – but we are ready and up for the challenge!
As the President of the Chapter for
the coming year, I look forward to being part of our collective effort to
continue to advance the mission and vision of the IIA. There are so many amazing things happening
within the profession, and I am honored and humbled to have this opportunity to
be part of it. This year, we are
welcoming a new CEO, navigating internal audit’s role in critical topics
including ESG and DEI, rolling out exciting training including the IT General
Controls Certificate, and planning to host the IIA International Conference in
Chicago in July 2022.
What an amazing year we have ahead of
us!
As we look ahead, I ask that you take
just three actions:
Review your email preferences and opt in. Our best way to reach you is via email, and
we promise not to email too much!
Block off some important dates. November
1st/2nd for the 8th Annual Hacking
Conferences; and April 4th for the 61st Annual Seminar.
Consider volunteering for the Chapter. We
have numerous great opportunities and would love to have you!
If you ever have a question, comment,
or concern, do not hesitate to reach out.
I can best be reached by email at kyle.orourke@bakertilly.com. I look forward to serving the Chapter and
connecting with you during the year!
IIA Chicago Innovator August 2021