Chapter Event
Back from Summer - The Secret Life of Data
Sep 09, 2026
Welcome to the IIA Palm Beach Chapter!
Chapter News and Events
Upcoming Events
Back to School - The Secret Life of Data
Date: September 9, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM-3:00 PM ET
From the weather forecast to the latest sale at Macy's, we are bombarded by information every day. As auditors, we understand that information without understanding is meaningless and information without action is useless. But all too often, we focus on the information we don’t have. And we end up bemoaning the lack of data that is not being provided – or just plain doesn't exist – rather than trying to look at what we do have from a different angle.
Economist Steven Levitt (co-author of Freakonomics and Superfreakonomics) claims to be good at two things: asking interesting questions and then tricking the data into answering those questions. The questions he has asked (and then answered, with the help of others) range from whether sumo wrestlers cheat to whether real estate agents are really acting in the homeowner's best interest to why drug dealers live with their moms (yes, most of them really do).
This session will cover these and other questions Levitt has asked. We will also look at both the answers he and his colleagues found and how they found them. We will then discuss how to apply the approach used by Levitt and others in our audits. Because none of us have unlimited time to look for the perfect data . . . which likely doesn’t exist, anyway.
Announcements
Coming soon
Newsletter
Members and partners are encouraged to share relevant news, articles, and insights with the Chapter for potential inclusion in future newsletters.
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Overview
The Palm Beach County Chapter of the Institute of Internal Auditors serves internal audit, risk management, governance, and compliance professionals throughout Palm Beach County and the broader South Florida region. Incorporated in 1987, the Chapter provides a welcoming professional community for over 250 members to connect, exchange ideas, and stay informed about developments shaping the profession as part of the global network of the Institute of Internal Auditors.
Through educational programs, conferences, and networking events, the Chapter supports the professional growth of its members while promoting strong governance, effective risk management, and sound internal control practices. The Chapter also engages with students and emerging professionals to help support and strengthen the future of the internal audit profession.
Chapter Officers
Carol Yerian (CIA)
Chapter President, Chapter Certification Chair
Mrs. Elena Georgiev (CIA, CRMA)
Chapter Senior Vice President, Chapter Membership Chair
Wilda Isaac (CIA)
Chapter Secretary, Chapter Advocacy Liaison
Shonnelle Brathwaite (CIA, CGAP)
Chapter Secretary
Fernando Blanco (CIA, CRMA)
Chapter Certification Chair
Marie Dunbar (CIA, CRMA)
Chapter Certification Chair
Megan Gaillard (CIA, CRMA, CGAP)
Chapter Program Chair
Jaynitsa Paul
Chapter Program Chair
Eduardo Pardini
Chapter Academic Relations Chair
The leadership of the Palm Beach County Chapter is provided by a volunteer Board of Governors composed of experienced professionals from across the internal audit, risk management, and compliance community.
Chapter officers and board members dedicate their time and expertise to supporting the Chapter’s educational programs, member engagement activities, and strategic initiatives. Through their volunteer leadership, they help advance the mission of the Institute of Internal Auditors and strengthen the internal audit profession within the South Florida community.
Committees
Coming soon
Message from Chapter President
To My Fellow Members of the Palm Beach County Chapter of the IIA:
At the heart of internal auditing is a deep belief in trust, integrity, and the courage to ask diffi cult questions, for the good of the organizations we serve and the communities we are part of. That is why I chose this profession, and it is why I am honored to serve as President of our Palm Beach County Chapter this year.
I believe that when we connect internal auditors who care about doing meaningful work, when we share knowledge that sparks real change, and when we support each other in growing as professionals and people, we elevate our entire fi eld. That is what drives me, and is the “why” behind everything we will focus on this year.
So, how will we bring that to life?
First, by growing and engaging our membership. The more diverse voices we bring to the table, the stronger our chapter becomes. That means creating real opportunities for connection, not just through events, but through conversations, mentorship, and shared experiences. We want every member to feel they belong and that their voice matters.
Second, by providing meaningful continuing professional education. Not just hours to meet a requirement, but learning experiences that inspire you, challenge you, and support the real-world challenges you are facing. We will focus on relevance, quality, and practical application, so you walk away with tools, not just credits.
Third, and just as importantly, we will focus on engaging with local university students. These future professionals are curious, motivated, and looking for direction. Let’s be the ones to lend a helping hand and show them that internal audit is a powerful, purposeful career, and that they have a place in it. Mentorship, outreach, and student-focused programming will be part of our commitment this year.
What does this mean for you?
It means more ways to connect. More thoughtful and relevant CPE. More purpose behind what we do as a chapter. And an open invitation to help shape the direction we take.
If you are passionate about making a diff erence - whether that is in your organization, your career, or your community - you are in the right place. I am excited for the year ahead, and I hope you are too.
Let’s lead with purpose, and let’s do it together.
Warmly,
Elena Georgiev
President, Palm Beach County Chapter of the IIA
Building Awareness Champions
We are pleased to be a 2024 Building Awareness Champion!
During Internal Audit Awareness Month in May, we shared our passion for internal auditing, promoting the profession through a variety of events and campaigns designed to inform and engage, raise awareness, and help stakeholders understand the value of internal audit in their organizations.
Chapter Advocacy Supporter
The 2026 IIA Advocacy Key recognizes U.S. chapters that have strengthened the internal audit profession through direct grassroots advocacy. This badge honors the chapter’s critical support of IIA Advocacy in advancing robust and coordinated engagement with key U.S. policymakers.
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Membership in the Institute of Internal Auditors connects professionals to a global network dedicated to advancing the internal audit profession. Through access to professional standards, guidance, research, and certification programs, members are equipped to strengthen their knowledge and enhance their impact within their organizations.
At the local level, the Palm Beach County Chapter provides opportunities to connect with peers across South Florida through educational programs, networking events, and community engagement. Members benefit from continuing professional education (CPE), exposure to emerging topics, and opportunities to build meaningful professional relationships.
Whether you are an experienced audit leader, an emerging professional, or a student exploring the field, membership offers a valuable way to stay connected, continue learning, and contribute to a strong and collaborative professional community.
To learn more about becoming a member, please visit the membership page of the Institute of Internal Auditors
Students
The Palm Beach County Chapter is committed to supporting students and emerging professionals interested in careers in internal audit, risk management, and related fields. Through outreach initiatives, engagement with local universities, and participation in student-focused events, the Chapter helps introduce the profession and connect students with experienced practitioners.
Students have opportunities to learn about career paths in internal audit, build professional networks, and gain insight into the skills and certifications that support long-term success in the profession.
Certifications
Professional certifications demonstrate a commitment to excellence and are an important part of career development in internal audit. The Institute of Internal Auditors offers globally recognized certifications, including the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designation, which reflects expertise in governance, risk management, and internal control.
The Chapter encourages members and students to pursue certification and provides opportunities to learn more about certification programs, requirements, and available resources to support preparation and continued professional growth.
Becker CIA Exam Review
The Palm Beach County Chapter is pleased to partner with Becker Professional Education to support members and students pursuing the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designation and continuing professional education.
Through this partnership, Chapter members have access to discounted CIA exam review materials designed to support effective preparation and successful completion of the certification. Becker’s CIA Review program offers comprehensive study resources aligned with the Institute of Internal Auditors certification framework.
Members can also take advantage of discounted continuing professional education (CPE) opportunities through Becker. With flexible learning options, members can earn CPE credits in a way that fits their schedule, including:
- On-demand courses for self-paced learning anytime and anywhere
- Weekly podcasts with the ability to earn CPE credits
- Live webcasts offered at various times throughout the week, including weekends during peak periods
Learn more and access available discounts
CIA Exam Review - IIA Palm Beach
Florida Atlantic University Executive Education
For those who prefer a local, in-person learning experience, CIA preparation courses are also offered by Florida Atlantic University. Florida Atlantic University’s CIA® program prepares qualified students for the CIA certification from the IIA, follows the IIA’s recommended curriculum, and is based on the CIA Learning System, providing a structured and comprehensive approach to exam preparation.
Palm Beach County Certification Award Program
The Palm Beach County Chapter recognizes the effort and commitment required to achieve professional certifications and offers a Certification Award Program to support members who successfully complete the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA) designation.
Eligible Chapter members may receive a $200 award upon successful completion of the certification, subject to program requirements and availability of funds. Members must submit proof of certification and required information for review and approval in accordance with the Chapter’s established process .
Members interested in participating in the program are encouraged to contact the Chapter at Chapter217@iiacommunications.org for additional information.
Professional Development
The Chapter supports the ongoing professional development of its members through a variety of educational programs and networking opportunities. These include conferences, seminars, and panel discussions that provide continuing professional education (CPE) and address emerging topics affecting the profession.
Audit Adventures 2.0: Safeguarding Trust in an Era of AI and Cyber Risk
Join internal audit, risk, and cybersecurity professionals for a full-day, in-person CPE event examining how artificial intelligence and emerging cyber risks are transforming governance, risk management, and the internal audit profession.
The agenda features a CAE leadership panel and expert-led sessions on cyber-AI convergence, practical applications of AI in internal audit, prompt engineering, AI agents, and fraud risks in an increasingly technology-driven environment.
Date: Friday, March 27, 2026
CPE: 8hrs
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel and Executive Meeting Center Palm Beach Gardens
Through these programs, members stay informed about evolving risks, regulatory expectations, and leading practices in governance, risk management, and internal audit, while also building meaningful professional connections within the South Florida community.
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Our partners play an important role in supporting our mission to advance the internal audit profession and provide high-quality educational programming to the South Florida audit community. Through their partnership, these organizations help the Chapter deliver continuing professional education programs, networking opportunities, and initiatives that support the development of internal auditors and related professionals.
Chapter partners represent organizations that work closely with the internal audit profession, including consulting firms, technology providers, and other organizations that support governance, risk management, compliance, and cybersecurity functions. Their collaboration with the Chapter helps foster knowledge sharing and strengthens the professional community served by the Chapter.
We are grateful for the continued support of our Chapter partners and their commitment to advancing the profession in alignment with the principles of the Institute of Internal Auditors.
Organizations interested in supporting the Chapter and engaging with the South Florida internal audit community are invited to contact the Chapter at Chapter217@iiacommunications.org to learn more about partnership opportunities.
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We welcome inquiries from members, prospective members, and organizations interested in partnering with the Chapter.
Email: Chapter217@iiacommunications.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/15368079/
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