Bylaws & Procedures

Bylaw Mandate

BYLAWS AND PROCEDURES COMMITTEE
Bylaws Article IX, Section 6.

The National Secretary is automatically designated as the Chair of the By-Laws and Procedures Committee. The Associations' Bylaws and Procedures Committee is responsible for overseeing all matters related to the operation of, and procedures followed by, the Association. Such matters Bylaw Amendment, Bylaw interpretation, Procedure implementation, Rules and Regulations, the Uniform Chapter Bylaws, and Association policies (as to their impact on Bylaws and procedures.)

The National Secretary, and the members of the Bylaws and Procedures Committee, are responsible for evaluating, preparing an analysis of, and making recommendations on, any proposed changes to the Associations' Bylaws, Rule & Regulations, or Policies, to the National Executive Committee and the National Board of Directors.

The National Secretary has the responsibility of consulting with the National President on his or her appointment of members to serve on the committee. All appointments to the committee must be ratified by the National Executive Committee.

Committee Chairs

Anthony D. Nini, CFS, CPA

Mr. Nini has over 25 years of experience in accounting and auditing with Fortune 100 companies and international public accounting firms, and has performed many fraud prevention, investigation and auditing functions. He also worked for four years as a bankruptcy analyst with the U.S. Department of Justice Office of the United States Trustee.

Education & Curriculum

Bylaw Mandate

EDUCATION AND CURRICULUM COMMITTEE
Bylaws Article IX, Section 9.

The Education and Curriculum Committee shall apply the minimum standards of education and knowledge required for each class of member and seek to develop, provide, organize or cause to be organized such seminars, courses, training sessions, lectures, dinner meetings, conferences, distance learning opportunities, and other education and training events and programs of the purpose of promoting and facilitating the continuing professional education of Certified Fraud Specialists, members, and the public.

In so doing, the committee members shall seek creation of programs designed to develop interested professionals into Certified Fraud Specialists and shall coordinate educational activities with the Professional Standards and Admissions Committee to develop, and apply, appropriate standards and examinations.

The committee members are also charged with the development, and maintenance, of an Association Academy. The purpose of the Academy is to provide a series of structured, examination based courses, developed upon the guidelines and requirements established by the Associations' Board of Regents, with graduates being granted the Certified Fraud Specialist designation. The committee shall endeavor, wherever possible, to work with the Professional Liaison and Government Relations Committee in establishing relationships with colleges and universities whereby the Academy my be offered to an expanded professional audience and be coupled with college credit.

The National President shall appoint the Chair of the Education and Curriculum Committee and, in consultation with the Chair, appoint the committee members. The National President and Chair shall ensure that the committee membership, taken as a whole, is representative of the various major disciplines comprising the Associations' membership.

If there is no individual(s) meeting the description(s) available and willing to serve on the committee, the National President shall, in consult with the Chair, nominate such individuals for appointment as who are capable and willing to serve on the committee. Individuals so nominated must be ratified by the members of the National Executive Committee.

Committee Chairs

David Murphy, CFS, CPA

Mr. Murphy is an Associate Professor of Accountants at Lynchburg College, School of Business & Economics in Lynchburg Virginia. He currently teaches undergraduate & graduate accounting courses and conducts academic research. Current research deals with fraud and corruption in the public sector. Mr. Murphy consults extensively to the Office of the Controller Generals of Bolivia and Peru and the Superintendents of Banks of both countries to help them develop IS and fraud audit capabilities. In addition, at the request of the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, he worked with the Central Bank to improve bank regulation & supervision to reduce the probability of fraud within the banking system.

Ethics

Bylaw Mandate

ETHICS COMMITTEE
Bylaws Article IX, Section 10.

The Ethics Committee shall review complaints against members and shall periodically review the conduct and activities of members in order to ensure that such conduct and activities are not inconsistent or contrary to the By-Laws, Rules and Regulations, the Code of Ethics of the Association, or statute.

Where conduct or activities are found to be contrary to any of the above, or where the member's conduct or activities are of a nature likely to bring the Association into dishonor or disrepute, the Committee may recommend to the National Executive Committee suspension or revocation of the rights and privileges of any member, including the member's Certified Fraud Specialist designation. The Ethics Committee may also recommend to the National Executive Committee, the imposition of such sanctions as it may deem just in the circumstances and which are consistent with the objects of the Association.

Appointments to the committee are as follows; the National President shall appoint the Chair and, in consultation with the Chair, appoint the remaining members of the committee. The National President and Chair shall ensure that the committee, taken as a whole, is representative of the various major disciplines comprising the Associations' membership and, to the extent possible, that the various sector or government and private enterprise are also represented.

If there is no individual(s) meeting the description(s) available and willing to serve, the National President shall nominate such individuals for appointment as are willing and able to serve. Individuals so nominated must be ratified by the members of the NEC.

Finance & Budget

Bylaw Mandate

FINANCE AND BUDGET COMMITTEE
Bylaws Article IX, Section 7.

The Associations' Finance and Budget Committee is responsible for overseeing all matters related to the financial activities of the Association. Such matters include establishing budgets, controls, and such procedures as are deemed necessary to ensure the protection of the Associations' assets and the accomplishment of the Associations' mission and goals. The National Treasurer, and the Finance and Budget Committee, are responsible for obtaining for all Association officers, committees, chapters, and task forces such financial information as necessary to enable the committee member to accurately and completely prepare budgets for use by the National Executive Committee and the National Board of Directors; and for the preparation and submission of all necessary documents with government agencies.

The National Treasurer of the Association is the automatic Chair of the Finance and Budget Committee. The National Treasurer has the responsibility of consulting with the National President on his or her appointment of members to serve on the committee. All appointments to the committee must be ratified by the National Executive Committee.

Committee Chairs

W. Michael Zimmerling, CFS, CPA - National Treasurer

Mr. Zimmerling received his undergraduate degree in accounting from California State University. Possessing over 20 years of audit experience, Mr. Zimmerling presently serves as the Director of Corporate Financial Operations for United Paradyne Corporation in Santa Maria, California, where he is responsible for all aspects of the corporations financial operation. read more >>

National Nominations

Bylaw Mandate

NATIONAL NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE
Reference Bylaws Article IX, Section 8.

The National Nominations Committee shall propose candidates for all officer vacancies to the National Board of Directors prior to the Annual Meeting. In the exercise of this function, the Nominating Committee shall take into account the national character and diversity of the Association and the broad professional backgrounds of its members.

The National Nominations Committee shall also accept for review all nominations for national awards and shall submit at least three Nominees for each award to the person(s) or association body responsible for making the final selection as to the award recipient.

Members of this committee are appointed/selected as follows.

The National President shall appoint the Chair and, in consultation with the Chair, appoint the remaining committee members ensuring that the committee, taken as a whole, is representative of the Association membership. The National President shall appoint two Past National Presidents, who are not the Immediate Past National President, to serve on the Nominating Committee. The Immediate Past Regional Governors in each region shall select from among their number one member of the Nominating Committee. The Immediate Past National President shall chair the Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee shall consist of three Past National Presidents, including the Immediate Past National President, and four Immediate Past Regional Governors. The immediate Past Regional Governors shall each be from different Association regions and appointment of immediate Past Regional Governor to positions on the National Nominating Committee shall rotate among the regions in alphabetical order by region name.

If there is no individual(s) meeting the description(s) available and willing to serve on the National Nominating Committee, the National President shall nominate such individuals who are willing and able to serve for appointment. Individuals so nominated must be ratified by the members of the NEC.

Pro Bono Services

Bylaw Mandate

PRO BONO SERVICES COMMITTEE
Bylaws Article IX, Section 1.

The National President, upon ratification by the National Executive Committee, may establish such Committees and Task Forces as may be needed to assist the National Board of Directors, the National Executive Committee and the National President in carrying out the programs and operations of the Association.

By order of National President, Charles W. Raborn, Jr., CFS, the creation of a Pro Bono Services Committee was directed in 2002 with said committee being charged to continue operation until such time as the National Executive Committee shall decide the committee operations shall cease or its duties be transferred to another Association body.

The purpose of the Pro Bono Services Committee is to organize, and facilitate, on a national level, the Pro Bono services arranged or offered through the Association. Of primary importance to the committee is the designation of the month of November as National Service Month and the annual "Save the Holidays" campaign. Committee members, working with local non-profit organizations, as well as local, state and national law enforcement officials, will provide to the public a free "Fraud Awareness" seminar designed to inform and enlighten citizens of the types of criminals and scams that target them during the holiday season.

The National President shall appoint the Chair of the Pro Bono Services Committee and, in consultation with the Chair, appoint two (2) additional members to assist the Chair in his or her coordination efforts. In addition to these members, each Regional Governor is, by order of the National President, an automatic member of the Pro Bono Services Committee. In addition, to these members, each Chapter President is, by order of the National President, an automatic member of the Pro Bono Services Committee. The President of each ACFS Chapter is authorized to delegate his or her committee position to a chapter member (regular or associate) provided the committee Chair is notified of such delegation in writing.

Each Association Chapter, and each Association Colony desiring and capable of participating, shall secure free space in their local for the presentation of a public benefit seminar. Committee members are directed to contact local government and civic groups to secure their support, participation, and possible donation of free seminar space. Chapter and Colony members are also responsible for contacting local newspaper, radio, and Television media to obtain free event advertisement. Chapter and Colony members are strongly encouraged to work with local public television and volunteer time answering pledge calls while advertising the event.

The Committee Chair and two national committee members are responsible for contacting and securing the participation of federal law enforcement agencies on a national scope and to ensure chapters and colonies make contact with local federal representatives.

The Committee Chair, national members, and Regional Governors are responsible for liaising with national non-profit organizations to obtain their assistance and participation and to coordinate such participation with local chapters. Regional Governors are to closely monitor the activities of each chapter and colony, provide regular reports to the Committee Chair, and provide assistance in any area required. Regional Governors are the primary and first contact of each chapter or colony - both in the reporting of activities and in the requesting of assistance.

The National President shall appoint the Chair of the Pro Bono Services Committee and, in consultation with the Chair, appoint the two (2) national committee members. If there is no individual(s) meeting the description(s) available and willing to serve, the National President shall, in consult with the Chair, nominate such individuals for appointment as who are capable and willing to serve.

Committee Chairs

Gene Devaurs, CFS

Mr. Devaurs has been employed with the California Department of Social Services since 1978. He is currently the Supervising Governmental Auditor 1 for the Community Care Licensing/Foster Care Audits. Mr. Devaurs received his bachelor degree at University of Santa Clara and major in Science in Commerce. Always helping our community, Mr. Devaurs is our chairperson on the Pro Bono Services Committee.

Professional Liason & Government Relations

Bylaw Mandate

PROFESSIONAL LIAISON AND GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE
Reference Bylaws Article IX, Section 11.

The role of the Professional Liaison and Government Relations Committee shall liaise with government, related business's, professional associations and academic institutions for the purpose of creating, and maintaining, a high level of interest in the Associations' activities. Part of this interest includes focusing on the benefits of membership, training, and in the Certified Fraud Specialist Designation.

Where feasible, the committee shall pursue linkages between the Association and Government, business, professional associations and academic institutions and engage in such promotions, both jointly and severally, in furtherance of the objects of the Association. At all times during such pursuits, the committee members will operate within the laws, rules and regulations affecting the Association.

Wherever possible, the committee shall initiate, or cause to be initiated, actions designed to protect the Association, the Certified Fraud Specialist Designation and the Association's trade-marks, trade-names and other intellectual property.

The National President shall appoint the committee Chair and, in consultation with the Chair, appoint the members ensuring that the committee, taken as a whole, is representative of the Association membership. If there is no individual(s) meeting the description(s) available and willing to serve on the committee, the National President shall nominate individuals for appointment to the committee.

Professional Standards & Admissions

Bylaw Mandate

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND ADMISSIONS COMMITTEE
Reference Bylaws Article IX, Section 12.

The Professional Standards and Admissions Committee is responsible for reviewing, investigating, and processing every application for membership and every petition for the Certified Fraud Specialist designation submitted to the Association. In addition, the committee is responsible for formulating, and administering, the Entrance Examination to applicants for the Certified Fraud Specialist designation.

In its work, the committee applies the standards of education, knowledge and experience required of each member, and of each Certified Fraud Specialist, as established by the Board of Regents. In addition, the committee members must, during their deliberations, have regard as to the objects of the Association.

Upon being satisfied that the application of an individual for membership, or the Certified Fraud Specialist designation meets, or exceeds, the requirements stated in these By-Laws or the Rules and Regulations of the Association, the Committee shall recommend to the National Executive Committee that the individual be admitted into membership or be granted the CFS Designation. The National Executive Committee may, at its discretion, delegate its powers of admission and certification, to such Association bodies as it sees fit, to include the Professional Standards and Admissions Committee PS&AC).

The PS&AC may also recommend to the National Executive Committee the revocation of membership or certification where such members do not maintain the standards of the Association set out in the Associations' Rules and Regulations.

Applicants for membership, or members who petition for the Certified Fraud Specialist designation, whose applications or petitions have been refused or denied by the PS&AC, have the right to appeal their refusal to the National Executive Committee (NEC). The NEC may consider such appeal and render such final determination as the NEC deems just having regard to the Associations By-Laws, Rules and Regulations and statues and the facts and circumstances of the application. The NEC may, in its unfettered discretion, submit any appeal to the Associations' Board of Regents for review and resolution. Any such decision rendered by the Board of Regents is automatically adopted by the NEC and rendered final.

Committee Chairs

William Cramer, CFS

Since joining our Association Mr. Cramer has played an active roll. He has been a co-chairman on our Professional Standards & Admission Committee and always has an active part at our National Conference. Mr. Cramer comes with thirty-six years of law enforcement experience including: detective experience in fraud & forgery, (Financial Crimes Bureau) detective experience in robbery, (Homicide/Robbery Bureau) detective experience in undercover recovery of contraband through "sting operations" (Special Projects Bureau) and teaching Fraud & Forgery seminars. Mr. Cramer is currently retired from the Sacramento Co. Sheriff's Department full-time but still works part-time for the department.