The IIA Research Foundation’s (IIARF) president Patricia E. Scipio, Ph.D., CIA says Goodbye
Dear Friends and Colleagues: 
It goes without saying that it has been both an honor and a privilege to serve as The IIA Research Foundation’s (IIARF) president. As my term nears its end and I reflect back on the tremendous experience it has been, I want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who has made this such a rewarding journey. When I think of all that we have accomplished over the last couple of years, I am struck by both the depth and the breadth of the lessons I have personally learned while serving you — knowledge that I will be able to use for the rest of my career to continue to grow as a practitioner and to help the profession evolve. .
It has been the exceptional nature of the people I have worked alongside and the unparalleled quality of the projects that we have been charged with bringing to fruition that allowed me to maintain my energy and passion to fulfill the duties of my role. I accepted the role of president with eyes wide open, knowing it was an incredible opportunity and an enormous responsibility. However, as I worked to balance the demands of maintaining my full-time job with PwC and my second job as IIARF president, I came to truly appreciate the immeasurable amount of coordinated and synchronized effort it takes by countless individuals to bring a research project from infancy to maturity.
During my tenure, the combined efforts of The IIA headquarters’ staff, The IIARF Board of Trustees , and the Committee of Research and Education Advisors has delivered key research and publications that have empowered practitioners to do better and to be better. I am proud of all the work that has been done. However, there are initiatives that shine in my memory as beyond exemplary.
The 2010 Common Body of Knowledge (CBOK) Study not only guides internal audit research through 2015, it has connected practitioners around the world and increased the profile of The Foundation. When we presented the CBOK results to the Global Council in Vienna, I was surprised by the lack of awareness IIA Institutes had related to the capabilities of the Foundation. Over several days I was able to engage in a constant dialogue with global leaders about the tremendous resource we have in the Foundation. In those moments, I realized both the overwhelming need for research that exists within the global community and the importance of my role in spreading the message about all the Foundation can and is doing to support the profession.
As I pass the baton to the new IIARF president, I feel confident that the Foundation is well positioned to provide internal auditors with relevant and ready resources to help them meet and exceed stakeholder expectations. A key component to making this possible will be following through with The IIARF’s digital strategy. Within a year, we will have the necessary infrastructure in place to make delivering resources digitally a reality. I look forward to seeing this initiative take flight and soar with the release of numerous publications in the upcoming year.
In addition to seeing the digital strategy take flight, I am looking forward to watching the continued growth of the Audit Committee Forums we have established that offer global leaders and Chief Audit Executives a chance to have a meaningful conversation with their key stakeholders about the pressing issues facing our profession. My term as president has given me a deeper understanding of the challenges practitioners face in various parts of the world, and keeping this international conversation going will only serve to strengthen our profession as a whole. The next Audit Committee Forum will be held at The IIA’s 2012 International Conference in Boston, Mass., in conjunction with the National Association of Corporate Directors. I am looking forward to having a front row seat.
Finally, as I sign off for the last time in this newsletter as your IIARF president, I hope you feel more empowered, more knowledgeable, and more prepared to tackle the challenges you face as an internal auditor because of the work we have done over the last several years. I also hope you will serve as an ambassador for The Foundation and an advocate for the profession by sharing the value you have found with your peers and colleagues, and letting them know The IIARF is a ready resource they can always turn to for professional growth. I am excited about what lies ahead for The Foundation and the profession and look forward to continuing to support these efforts both financially as a committed IIARF donor and professionally as a practitioner whose work and career has been immeasurably enriched through its existence.
With warm regards,
Patricia E. Scipio, Ph.D., CIA
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