Anthony J. Pugliese, CIA, CPA, CGMA, CITP
President and Chief Executive Officer
Anthony J. Pugliese serves as President and CEO of The IIA, the internal audit profession’s most widely recognized advocate, educator, and provider of standards, guidance, and certifications.
With more than 35 years of experience, Anthony is a strategic, hands-on leader recognized for expanding organizations into global markets, pioneering innovative educational initiatives that support professional development, and leading organizational transformation. His experience also includes more than 15 years leading internal audit functions and advancing cultural transformation and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) initiatives.
As CEO, he drives the vision and operations of a global professional association representing more than 265,000 members, nearly 150 chapters, and more than 120 National Institutes in over 170 countries and territories. He is dedicated to elevating the voice of internal auditors worldwide and advancing the profession through modernized standards, certifications and advocacy. Notably, he spearheaded the groundbreaking “Internal Audit: Vision 2035 - Creating Our Future Together" project, which establishes a long-term future and roadmap for the profession.
Anthony is a seasoned executive and skilled association leader with a strong focus on technological advancement. He is also committed to mentoring future professionals and building strong partnerships with business and community organizations to support professional growth and collaboration.
Prior to joining The IIA, Anthony served as President and CEO of the California Society of CPAs (CalCPA), the largest state CPA organization in the United States. In 2020, he led the establishment of a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee at CalCPA to address inequities in the accounting profession.
From 1997 to 2018, he held leadership roles at what is now the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, including Chief Operating Officer of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). During his tenure, he led the AICPA’s $50 million relocation to North Carolina and oversaw major initiatives in business reporting, member innovation, and technology.
A graduate of the University of North Florida, Anthony has been recognized among the most influential leaders in accounting and the Greater Orlando business community. In 2025, his alma mater honored him with the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award.
He holds The IIA’s Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designation and is also a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP), and Florida-licensed CPA.