At our January ACFE Knoxville Chapter meeting, members once again came together to support Cross Ministries through a food donation drive. This marks the second year we’ve gathered bags of food, and the generosity of our members continues to make a meaningful impact.

The bags of donated food (featured below) represent more than supplies; they reflect our chapter’s commitment to serving the Knoxville and East Tennessee community and supporting neighbors in need. We appreciate everyone who contributed and helped strengthen this tradition of giving!

We’ll be doing another food collection in March, so grab some extra items next time you're at the store!

The ACFE Knoxville Chapter recently hosted The Moral Compass, a two-hour ethics presentation led by David Winstead that made ethics feel refreshingly conversational and engaging. Grounded in the ACFE Code of Professional Ethics, the session explored how principles such as integrity, objectivity, competency, and professional judgment play out in real-world situations faced by fraud examiners.

Rather than a traditional lecture, David guided the discussion through relatable stories and familiar social media scenarios, prompting thoughtful conversation — and plenty of laughs — throughout the room. Topics naturally evolved into practical ethical challenges, including conflict of interest, integrity, and competency, encouraging attendees to think through ethical gray areas they may encounter in both professional and personal contexts. The open format also allowed time for introductions, welcoming several new members and creating space to hear how long others have been involved with the chapter, reminding us how much knowledge, perspective, and community exists within our chapter.

Our chapter awarded two Ethics CPE credits for members who attended. We’re grateful to Coulter & Justus for generously hosting the event and providing a welcoming space for discussion. Light snacks and beverages were available, and the relaxed atmosphere made it easy for members from across Knoxville and East Tennessee to connect, learn, and enjoy the conversation.

If you haven’t joined us yet, we’d love to see you at our next meeting — all are welcome, and we’re always excited to meet new faces!

Congratulations to our Chapter Chair, Kathy Birri, CFE, on her featured article in ACFE Fraud Magazine!

Her inspiring journey—from student scholarship recipient to fraud investigator and Chair of the ACFE Knoxville Chapter—is a testament to passion, perseverance, and the power of problem-solving. We’re proud to see Kathy’s story spotlighted in the November/December 2025 issue, where she shares insights from her career and the impact of community in the fight against fraud.

Read the full article in Fraud Magazine

David Gratz presented From the Witness Stand – Impactful Testifying to our chapter, walking members through what it takes to deliver effective testimony. He drew from his career as a prosecutor and TBI agent, showing how investigators can prepare for court, communicate clearly, and stay composed under questioning. His presentation included photos and stories from real cases that highlighted both the challenges and the lessons learned from time on the witness stand.

Join the ACFE Knoxville Chapter #138 for our next training!

This month's training featured an informative presentation by Special Agents from the U.S. Department of Energy and the Office of the Inspector General.

Special Agents shared valuable insights on different types of fraud, such as contract fraud and a notable case involving travel reimbursements. Employees were found exploiting a policy that provided extra reimbursements for temporary residences, allowing the program to be unlawfully manipulated for their benefit. Another significant case involved someone gathering sensitive information and attempting to use it for leverage. These real-world examples underscored the importance of vigilance and thorough investigation in combating fraud.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our presenters, SA Scott Hirsch and SA Michael Reber, for sharing their expertise and providing us with crucial insights. Their knowledge and experience are invaluable as we continue our efforts to prevent and detect fraud.