Navigating Emerging Risks: A CAE Panel Discussion on Best Practices in Internal Auditing / TopGolf IIA Social
Navigating Emerging Risks: A CAE Panel Discussion on Best Practices in Internal Auditing / TopGolf IIA Social
February 20th, 2025
2:30 pm - 4:30 pm
In-Person Event Hosted at The IIA Headquarters in Lake Mary
2 CPE hours on-site
Followed by a Social Event at TopGolf Lake Mary (5:00 pm - 7:00 pm)
Join the Central Florida IIA Chapter at the IIA Headquarters for a 2-hour CAE Panel Discussion on the Emerging Risks and Best Practices within our profession! Followed by a Happy Hour at Topgolf (included in the cost of event registration).
Join us for an insightful in-person panel discussion featuring Chief Audit Executives (CAEs) with decades of experience across industries such as higher education, financial services, hospitality, and public accounting. These seasoned leaders will explore the emerging risks shaping the internal audit profession and share best practices for navigating today’s challenges.
This interactive session offers a unique opportunity to gain diverse perspectives, discover innovative approaches to risk management, and refine your strategies to stay ahead in an evolving landscape. Don’t miss this chance to enhance your professional toolkit and engage with experts driving the future of internal auditing.
Space is limited—register now to secure your spot!
CAE Panelists Across Industries in the Orlando Area
Roberto Stuart - Panelist
Vice President of Internal Audit, FAIRWINDS Credit Union
Roberto A. Stuart, Vice President of Internal Audit at FAIRWINDS Credit Union, has over 40 years of experience in strategic planning, risk management, and internal controls. A Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), and Certified in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA), he began his career with Price Waterhouse and has worked with global companies like Merck, Kellogg, and Nestlé. His expertise spans public accounting, internal audit, marketing, advertising, and finance, earning him industry awards and recognition. Roberto’s audit team is revising policies to incorporate generative artificial intelligence into their workflow. Outside of work, Roberto is an avid Photographer.
Beth Womersley - Panelist
Internal Audit and Risk Management Executive
Beth Womersley is an internal audit and risk management executive with over 25 years of experience in enterprise risk management, internal audit, and Sarbanes-Oxley compliance across industries such as healthcare, hospitality, higher education, and technology. She has held leadership roles in public accounting, consulting, and industry, driving impactful results throughout her career. Beth has also served on the Board of Governors for the Institute of Internal Auditors in the Denver chapter (2018–2022) and the Central Florida chapter (2023–present). She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in New Mexico and Colorado and holds a Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA).
Scott St. John - Panelist
VP of Internal Audit, Darden Restaurants
Scott St. John is the VP of Internal Audit at Darden Restaurants with over 30 years of experience in accounting, internal audit, and financial reporting. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance from Florida State University and became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Florida in 1989. Scott began his career at KPMG Peat Marwick, where he advanced to Senior Manager before joining Darden in 1999. Over his tenure at Darden, he has held various leadership roles, including Director of Corporate Reporting, Finance Planning & Analysis, and Inventory Accounting, before being appointed Vice President of Internal Audit in 2019.
Robert Taft - Panelist
Chief Audit Executive, University of Central Florida
Robert has been UCF’s Chief Audit Executive since 2014, overseeing internal audit operations, coordinating external audits, and supporting the university’s strategic initiatives for process excellence. With over 32 years of experience, he previously served as Chief Audit Executive for two publicly traded NYSE companies in the insurance industry. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Government and International Relations from the University of Notre Dame and a Master of Science in Accounting from the State University of New York at Albany. Robert is a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Bank Auditor (CBA), and holds certifications in Control Self-Assessment (CCSA) and Risk Management Assurance (CRMA). He has contributed to the profession through leadership roles, including serving as President of the Albany, New York Chapter of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) and as a board member of the Central Florida Chapter of the IIA.
Moderated by PWC
Rebecca Samet - Moderator
Senior Manager, PWC Orlando
Rebecca is a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and Senior Manager at PwC's Orlando Office with over 10 years of experience in internal audit, risk management, and compliance across industries such as manufacturing, technology, and hospitality. She has led and supported projects involving SOX compliance, IT audits, system implementation reviews, security role redesigns, and cybersecurity assessments. Her work also includes business continuity and disaster recovery planning, as well as full-scope internal audit co-sourcing engagements. Rebecca holds a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) from the University of Central Florida and is an active member of ISACA.
Stephen Goldie - Moderator
Manager, PWC Tampa
Stephen is a Manager at PwC’s Tampa office with 5.5 years of experience in risk assessment, internal controls, and governance. His expertise includes SOX 404 testing, system implementation reviews, and IT audit risk assessments. He has extensive experience in ITGC and ITAC testing, as well as cybersecurity and compliance optimization audits. Stephen holds a BS in Finance from the University of Florida, an MS in Enterprise Risk Management from Johns Hopkins University, and is a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
$60 - IIA MEMBERS (Price Includes Topgolf Social)
$80 - NON-IIA MEMBERS (Price Includes Topgolf Social)
Credit Card payment option is preferred and available via the Paypal payment option.
Registration, including payment receipt, closes 24 hours in advance of the event.
Please note that continuing professional education (CPE) credits will only be awarded to individuals who attend the minimum 50 minutes per hour. Full CPE credits will be provided to individuals who attend the entire event.