Hugh Penri-Williams has enjoyed a lengthy career in multinational, multicultural, multilingual environments in the banking, insurance, ultra-secure financial network and telecom infrastructure sectors. Currently, Hugh is a vice president of the France Chapter. He enrolled as a mentor when the ACFE first launched the mentoring program in May 2018. In the past two years, he’s worked with several mentees to help them achieve their career goals. One of those mentees is Catherine.

Catherine Haefner began her career with Fulton Bank N.A in August 1999. Throughout her tenure at Fulton, she has played an instrumental role in educating herself and her team in being able to recognize and act upon red flags to help detect and deter check-cashing fraud, kiting, money laundering schemes, and schemes where the customer is the victim or intended victim rather than the perpetrator. Because of Catherine’s strong desire to detect and deter fraud, she studied for the CFE Exam in order to earn her CFE credential. She also decided to join the ACFE Mentoring Program to help her meet this goal.

That’s where Hugh and Catherine’s mentoring story begins.

Why was it important for both of you to join the Mentoring Program?

Hugh: Although “long in tooth” and supposedly retired, I very much welcomed this program as yet another chance for me to contribute to the continuing education and career advancement of mostly younger, less experienced generations, just as I’ve done elsewhere teaching courses at university and business schools, presenting at conferences or running seminars. I’m proud that the six mentees from highly diverse milieus who chose me as their mentor are based — incredibly — on five continents. This is essentially in line with my personal life horizons and extensive background.

Catherine: I joined the ACFE Mentoring Program to help give me the motivation and support to pass the CFE Exam, which I successfully did this past December, and to help me develop a fraud prevention and awareness presentation for my community, and to help further my career development as a fraud-fighting professional.

Hugh, how did you know Catherine would be the right mentee for your experience and skillset?

I’ve been an Authorised Trainer since late 2014 for the international version of the CFE Exam, so I felt I could undoubtedly help Catherine with her studies, even for the U.S. version, from my remote outpost. She lives in Pennsylvania Dutch Country, which also attracted me. When I was based in Europe while working for Cigna, during business trips to their headquarters in Philadelphia, I often spent weekends riding the Strasburg Rail Road (my hobby), staying at Red Caboose Motel, and eating shoofly pie!

Secondly, Catherine’s desire to create a customized fraud prevention and deterrence presentation for the benefit of her local community was an ambition where I knew that my capabilities could definitely come in handy.

A third aspect was Catherine’s compelling enthusiasm to advance in her career, which I’ve wholeheartedly supported as best I can, not just by co-drafting resumés but advising on how to conduct herself in job interviews, as well as express her motivations and objectives.

Catherine, what inspired you to request Hugh?

I specifically requested Hugh because of his extensive professional experience, acute business savvy and incredible dedication to serving all around the world as a presenter, facilitator and trainer in anti-fraud awareness and education. I thought Hugh’s talents as a presenter and educator would serve me well in helping me move toward the goal of becoming a presenter and anti-fraud educator in my own community. Also, since Hugh is an Authorised Trainer for the CFE Exam Review Course, I felt he would be able to offer me useful insights and tips that would help keep me motivated and focused to successfully pass the CFE Exam.

What advice do you both have for anyone who wants to join the ACFE Mentoring Program?

Hugh: From a mentor’s standpoint, let me attest to the joy obtained from an ability to support others in their development, no matter how senior or ostensibly experienced some might already be. To prospective mentees, I say, it is never too late to seek the advice and counsel of those who are willing to freely give of their time and expertise to assist you. In the process, both sides can find illuminating moments of mutual worth.

Catherine: I would highly recommend to anyone contemplating joining the ACFE Mentoring Program to do so. The right mentor will be an inspiration by giving you the hope, guidance and necessary tools to press forward toward your goals one step at a time. Taking the time to research potential mentors will help you choose wisely.

What has been the most rewarding part of your journey together?

Hugh: When Catherine achieved certification through her dedication and focused revisions. But it was just the first step. We are now working on building and refining her presentation to suit the different audiences within her community, as well as exploring opportunities to advance her career.

Catherine: The most rewarding part of my journey together with Hugh has been establishing a mutual friendship, and having the support and tools required to help turn my goals of passing the CFE Exam, furthering my career development as an anti-fraud professional, and becoming an anti-fraud awareness presenter and educator, into an attainable reality.

Enrollment for the upcoming session of the ACFE Mentoring Program is now open. Visit the Mentoring Program homepage for more information about the program. Or if you’re ready to enroll right now, click one of the buttons below.

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