Chapter Leader Profile: Melanie Morrow, CFE
/President, Central Mississippi Chapter #69
Melanie Morrow, CFE, CPA
Melanie Morrow, CFE, first gained interest in fraud after studying the WorldCom case that happened in her home state of Mississippi. After graduating and obtaining her CPA license, Morrow pursued the CFE credential, through which she gained the knowledge to help educate clients about the pitfalls of fraud while working as Manager at Grantham Poole CPAs in Jackson.
Morrow, a participant in the AICPA Leadership Academy Class of 2010, has combined her interest in fraud with her leadership skills to serve as president of the Central Mississippi Chapter for the last three years.
What are the benefits of serving as a chapter leader?
By serving as a leader in your local chapter, you really get the opportunity to connect with your members. At the beginning of each chapter meeting, I walk around and get to know each of our members so they know that this is not just a chapter they are a part of, but a family.
What goals would you like to help the chapter accomplish during your time on the board?
As a young professional, I would like to see the younger generations get more involved in the leadership side of our chapter. I believe there are lots of opportunities for young professionals today to offer fresh ideas and put a new spin on how local chapters operate. Also, by participating in leadership roles, young professionals can really develop their leadership skills that will help them throughout their careers.
Do you have any advice for other chapter leaders?
My best advice to other chapter leaders would be to keep an open mind to new ideas, especially when it comes to technology. My chapter has really begun to embrace technology by using a website to schedule chapter meetings and events and by using Facebook to reach out to our members about the latest fraud news.
What do you like to do for fun in your spare time?
In my spare time I enjoy cheering on my New Orleans Saints! As a season ticket holder, I very rarely miss a game. Who Dat! During the offseason I enjoy spending time with friends boating at our local reservoir and riding my jet ski.
Before a New Orleans Saints game.
Morrow at the AICPA Leadership Academy with former AICPA Chairman Robert R. Harris, CFE, CPA (left) and AICPA President and CEO Barry C. Melancon, CPA (right).
