Chapter Leader Profile: Malcolm Reid, CFE, MBA
/“Life is not a dress rehearsal – so make it count.” These words have guided Trinidad and Tobago Chapter President Malcolm Reid, CFE, MBA, from the halls of West Point, through two Master’s degree programs, to the leader of his own consulting firm, Brison Ltd.
Reid hopes to establish the newly formed chapter as the authority on all aspects of fraud prevention and detection in the twin island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean.
Why did you decide to enter the anti-fraud field?
In my first role after leaving the military I became the security manager for the major telecommunications company in Trinidad and Tobago. The fraud detection and prevention mechanisms were not fully developed at that time, but the function was assigned to my portfolio. Interestingly, fraudsters would attempt to defraud the company by gaining fraudulent access to the network and making fraudulent transactions, and their activities would be linked to other crimes. I embraced the challenge by immersing myself in personal development programs related to fraud, and I made it a personal goal to pursue the CFE, which I attained in 2008.
What are the benefits of serving as a chapter leader?
Being a fraud professional since 2008 and recognizing that there were other members locally that I came into contact with, I realized there was a need for a group for professionals to network and support each other in professional growth and development. The ACFE provided an excellent framework for this, and I decided to spearhead the founding of a Trinidad and Tobago local chapter. As a chapter leader, I have had the privilege to interact with many professionals in my region, as well as other chapter leaders internationally. I also have the opportunity to influence the lives of young professionals who would like to achieve certification and recognition in the field.
What are your favorite activities and hobbies outside of work?
I am passionate about physical fitness and strength training. I developed my own personal fitness improvement system, which I have shared with family and friends to assist them in achieving their wellness goals.
What do you consider your greatest achievement to date?
Personally, my greatest achievement to date is being happily married for more than 15 years and having two remarkable children.
From a professional standpoint, my greatest achievement is being selected by an international agency to complete a country-level risk assessment of Trinidad and Tobago’s critical infrastructure. From an academic perspective, completing two Master’s degrees as well as being the first Trinidad and Tobago national to attend and graduate from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
What is your personal motto? Does it have any special meaning?
A couple days before my graduation, a West Point alumnus told me and my soon-to-be wife “Life is not a dress rehearsal – so make it count.” I have used that as a guiding principle since then in my personal life and professional career. As the great orator Les Brown says, “you don’t get out of life alive.” My objective is to make the most of every single day and to be a role model for my family, community and peers.
Reid and his wife Jamie at West Point.
Reid and his wife Jamie, with their daughter Brianna and son Jamieson.
Reid in costume at Trinidad's Carnival celebration.
The Trinidad and Tobago Chapter's officers and directors.
