Chapter Leader Profile: Jim Rough, CFE, CCEP
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Jim Rough, CFE, CCEP
James (Jim) Rough got his first taste of the destructive power of fraud while working his first job after college at Arthur Andersen. Watching the firm collapse because of its affiliation with Enron left a lasting impression on Rough.
In the years since, Rough has been a champion of fraud prevention and ethics and compliance, a leader in his community and currently serves as treasurer of the Arizona Chapter. The California native is also an Associate Director in Navigant Consulting’s Disputes and Investigations practice.
What are the benefits of serving as a chapter leader?
I consider it an honor to serve in this position, despite the time commitment it requires, because I have made lasting friendships and learned a great deal about the issues affecting anti-fraud professionals.
Serving on this board, and as Vice-Chair of the Valley Youth Theatre, has also introduced me to other community leaders and like-minded individuals. It’s helped me hone in on areas and opportunities where I can hopefully make a lasting, positive impact.
What do you consider your greatest achievement to date?
Personally: Finding my wife and convincing her to marry me. We have two great kids, and the three of them help keep me grounded and happy.
Professionally: I co-founded and currently manage the Arizona Ethics and Compliance Council (AECC), an organization dedicated to helping risk managers network and discuss best practices. A small group of friends and I formed the AECC in 2011, and today the AECC’s membership includes more than 150 corporate counsel and compliance professionals, representing more than 40 of Arizona’s largest public and private companies.
What are your favorite activities and hobbies outside of work?
I live in Scottsdale, Arizona, which has two seasons: very hot and perfect. During the summer I love hanging out in the pool with my family. During the winter I enjoy working in the yard with my son. As my daughter gets older I hope she enjoys hanging out with her dad as well.
I also love to travel. My wife and I like to think we are foodies, although we don’t get to indulge in those interests all that frequently with little kids at home. I have also started to play golf again as much as my schedule and children allow.
What is your personal motto? Does it have any special meaning?
“Everything cometh to he who waiteth, so long as he who waiteth, worketh like hell while he waiteth.”
This quote is from a sign that hung in my grandfather’s office when I was younger, and it now hangs in my office. I love it because it reminds me that nothing in life is, or should be, easy, and good things are always worth waiting for. If you work hard to earn something, you’ll appreciate those joys and successes for years to come. That’s not usually the case when something is merely handed to you.
Jim and wife Ginger in Florence, Italy.
Jim and the rest of the Rough family.
Jim and his son working outdoors.
