Chapter Leader Profile: Scott Hood, CFE
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Scott Hood, CFE
Scott Hood, CFE, has served on the board of the Edmonton Chapter since 2008 and is currently president. Hood is employed as Statute Administrator at Service Alberta, Government of Alberta where he is responsible for enforcing consumer protection laws in Alberta.
Hood entered the anti-fraud profession after completing work on a housing program that expired in 1995, taking on a new role of regulating charities. Over the last 20 years, Hood has worked to protect donors from fraudulent or misleading charities, leading to an expanding portfolio of consumer protection.
Where were you born and raised?
I was born and raised right here in Edmonton, Alberta. It’s odd, but I now live in the same house I grew up in.
What do you consider your greatest achievement to date?
One highlight in my career was being interviewed nationally on “W5,” a newsmagazine television program similar to “60 Minutes.” The segment was on charity fraud and highlighted our actions against a bogus charity soliciting donations from Albertans.
My favorite achievements are when consumers call me or write in to thank me for helping to get their money back.
What are your favorite activities and hobbies outside of work?
I like to travel and play golf or tennis when away. I have been a glider and private pilot for a long time. I really enjoy instructing students on how to fly. I may do that as I near retirement.
My daughter has a pet beagle that I enjoy taking for walks. I may have a bad day in the office dealing with some knuckleheads, but he cheers me up with his wagging tail.
How has the CFE benefited your career?
First of all, the training provided by the ACFE to obtain the CFE credential was excellent and I really enjoyed learning at my own pace. I took the CFE Exam Prep Course online from home and work and then went to Washington, D.C. for the CFE Exam Review Course. I was a little nervous about being close to 50 and learning and taking the exams. Within an hour of meeting the instructors, I knew they were going to get us through the exams with success.
Having the CFE credential has opened some doors to other career opportunities. However, I still love what I do and where I am at and just hit 26 years with the Government of Alberta.
What are the benefits of serving as a chapter leader?
The benefit to being a chapter leader is the contacts I have made within my board, my chapter and other chapter leaders from around the world. The chapter leader meetings are fantastic, but I can also pick up the phone and speak to someone from Calgary or Toronto or Austin.
What goals would you like to help the chapter accomplish?
We are always striving to provide the best opportunities for learning to our members. This includes breakfast seminars and an annual fraud conference during Canada’s Fraud Prevention Month.
Another goal is to continue to attract new blood to the chapter. We have done so by providing a free membership and discounted seminar rates for students. Our chapter is also working to be more involved in social media to attract a larger audience.
The ultimate goal for our chapter would be to host the ACFE Canadian Fraud Conference in Edmonton. We have successfully organized many annual conferences for our chapter members, so I know we could put on an excellent national fraud conference.
Do you have any advice for other chapter leaders?
I have seen many chapters struggle with declining membership and financial resources. We were in that situation a few years back. We are a small market chapter but our membership numbers and financial well-being are now stable, as I believe we provide our members with outstanding speakers at our functions.
I suggest chapters look at breakfast sessions rather than lunch or dinner. Our rates for breakfast are only $25 for members and we have members back to work by 9 a.m. Our June 2015 breakfast seminar was sold out.
What is your personal motto? Does it have any special meaning?
I am not the type of guy who limits myself to live by a motto or credo. It’s just really important for me to be happy and satisfied with what I do.
