The ACAMS Richmond Virginia Chapter opened 2011 with a board-only planning session in January to discuss final preparations for upcoming events. On February 23rd, the chapter held its first learning event of the year, a town hall style learning event at the Eanes Pittman Police Training Academy in Chesterfield Virginia. The event, titled Anti-Money Laundering — it's not just for Bankers Anymore was open to law enforcement and Anti-Money Laundering professionals. The speakers included special agent Brenda Cannon from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Robin Elkins chief analyst with the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C), and Dr. Gurpreet Dhillon of Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Dhillon is also a member of the ACAMS Richmond Chapter board of directors. Presentations included:
- "Aspects of the FBI's Civil Rights program-Human Trafficking"
- "I don't think I am a criminal! Following the exploits of an information criminal and lessons in anti-money laundering"
- "How NW3C assists Law Enforcement"
Following each presentation attendees engaged in a question-and-answer session with presenters who added clarity and provided additional context. Given the relevance of the materials discussed, participant interest was high. The event was a huge success.
On March 1 the Richmond Chapter held its first Networking Event of 2011. The event was held at the Kona Grill in Glen Allen Virginia and provided an opportunity for members to network with other Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorist Financing and Anti-Fraud professionals from the Richmond area.
Member Spotlight
We are very pleased to announce that two of our members authored articles that were accepted for publication in the March–June edition of ACAMS Today. Congratulations to both Diane Eisinger and Kevin Nash for their achievement.
Diane Eisinger — Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act: Stay tuned to see its effects
Kevin Nash — The Prepaid Card-growing in use and risk
New Board Member(s)
Liz Beverly, co-treasurer was recently appointed to the Richmond Chapter Board. Elizabeth is an investigator for the Virginia Office of the Attorney General. Elizabeth coordinates investigations with federal, state and local authorities on civil investigation cases to be prosecuted regarding allegations of fraud by health care providers and pharmaceutical manufacturers who are paid through the state and federally funded programs of Medicaid. Prior to the Office of the Attorney General Elizabeth worked for Capital One for over 10 years. During her time at Capital One Elizabeth held several investigative positions including; fraud, money laundering, terrorist finance, FinCEN 314(a), OFAC sanctions, Politically Exposed Persons and Special Interest Persons. Elizabeth earned a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice; she is a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) and a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE). Elizabeth is on the board of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners Richmond Chapter as the Training and Events Coordinator.
The Richmond Chapter Board is committed to continuing its practice of attracting leading industry professionals to speak at their events. The board wishes to thank those who have already secured their memberships and invite industry professionals living in the Richmond and surrounding areas that have not already done so to become members. Chapter membership is a cost-efficient way to gain CAMS recertification credits, obtain useful day-to-day knowledge, and develop valuable industry contacts.
Richmond Chapter Board
R. Joe Soniat, Co-Chair
Elaine R. Yancey, Co-Chair
Elizabeth Vega (Lisa), Secretary
D. Scott Bailey, Co-Secretary
Donna Thrift, Treasurer
Liz Beverly, Co-Treasurer
Charlie George, Membership Director
Diane Eisinger, Co-Membership Director
Fallon Teufert, Programming Director
Dr. Gurpreet Dhillon, Co-Programming Director
Amy Wotapka, Communications Director
Dr. Thomas J. Burns, Co-Communications Director
