For exceptional performance in the field, the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners presents periodic awards to recognize the professional contributions of experts.

The Cressey Award:
Established in 1989, the Cressey Award is the ACFE's highest honor. It is bestowed annually for a lifetime of achievement in the detection and deterrence of fraud. The Cressey Award is named in honor of one of the country's foremost experts on fraud and a founding father of the ACFE, Dr. Donald R. Cressey (1919-1987). Cressey Award winners include:

• 2009: James H. Freis Jr.
• 2008: Martin T. Biegelman
• 2007: Rosalind Wright
• 2006: Grant D. Ashley
• 2005: James D. Ratley
• 2004: Richard Johnston
• 2003: Joseph R. Dervaes
• 2002: Mary Jo White
• 2001: Henry N. Pontell, PhD
• 2000: John Stossel

Cliff Robertson Sentinel Award:
First awarded to Oscar-Winning actor Cliff Robertson in 2003, the ACFE's Sentinel Award carries the inscription “For Choosing Truth Over Self.” The award is significant because Robertson was the first famous citizen to come forward - regardless of personal sacrifices - to expose corporate corruption at the highest levels. This award is bestowed annually on a person who, without regard to personal or professional consequences, has publicly disclosed wrongdoing in business or government.

• 2009: Pamela Davis
• 2008: Mark Lund
• 2007: William Sanjour
• 2006: Bunnatine Greenhouse
• 2005: Dr. David Graham
• 2004: Marta Andreasen
• 2003: Cliff Robertson

Certified Fraud Examiner of the Year
The Certified Fraud Examiner of the Year Award is presented to a CFE who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in the field of fraud examination. Nominees are evaluated based on their contributions to the ACFE, to the profession, and to the community. Certified Fraud Examiner of the Year Award winners include:

• 2009: Harry Markopolos
• 2008: Michael Mayhan
• 2007: Phil Levi
• 2006: Isabel M. Cumming
• 2005: Clifford J. Coutcher
• 2004: Jerry Spratt
• 2003: Robert DiPasquale
• 2002: Ed Madge

The Walker Award:
The Walker Award is named for Morris R. "Red" Walker, CFE (1938-1989), a Charter Member and nationally-recognized fraud examiner. Also established in 1989, the Walker Award is given to the person receiving the highest annual score on the CFE Exam. Walker Award winners include:

• 2008: Darryl Bromfield
• 2007: Jan Vucka
• 2006: Carlos Torres-Rivera
• 2005: Carmen Wiechers
• 2004: Tina Kim
• 2003: Kerry Cone
• 2002: W. Troy Bouk
• 2001: Tracie A. Kraftenberg & Anne B. Ryburn
• 2000: Jackalyn C. Livingston

The Baker Award:
The James R. Baker Speaker of the Year Award is presented annually to honor an individual who has demonstrated the true spirit of leadership in communication, presentation and quality instruction. In 2008, the year of its inception, James Baker, CFE was posthumously presented with his namesake award and was recognized for his contribution to the education of fellow anti-fraud professionals as a faculty member for the ACFE.

• 2009: Gerard Zack
• 2008: James R. Baker