A privilege and an honor to serve the ACFE for 31 years

It seems strange to think I’ve spent exactly half my life working for the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). In July 1995, I was just 31 years old, looking for a job in the legal field. I’d previously worked for a small law firm in Austin, Texas, handling consumer fraud cases, but I didn’t like litigation and was looking for something different. Then I saw an ad in the newspaper for a legal writer at a company I’d never heard of called the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. I majored in English in college and thought of myself as a decent writer, so I applied. I interviewed for the position with Dr. Joseph T. Wells, CFE, CPA, and he hired me. 

In 1995, the ACFE had between 12,000 and 13,000 members and 25 employees. Because of my experience as a lawyer and a writer, I served as general counsel and publications director. I wrote contracts in the morning and content for manuals and courses in the afternoon. Today, the ACFE has more than 95,000 members worldwide and 125 employees. Never did I think that in 2026 I’d still be working here, we’d have nearly 100,000 members and that I’d be president. 

However, as the saying goes, “All good things must come to an end.” I’m officially retiring as ACFE president on July 15, 2026, with 31 years and five days of service to the ACFE and its members. It’s been a privilege and an honor to work with ACFE employees and with the many thousands of members over the years. ACFE members are simply the best. I don’t know how else to describe them. They’re why I can’t walk away entirely from the ACFE. 

After July 15, I’ll have a new title as president emeritus and will continue speaking and teaching for the ACFE. I couldn’t bear the thought of never teaching another CFE Exam Review Course. In 2006, when I developed the first Review Course, I had no interest in teaching it. In fact, my boss, ACFE co-founder and former president, James D. Ratley, CFE, practically dragged me into teaching kicking and screaming. He thought I’d be good at it. I wasn’t so sure. But as usual, Jim turned out to be right. Jim passed away last year, but not a day goes by that I don’t hear him whispering in my ear. He and Dr. Wells taught me a lot, not only about fraud, but about making our members’ experience and satisfaction a top priority.  

Please indulge me in thanking some of the people who’ve made a difference in my life and in the success of the ACFE during my tenure. First and foremost are Joe Wells and Jim Ratley. I’ve tried to carry on their vision for the last three decades. 

My co-workers have been amazing. Jeannette LeVie, CFE, former chief operating officer of the ACFE, and our very first member, Nancy Bradford, CFE, were mentors to me when I first started. I wouldn’t have made it without them. So many other ACFE employees have enriched my personal and professional life. Listing them all would be impossible. (I’ll reach out to you individually.)

In 1996, John Warren, J.D., CFE, joined me on the legal and publications team. We’ve had a wonderful working relationship, and I know John will continue to do a great job for the ACFE as president and CEO. 

Andi McNeal, CFE, CPA, has worked with me since she started in 2004. You know it’s time to retire when the person you trained exceeds your accomplishments. Andi will be taking on the role of chief operating officer. She’s one of the few people I know who excels at everything she does. I’m glad I preceded her and didn’t have to follow her. 

Thank you to my wife, Laura, and my son, Adam, for their support over the years and for not making me feel guilty about being away from home so often. 

And last, but not least, thank you to all ACFE members (past and present). It’s been a real pleasure meeting you and working with you. Thank you to all the people who heard me speak and who laughed (or at least chuckled) at my jokes. The biggest joy of my job has been meeting and sharing with my fellow members all around the world. 

I can’t wait to see what the ACFE and its members accomplish in the next 31 years. I’m going to try very hard to make it to 93 so I can see for myself. 

John D. Gill, J.D., CFE, is president of the ACFE. Contact him at President@ACFE.