Wake Forest appoints new leaders in audit and compliance – Inside WFU

University Strengthens Governance in Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

In a strategic initiative to enhance institutional integrity, the Board of Trustees has approved a plan to separate audit and compliance services into two distinct units. This restructuring is a direct commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), specifically targeting the development of effective, accountable, and transparent institutions. By creating two dedicated units, the university aims to improve clarity, accountability, and operational effectiveness, which are foundational for providing SDG 4 (Quality Education). The recruitment of two new leaders for these areas underscores the university’s dedication to robust governance and sustainable management.

Appointment of New Leadership to Advance Institutional Accountability

Kenneth Liddle, Chief Compliance and Privacy Officer

Kenneth Liddle was appointed Chief Compliance and Privacy Officer on June 16. His role is central to reinforcing the university’s commitment to ethical operations and data protection, key components of SDG 16.

• Core Responsibilities and SDG Contribution:
  1. Enhance and streamline compliance efforts to ensure the university operates with the highest level of integrity, directly supporting SDG 16.6 (Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions).
  2. Foster a culture of proactive risk management and collaboration across the organization, reflecting the principles of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) to build resilient institutional practices.
  3. Lead privacy initiatives, safeguarding individual rights and contributing to a just and secure environment for all stakeholders.
• Professional Background:
  • Over a decade of experience in higher education compliance and privacy.
  • Previous leadership roles at FIFA, Northeastern University, and Rice University, where he developed enterprise-wide compliance and privacy programs.
  • Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School, an MBA from the University of Texas at San Antonio, and a Bachelor of Science in accountancy from Trinity University.

Juan Rivera, Chief Audit Officer

Juan Rivera will assume the role of Chief Audit Officer on June 30. His position is critical for ensuring financial transparency and the responsible management of resources, which are essential for the university’s long-term contribution to all Sustainable Development Goals.

• Core Responsibilities and SDG Contribution:
  1. Develop, lead, and execute the university’s internal auditing strategy, providing the independent assurance necessary for maintaining an accountable institution as outlined in SDG 16.
  2. Create multi-year audit plans and identify enhanced internal control strategies to ensure the effective and ethical implementation of university objectives, including the delivery of SDG 4 (Quality Education).
  3. Provide critical support to university governance by ensuring operational and financial activities are transparent and effectively managed, thereby strengthening the institution’s capacity to act as a sustainable entity.
• Professional Background:
  • More than 20 years of experience in finance, risk management, and compliance.
  • Previous leadership roles at Gartner Inc., American Express Global Business Travel, and Chiquita Brands International.
  • Master of Business Administration in global management from the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University, and a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Xavier University.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article primarily addresses issues related to the following Sustainable Development Goal:

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  This goal is the most relevant as the article focuses on strengthening the internal governance of Wake Forest University. The strategic decision to separate audit and compliance services, and the recruitment of specialized leaders, are direct actions aimed at building a more “effective, accountable and transparent” institution, which is a core tenet of SDG 16.

Additionally, the following SDGs are indirectly connected:

• SDG 4: Quality Education

  As the article is about a university, any action to improve its governance and operational effectiveness indirectly supports its primary mission of providing quality education. A well-managed, compliant, and accountable university is better positioned to deliver high-quality educational outcomes.

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  The article announces the creation of high-level jobs (chief compliance officer and chief audit officer). Furthermore, strong compliance and risk management contribute to the long-term financial health and sustainability of the university as a major employer, thus promoting stable and decent work.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article, the most directly identifiable target is:

• Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.

  The entire article is a case study of an institution taking steps to become more effective and accountable. Specific evidence from the article includes:

  • The plan for “separating audit services and compliance services into two distinct units” is designed to enable each function to “operate with greater clarity of purpose and accountability.”
  • The new chief compliance officer, Kenneth Liddle, is tasked to “enhance and streamline compliance efforts, foster collaboration across the organization and drive a culture of proactive risk management.”
  • The new chief audit officer, Juan Rivera, will “develop, lead, and execute the University’s internal auditing strategy” and identify “enhanced internal control strategies to ensure effective implementation.”

  These actions are all concrete measures to build a more robust, accountable, and transparent institutional framework within the university.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article does not mention any official UN statistical indicators. However, it implies several qualitative and process-based indicators that can be used to measure progress towards Target 16.6 within the context of the university:

• Structural and Leadership Indicators:

  • Existence of separate, dedicated units for audit and compliance: The article states the Board of Trustees supported a plan for this separation, marking a key structural change.
  • Appointment of specialized leaders for each function: The hiring of a “chief compliance and privacy officer” and a “chief audit officer” serves as a clear indicator that leadership and accountability have been established.

• Process and Strategy Indicators:

  • Development of an enterprise-wide compliance program: The article notes Kenneth Liddle’s experience in developing such programs and implies this is part of his new role.
  • Centralization of policy management: This is mentioned as a successful strategy implemented by Liddle in previous roles and is a measurable aspect of streamlined compliance.
  • Creation and execution of a multi-year audit plan: This is a specific deliverable for the new chief audit officer, Juan Rivera, and its existence would be a key performance indicator.
  • Implementation of enhanced internal control strategies: The identification and implementation of these strategies by the audit office is a direct measure of progress in strengthening the institution.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article. In this table, list the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), their corresponding targets, and the specific indicators identified in the article.

Source: inside.wfu.edu