WRITING A BOOK has been one of my long-awaited dreams. At one time in my life I had hoped to be a lawyer or journalist. I have journaled for several years and continue to do so in my spare time. When the opportunity came along to write a book on fraud analytics, I was elated that there was an interest and decided to accept the offer from Wiley.
For those who have supported my work throughout the duration of writing in addition to being an integral part of my personal and professional endeavors, I send a heartfelt thank you to all.
For my dad and mom, Peter and Retha Spann: Thank you both for teaching me to stand up for those things in which I believe and to never compromise my values, morals, or integrity.
My sincere appreciation to my extended family of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) and the opportunities they have afforded me. It has been my honor to be a part of this exceptional team, including Dr. Joseph Wells, Jim Ratley, Jeannette Levie, Angela Archie, Leslie Simpson, Jeff Kubiszyn, John Gill, John Warren, Bruce Dorris, Jan Orr, John Loftis, Joey Broccolo and Dick Carozza, and the other superstars of the ACFE. The ACFE rocks!
To the esteemed board of directors of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners of the Greater Chicago chapter I have been most honored to serve with: David S. Marshall, Peg Berezewski, Susan L. Henry, Paul Bilotta, Deanna J. Wilner, Jim Scordo, Richard Beaulieu, and Rebecca S. Busch.
To the honorable Board of Regents of the ACFE whom I was elated to serve with: Richard F. Woodford, George F. Farragher, Martha Reynolds McVeigh, Jonathan Turner, Peter R. Callaway, and Bert F. Lactivo.
As I began writing this book, I had no clue about which direction I would go or should take. However, my executive editor, Tim Burgard, and development editor, Stacey Rivera, of John Wiley & Sons, shared with me the process of writing a book and the steps at each juncture with direction, guidance, and patience, and they encouraged me to press forward. Their critiques meant the world to me, and I will be forever grateful for all that they have done to bring this book to fruition. I am also grateful to the best in the business—Debra Manette, editor and expert in her own right, Helen Cho for taking the helm in the second phase, Natasha Andrews, for her diligence and for helping me to understand the meaning of deadlines. You have all made this a tremendous learning experience for me.
A special note of thanks to the best mentors who have taught me the meaning of perseverance and resilience: Dr. Jeffrey D. Swain, J.D., Ph.D,; Mr. Reginald “Ray” Moore; and Judge Kenneth L. Gillespie, JD, LLM. To those of you who took the time out of your immensely busy schedules to read a portion of the manuscript draft and endorse my first book, your kindness shall never be forgotten: Jill D. Rhodes, JD, LLM, Peg Berezewski; MBA, MS, CPA, CFE; David S Marshall, MBA, CISA, CFE, CFS; and Dr. Jeffrey D Swain, JD, PhD.
Although the concepts and perspectives in this book are mine solely and not the views or opinions of the United States Secret Service, I thank my employer and all those in senior-level management for supporting me in writing this book.
To the world of academia and higher education, thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to teach and share through practicum and theory what I am most passionate about: fraud analytics.
Without reservation, I would never have been able to do all that I have done without the favor of the creator of creation and the governor of all nations (the Almighty God) who continues to guide me with strength and makes my way perfect. I exalt thee.