Chapter History:  The IIA - Miami Chapter (#12)

On June 28, 1945, eleven internal auditors joined together to form the Twelfth local organization of the Institute of Internal Auditors -  the Miami Chapter.

In June of 1995, the chapter celebrated their 50th anniversary.  At that time the chapter had grown to include almost 300 members from 130 different organizations in the South Florida area. We celebrated with a special – and very festive - meeting where the IIA President, William G. Bishop, III, the keynote speaker, addressed the audience with "Challenges to the Profession."   Malcolm Parker, IIA Field Service Representative, presented a special award commemorating the Chapter's 50 years to Pat Orlando, President 1995-96. There were eighty-nine attendees.

Past Chapter Mariano Fernandez, Anniversary Chairman, presented a photographic display comparing Miami scenes from the late 1940's to the present.  Fourteen Past Presidents of the Miami Chapter received special recognition and tokens of appreciation at the celebration.  They included Mariano Fernandez, Don Pack, Bob Mahoney, Jim Sutter, Mary Jane Martinez, John Capizzi, Lou Ann Breckenridge, Mary Blake, Claire Olson, Al Sheridan, Bill Theodore, Key Reynold, Larry Zigmont and John Heklar. A harpist provided music during the reception.  The gala and decorations were organized by Mary Jane Martinez and Betty McClaskey.  Registration was handled by Susan Batura, Marta Velázquez, Lisa Corr and Lou Ann Breckenridge.

The officers at that time were:
           President  -  Patricia Orlando
           Vice President - Betty McClaskey
           Vice President - Lou Ann Breckenridge
           Secretary - Mary Jane Martinez
           Treasurer - Steve Hermann
           Past President - John Capizzi
           District Director - Mary Blake

Over the years, the meetings have changed venues and the topics have expanded with the changing landscape of the internal audit environment, but a few things appear to be constant – commitment of individuals to support, enhance, and develop the profession of internal auditing.  Past accomplishments have included numerous achievements to the IIA “Gold” status for Chapter Achievement Points, hosting Regional Seminars, as well as Examination sites for the CIA,  CCSA (Certification in Control Self-Assessment), CGAP (Certified Government Auditing Professional), and CFSA (Certified Financial Services Auditor).

From the initial membership of 11 internal auditors in 1945, the Chapter has grown to a “large” chapter by the IIA standards, currently reaching a membership of 886 professionals as of June 2008.