ECU names new chief audit officer
Wayne Poole
Wayne Poole has been named the chief audit officer for East Carolina University’s Office of Internal Audit and Management Advisory Services. He began his duties Jan. 1.
After a national search led by Dr. Robert Orlikoff, dean of the College of Allied Health Sciences, the search committee selected Poole. Poole has served as interim chief since June after former chief audit officer Stacie Tronto retired.
“ECU’s Office of Internal Audit has become a model for the State of North Carolina, and I am confident that Wayne’s experience in this field and his leadership will continue that level of excellence,” said ECU Chancellor Cecil Staton.
Poole first came to ECU in 1998 and joined the Office of Internal Audit in 2005. He had served as associate director since 2008.
“I am honored to serve and lead the outstanding professionals in the Office of Internal Audit,” said Poole. “We have a team of people that cares very deeply for our university and we are proud to play an important role in helping ECU accomplish its mission for the people of North Carolina and beyond. I appreciate Chancellor Staton’s confidence in me to serve in this role.”
During his time as associate director, the office received the highest possible rating from external auditors during the 2016 Institute of Internal Auditors Quality Assurance Review Process. Poole has extensive experience directing and conducting audits, investigations and consultative assignments.
The chief audit officer is responsible for overseeing the staff and responsibilities of the Office of Internal Audit and Management Advisory Services which is an independent function of the university that reports to the chancellor and the ECU Board of Trustees Audit Committee. Internal audit’s services include financial, operational, compliance and information technology reviews; management advisory services; investigation of suspected fraud and abuse; education and training on internal control best practices; and serving as a liaison between the university and external auditors.
Poole received his bachelor’s degree in accounting from ECU and his master’s degree in business administration from Embry-Riddle University. He is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.
-by Jamie Smith, ECU News Services