Bi-State Development announced Crystal Messner has joined the organization as the new Chief Audit Executive. Messner replaces James Cali who retired in August. Messner functionally reports to the Bi-State Development Board of Commissioners, specifically to the Audit, Finance, & Administration Board Committee Chair, and reports administratively to the Bi-State Development President and Chief Executive Officer.
“Crystal’s experience in accounting, audit and fraud will greatly enhance our talented Internal Audit Team,” said Taulby Roach, Bi-State Development President and CEO.
Messner served as the Chief Internal Auditor with the Arizona Public Safety Personnel Retirement System prior to joining Bi-State Development. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Forensic Accounting from Defiance College in Ohio, is a Certified Internal Auditor, Certified Fraud Examiner and a Certified Information Systems Auditor.
“We conducted a national search to find the best candidate for this key position, and are pleased that Crystal will be joining our organization and calling the St. Louis region her new home,” said Rose Windmiller, Chair of the Board of Commissioners at Bi-State Development.
Messner has held multiple internal audit positions in public service organizations in Arizona and Tennessee and currently serves as the Vice President of Membership and Certifications at the Institute of Internal Auditors’ Phoenix Chapter.
The Chief Audit Executive is responsible for developing, implementing, administering, and directing Bi-State Development’s comprehensive internal audit program, including managing and conducting complex performance, operational, financial, compliance, and information system audit activities in order to evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls for all Bi-State Development divisions/departments and programs.
The Bi-State Development 10-member Board of Commissioners provides overall leadership and policy direction for the organization, and is comprised of five members from Illinois and five from Missouri. In Missouri, the governor selects members of the board, and in Illinois, county board chairmen for both St. Clair and Madison Counties appoint their representatives.