ACUA 2026 Slate

Biography

Kara Kearney-Saylor is the Ethics Officer and Director of Internal Audit at the University at Buffalo, brings over 20 years of experience in higher education auditing and 15+ years of dedicated volunteer service to the Association of College and University Auditors (ACUA). A Certified Internal Auditor and holder of the Certification in Risk Management Assurance, Kara is passionate about advancing the internal audit profession through strategic leadership, collaboration, and member engagement. She was honored with ACUA’s Rising Star Award in 2018. 

Kara began her ACUA volunteer journey with the Membership Committee, playing a pivotal role by focusing on reconnecting with lapsed members and engaging new ones. Her leadership trajectory includes serving as a conference proctor, presenter, mentor, committee chair, and board member, which has given her a comprehensive understanding of ACUA’s operations, governance, and member needs. Since 2013, she has presented numerous times at ACUA conferences and webinars, sharing practical insights and supporting professional growth across the higher education audit community. 

As Chair of ACUA’s Standards and Best Practices Committee, Kara launched the Data Analytics Subcommittee, which produced seven data analytics Kick Starters that continue to elevate data analytics capabilities amongst members. In addition, Kara has authored Kick Starters, contributing to ACUA’s body of practical, member-focused resources.  

Beyond ACUA, Kara has demonstrated a strong commitment to promoting the internal audit profession. She served as the Academic Relations Committee Chair for the Western New York Chapter of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), speaking with high school and college students about careers in internal audit, helping cultivate the next generation of auditors. She has also presented at EACUBO, MISTI, and IIA events. 

Outside of her professional and volunteer work, Kara enjoys reading, practicing barre, and cheering at her daughter’s lacrosse games.

Personal Statement

ACUA has had a profound impact on my career, and I feel a deep responsibility to pay that forward. From my first conference, I found not just colleagues, but mentors and lifelong friends. The generosity and collaboration of ACUA members have shaped my professional journey and inspired my commitment to supporting others. 

Because of what ACUA has given me, I am passionate about helping the next generation of auditors build confidence, grow professionally, and feel connected within our community. Mentorship and networking are not just ideas ACUA promotes; they are experiences that transform careers, and I am dedicated to creating those opportunities for others. 

To me, ACUA is more than a professional organization. It is a community built on trust, collaboration, and shared purpose. As our profession evolves, ACUA plays a critical role in helping members navigate emerging challenges, from advancing technologies like AI to maintaining institutional trust and accountability. I am committed to ensuring ACUA continues to provide relevant resources, forward-looking guidance, and a strong professional network. 

Serving ACUA is personal, it is my opportunity to give back and ensure this community continues to thrive. 

Let’s connect and we can elevate our profession, inspire one another, and create a lasting impact through advocacy, innovation, and shared purpose!

Biography

Jordan believes the most effective auditors do more than identify risk. They help organizations navigate change, build trust, and move forward with confidence. With more than 17 years of internal audit experience, including 15 years in higher education, Jordan has built a career around helping organizations strengthen accountability, think strategically, and lead with purpose.  

As Deputy Director of Internal Audit at Mississippi State University, Jordan provides leadership for the audit function, overseeing audit, advisory, and investigative services and frequently advising on university-wide initiatives and task forces. Prior to her current role, she gained global experience with FedEx, leading audit engagements across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. She later served as Associate Director of the MSU Alumni Association, where she played a key role in the donor engagement strategy that secured the largest gift in MSU’s history. 

A 15-year ACUA member, Jordan is passionate about advancing the profession through service, collaboration, and innovation. As Connect ACUA Director since 2024, she has led the task force that reimagined the organization’s online community platform, resulting in the successful 2025 launch of a redesigned member experience. She has also contributed to ACUA’s Logo Redesign Task Force, serves on both the AI and Communications Committees, and has facilitated roundtables on AI’s evolving role in higher education. Jordan has presented at multiple ACUA conferences, volunteered repeatedly as a session proctor, and participated in Quality Assurance Reviews for ACUA peers. 

A two-time MSU graduate, Jordan earned undergraduate degrees in International Business and Spanish, along with a Master of Business Administration. She also holds the Certified Internal Auditor and Certified Fraud Examiner designations. Jordan has served as Membership Chair and Assistant Secretary for the Memphis Chapter of the IIA, and as President of both the MSU College of Business Young Alumni Advisory Board and Junior Auxiliary. Outside of work, Jordan enjoys MSU athletics, traveling, and cheering on her son from the sidelines. 

Personal Statement

It would be a tremendous honor to serve ACUA as a Board Member-at-Large. For more than a decade, ACUA has been instrumental in my professional growth, challenging me, connecting me with exceptional colleagues, and shaping the auditor and leader I am today. The opportunity to give back to an organization that has shaped my career is one I would deeply value. 

My volunteer service has shown me what ACUA can accomplish when engaged members are committed to moving our profession forward. Through leading the Connect ACUA redesign and facilitating roundtables on AI in higher education auditing, I have seen firsthand how the right tools, conversations, and relationships can strengthen our community and help members stay ahead of change. I want to help ACUA continue expanding opportunities for members to connect, learn from one another, and share innovative practices, ranging from creative approaches to stretching limited resources to navigating emerging technology and AI. 

If elected, I will bring energy, strategic perspective, and a proven commitment to service. I would be honored to help ensure ACUA remains the trusted resource our members rely on.