The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), a professional association for internal auditors, honored former Global Chairmen Lawrence J. Harrington (2015-16) and Philip D. Tarling (2012-13) with the 2019 Victor Z. Brink Award for Distinguished Service.
The award, annually recognizing individuals for their outstanding contributions to the internal audit profession and The IIA, was presented during The IIA’s 2019 International Conference in Anaheim, Calif. The conference, the premier gathering of internal auditors globally, attracted more than 2,700 people from around the world.
In announcing the two Brink awards, 2018-19 IIA Global Chairman Naohiro Mouri applauded Harrington (pictured at left) for his leadership and commitment to internal auditing, including nearly three decades as an active IIA volunteer. In addition to serving as global chairman, Harrington was president of The IIA’s Greater Boston chapter, chairman of The IIA’s North American Board of Directors, and was a key driver of diversity within The IIA and throughout the profession.
Harrington also led the internal audit function for several Fortune 100 companies, including most recently at Raytheon Co. until his retirement last year, and has traveled the globe, sharing his knowledge with others as a speaker at seminars on auditing, change management, and motivation.
In 2018, Harrington was inducted into The IIA’s American Hall of Distinguished Audit Practitioners, the highest honor given by the North American Board for contributions and accomplishments made by an individual to advance the profession.
Also recognized as a champion of internal auditing and the important role it plays in organizations worldwide, Tarling, has spent more than three decades as an internal audit professional, working within the professional, public, and commercial spheres to provide input on change and transition.
Tarling has been heavily involved in The IIA’s capacity building initiatives in Africa and is a regular presenter at conferences around the world. He also has provided consulting and training to IIA affiliates, governments, and an array of companies.
In addition to serving as global chairman, Tarling has held a number of IIA volunteer leadership positions, including chair the Global Finance Committee and vice chair of Professional Services and of Professional Practices. He also served as President of IIA-UK & Ireland, and as President of the European Confederation of Institutes of Internal Auditing (ECIIA).
The Victor Z. Brink Award for Distinguished Service is named after one of the founders of The IIA, author of the first widely-read book on internal auditing, recipient of the second Bradford Cadmus Memorial Award, and IIA president from 1950-51. Brink was one of three individuals who sparked the development of The IIA in 1941 and served it longer than any other member. Brink was also the recipient of The IIA’s first Lifetime Achievement Award. The award was named for Brink after his death in 1993. 