2024 Cressey Award: Damian Williams

The ACFE is proud to announce Damian Williams as the recipient of the 2024 Cressey Award, a prestigious honor recognizing lifetime achievement in the detection and deterrence of fraud. This award is named after Dr. Donald R. Cressey, one of the United States’ foremost fraud experts and a founding father of the ACFE. Established in 1989, the Cressey Award represents the highest honor bestowed by the ACFE, celebrating individuals who have dedicated their careers to combating fraud and promoting integrity. 

Before his confirmation as U.S. Attorney, Williams made significant contributions as Chief of the Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force in the Southern District of New York. In this role, he spearheaded investigations and prosecutions of high-profile white-collar crimes, focusing on corruption in financial markets and political spheres. His work has profoundly impacted the enforcement of securities laws and the promotion of ethical conduct in the financial industry. 

Among some of Williams' prosecutorial achievements are the prosecution of Congressman Chris Collins for insider trading and lying to the FBI, and the case against New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver for bribery, extortion and money laundering. These landmark cases have not only brought justice but also sent a powerful message about the consequences of fraudulent and corrupt activities. 

In addition to his impressive prosecutorial career, Williams has an exemplary academic background. He earned an Artium Baccalaureus in economics from Harvard University, where he demonstrated early on his dedication to understanding complex financial systems. He furthered his education with a Master of Philosophy in international relations from the University of Cambridge, expanding his knowledge on a global scale. Finally, he obtained a Juris Doctor from Yale Law School, where he honed his legal expertise and prepared for a distinguished career in law. 

Williams also gained valuable experience through prestigious clerkships, serving first as a law clerk to Judge Merrick B. Garland of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, and then to Justice John Paul Stevens of the U.S. Supreme Court. These experiences provided him with unique insights into the judicial process and further solidified his commitment to upholding the law. 

The ACFE is honored to recognize Damian Williams for his unwavering dedication to the fight against fraud. His exemplary career and notable achievements embody the spirit of the Cressey Award. We congratulate him on this well-deserved honor and look forward to his continued contributions to the field of fraud detection and deterrence.