The Power of Volunteering — Lessons from IIA–St. Louis Leadership

The Institute of Internal Auditors Presents: All Things Internal AuditBenito Ybarra sits down with IIA–St. Louis Chapter leaders Sarah Knox-Hansen and Steven Yashuk to discuss why volunteering matters. From being “voluntold” to leading by choice, they share how chapter work strengthens leadership skills, builds camaraderie, and keeps auditors energized. They also explore post-COVID engagement challenges, creative programming shifts, and practical advice for anyone considering raising their hand to get involved.

HOST: Benito Ybarra, CIA Executive Vice President, Global Standards, Guidance, and Certifications, The IIA

GUESTS:Sarah Knox-Hansen, CPA Principal, Anders Board of Governors Immediate Past President, IIA–St. Louis Chapter

Steven Yashuk, CIA, CISA, CFE Senior Auditor, University of Missouri SystemSecretary, IIA–St. Louis Chapter

KEY POINTS:

• Introduction [00:00–00:00:35]

• How They First Got Involved [00:00:45–00:01:30]

• Connecting to the Profession Through Chapter Work [00:01:51–00:02:22]

• Post-COVID Engagement Challenges [00:02:37–00:03:15]

• Leadership Skills Gained Through Volunteering [00:03:34–00:04:52]

• Fun and Networking in Chapter Life [00:04:57–00:05:34]

• Lessons Learned [00:06:03–00:06:47]

• Shared Chapter Struggles Across Regions [00:06:52–00:07:22]

• Why Volunteers Are So Essential [00:08:29–00:09:19]

• Personal and Professional Benefits [00:09:28–00:10:20]

• Final Thoughts [00:10:35–00:10:55]

THE IIA RELATED CONTENT:  Interested in this topic? Visit the links below for more resources:

• 2025 IGNITE Conference
• Volunteer with your local IIA Chapter and Affiliates
• Emerging Leaders Mentoring Program
• Building a Better Auditor: Why Join the Emerging Leaders Mentoring Program?

Visit The IIA's website or YouTube channel for related topics and more.

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