Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
MEG HINCHEY

MEG HINCHEY

Tempe,AZ

Summary

With the majority of my career in public service, I presently serve the citizens of Arizona as the Chief Investigator for the Arizona Corporation Commission Securities Enforcement Division. I have an MBA in Criminal Justice Administration and over 25 years of experience in investigations and public safety, with more than 14 years working in financial crimes including administrative, civil and criminal cases. I have extensive law enforcement supervisor training and leadership experience up to and through the Chief Investigator position, leading as many as 60 staff members at any given time. My knowledge and skill set include local, state and federal level jurisdiction and authority, significant involvement in cooperative multi-agency joint investigation and protocol efforts, comprehensive interview, analytical and statement analysis applications, and extensive evidence handing and organizational skills. I have been commended for my strong leadership, interpersonal skills and work ethic. I am a results-driven professional with proven expertise in report writing, law related instruction, investigations experience and personnel management including policy development, strategic planning, crime data analysis, contract bidding and evaluation, grant applications and management and new process improvement and implementation experience. Ability to grasp new ideas and integrate them into desired results. Priorities include high level of professionalism with an emphasis on integrity driven performance and exceptional customer service.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience
5
5
Certification

Work History

Chief Investigator

State Of Arizona, ACC Securities Enforcement
05.2019 - Current
  • In this position I serve the public and internal customers as it relates to enforcing the federal and state securities acts.
  • I lead a team of ten investigators and six AmeriCorps members in these efforts. This team was recently recognized in a semi-annual agency-wide awards ceremony as a top performing team for our increased productivity, excellent external and internal customer service and measurable results on behalf of the citizens of Arizona. Part of my role in leading this team to this level of excellency includes streamlining the investigative processes for improved case resolution rates and reduced backlog.
  • My role also includes interacting with multiple stakeholders including businesses and law enforcement at all levels and throughout the world, to investigate and make recommendations about whether or not a securities violation has occurred.
  • As a Special Investigator I worked primarily independently on my cases with little supervision, but also integrated as a team member to assist others as needed.
  • This position also requires a very high standard of confidentiality per statute.
  • Other skills utilized by me in this position included complex financial crimes investigations, a high level of organizational skills, ability to manage multiple tasks or cases simultaneously, responding to many customers (attorneys, investors, etc.) in a professional and prompt manner.
  • The Special Investigators on this team also serve as first responders within the building in the event of an emergency.
  • I currently serve on a national level committee with NASAA, previously served on a national Covid-19 securities investigations task force, have the NW3C Certified Economic Crime Forensic Examiner (CECFE) certification and have been involved in three nationwide investigative task force groups related to significant securities fraud cases.

Expert Witness and Consultant

Confianza Enterprises, LLC
07.2014 - Current
  • Provide consulting services, expert opinions, complete backgrounds and provide reports related to civil cases and financial crimes allegations for private counsel.
  • As the owner, I am responsible for improved client satisfaction by effectively managing multiple projects and consistently meeting deadlines and streamlining internal processes to enhance efficiency and improve overall project outcomes.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to successfully deliver comprehensive solutions for clients.


(Note: In this capacity I exercise complete transparency with my state agency and clients to include refusing any matters that would present a conflict of interest in my public servant role.)

OFAC Global Sanctions Investigator II

PAYPAL
09.2018 - 05.2019
  • In this capacity I conducted real time investigations in the private sector related to PayPal and Venmo accounts and financial transactions to ensure that Office of Financial Asset Control (OFAC) Sanctions violations are not committed by the PayPal and Venmo users throughout the world in the respective platforms to include cartels, terrorist groups and sanctioned countries.
  • I investigated activity across the multiple platforms to ensure that it fell within acceptable parameters established by governing bodies including, but not limited to, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
  • I created brief summaries of my investigations and took the appropriate mitigating action within PayPal's case management systems as necessary.
  • As a Sanctions Investigator II, it was expected that I stay current with policy changes, seek ways to enhance current processes and controls, and maintain the utmost professionalism in my interaction with our customers at all times.
  • I was responsible for handling escalated cases from the Sanctions Level 1 Investigators (typically located in other countries) and performed thorough investigations, ultimately deciding whether the activity involved is worthy of further action.
  • I contributed to improved case resolution rates by conducting thorough investigations and utilizing effective investigations techniques.
  • This position at times included working with outside contractors to accomplish the company mission and goals.

Investigations Manager

State Of Arizona, Child Welfare Investigations
09.2014 - 07.2017
  • I was manager of a team of six or more investigators for the Office of Child Welfare Investigations (OCWI), a specialized subset of the Department of Child Safety (DCS), with the primary responsibility of ensuring the safety of the children and fmailies we served.
  • This unit responded to reports of child abuse or neglect whereby criminal conduct had been alleged per Arizona Revised Statutes. This included call-outs as first responders on a 24/7 basis within established time sensitive deadlines along with law enforcement and DCS.
  • We ensured compliance with the county established Joint Investigation Protocol, collected and secured evidence, conducted forensic interviews, wrote reports, assessed child safety while ensuring personal safety.
  • We also filed petitions with the court in conjunction with the Arizona Attorney General's Office, provided court testimony in civil and criminal proceedings and any other actions authorized by law.
  • Enhanced efficiency by developing and implementing investigative procedures and strategies for the team.
  • Streamlined case management processes, resulting in a significant reduction of backlog cases.
  • A key role in my manager position was networking and fostering relationships with our law enforcement and other public service partners to ensure public safety and compliance with established laws and regulations.
  • I was responsible for the educational, supportive and administrative functions related to supervision of the unit to include time keeping, appraisals, establishing standard works and clear expectations and utilization of scorecards with frequent one on one communications to ensure compliance with established metrics.
  • I was also trained and certified in the Computer Voice Stress Analysis (CVSA) truth verification instrument and worked extensively on the creation and implementation of the statewide DCS/OCWI policy for CVSA. Said concept and policy was presented by me to over 150 Assistant Attorney's General at their annual training retreat.
  • During my tenure with OCWI I was recognized for my written and verbal communication skills, my investigative work product, for being able to reestablish previously fragmented working relationships and my strengths based leadership skills and ability to obtain the commitment of the team to embrace and implement new programs and changes and to lead and inspire them to overcome obstacles and reach our team-based goals.

Project Manager

BRISTOL
09.2013 - 06.2014
  • Responsibility for managing community outreach and community relations specialists for federal government contractor as it relates to formerly used defense sites upon which unexploded ordnances may remain.
  • My team provided in-person public relations and written communication materials developed on behalf of the U.S Department of Defense.
  • My contributions included establishing effective communication among team members located in different states/regions for enhanced collaboration and successful project completion. I also helped streamline project processes by implementing Agile methodologies, resulting in increased efficiency and reduced costs.
  • My scope of responsibility included sites in over one half the continental United States, and in Hawaii, Alaska, Guam, Sai Pan and Puerto Rico and the oversight of staff working remotely throughout the U.S..

Supervisory Special Agent

State Of Arizona Attorney General's Office
04.2004 - 09.2013
  • Experience at AZ AGO included assignments as a Special Agent Supervisor, acting Chief Special Agent and as a Task Force Officer with the Phoenix Division of the FBI Public Corruption Squad.
  • This position included conducting and overseeing investigations related to complex major fraud, government employee waste, fraud and abuse and public corruption. I also conducted numerous background investigations and internal and law enforcement conflicted internal investigations.
  • I was responsible for participating in the procurement process for an evidence management system and revising and writing the updated Special Investigations Section, Special Agent Manual, per accepted law enforcement practices and procedures. Ultimately, I had the role of synthesizing and producing the final work product.
  • My supervisory responsibilities also included independently and effectively performing a variety of duties such as developing investigative strategies, monitoring case development, coordinating assignments and managing the MFU workload to meet established deadlines.
  • As a supervisor I was able to implement methods to enhance team efficiency by streamlining communication channels and implementing operational protocols and ensured goals were met. I was responsible for interpreting and applying investigative and state regulations and policies, and conducting thorough investigations for successful case resolutions and improved public safety.
  • I was often tasked with briefing the Executive Office within the AZ AGO, staff within SIS, other AZ AGO office staff, and external federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
  • I served as an instructor and/or presenter for law enforcement instructional courses including as a driving instructor, for regulatory agencies, federal agencies and other external stakeholders.
  • As a part of the position with the AGO I also conducted dignitary/executive protection details to include cooperative assignments with the Arizona Governor's detail and for international dignitaries. I conducted and oversaw numerous security assessments which were conducted on homes and locations for AGO attorneys being targeted by subjects of felony investigations and prosecutorial actions including CPTED evaluations, recommendations and oversight and implementation of security and surveillance systems and ongoing protective actions to ensure their safety.
  • Another of my assignments included serving as the Extradition Team Leader (which required me to draft new policy, establish a budget, purchase equipment, secure training and establish procedures for the execution of prisoner extraditions for the AGO where none had previously existed).


Police Detective

Tempe PD
01.1998 - 04.2004
  • As a juvenile detective I was responsible for five distinct campuses with a total student population of approximately 3,500
  • The key to my success in this capacity was the ability to make face to face contact with the students, faculty, staff and visitors (all of our internal and external customers), attend events and build relationships based on earned trust
  • This allowed me to serve in a more preventative capacity versus a reactive policing or safety approach
  • I received extensive training in law related education and certification to teach in the classrooms (subsequently teaching or speaking in classrooms of all levels; K12 and collegiate level)
  • I served as a founding member of the Tempe Tridistrict Crisis Council, creating a team of first responders and counselors to work collaboratively in response to critical incidents in the schools within three school districts in the Tempe area serving over 35,000 students and their families
  • I have been trained in Critical Incident Stress Management and we were developed to provide those services to our 'customers.' I provided building and occupant security and drafted the first lock down response program implemented in the K-8 school district, following the Columbine active shooter incident
  • I worked in collaboration with staff security and/or other contracted security for events
  • We utilized a myriad of security and alarm systems and surveillance cameras to accomplish the goal of a safe environment for all
  • The administration often solicited advice and assistance on security matters and more than once I presented to staff and administration about said matters.

Education

MBA - Criminal Justice Administration

Trident International University, Cypress, CA
01.2012
  • summa cum laude graduate

Master of Arts - Counseling Psychology-LEO Emphasis (45 Hours)

Prescott College, Prescott, AZ
  • 4.0 GPA

Certificate in Law Enforcement Technology -

Rio Salado Community College, Tempe, AZ
06.1999

Arizona Peace Officer Certification - Law Enforcement

Arizona Law Enforcement Academy, Phoenix
06.1999
  • Ranked 1st in class
  • Ranked 1st in Report Writing
  • Ranked 1st in Academics
  • Squad Leader
  • Selected by peers as class speaker

Bachelor of Arts - Sociology

Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
01.1996
  • cum laude graduate

Bachelor of Science in Women's Studies w/ Honors -

Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
01.1996
  • cum laude graduate

Skills

  • Investigation Management
  • Detailed report writing
  • Background Checks
  • Records Management
  • Subpoena management
  • Court Testimony
  • Ethical and honest
  • Professionalism
  • Continuous Improvement
  • Networking abilities
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Problem-solving abilities

Certification

  • Certified Economic Crimes Forensic Examiner, NW3C
  • International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators (IAFCI) member
  • North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) member and committee member
  • Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police member
  • National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE) member
  • Arizona Peace Officer Certification
  • Certificate in Law Enforcement Technology
  • Law Enforcement General Instructor Certification
  • Law Enforcement Driving Instructor Certification
  • First Aid and CPR Certified
  • Computer Voice Stress Analysis Examiner (expired-renewable)
  • Covey Supervisor and Leadership Training
  • Formerly cross deputized US Marshall
  • Previously held FBI Top Secret Clearance

Timeline

Chief Investigator - State Of Arizona, ACC Securities Enforcement
05.2019 - Current
OFAC Global Sanctions Investigator II - PAYPAL
09.2018 - 05.2019
Investigations Manager - State Of Arizona, Child Welfare Investigations
09.2014 - 07.2017
Expert Witness and Consultant - Confianza Enterprises, LLC
07.2014 - Current
Project Manager - BRISTOL
09.2013 - 06.2014
Supervisory Special Agent - State Of Arizona Attorney General's Office
04.2004 - 09.2013
Police Detective - Tempe PD
01.1998 - 04.2004
Trident International University - MBA, Criminal Justice Administration
Prescott College - Master of Arts, Counseling Psychology-LEO Emphasis (45 Hours)
Rio Salado Community College - Certificate in Law Enforcement Technology,
Arizona Law Enforcement Academy - Arizona Peace Officer Certification, Law Enforcement
Arizona State University - Bachelor of Arts, Sociology
Arizona State University - Bachelor of Science in Women's Studies w/ Honors,
  • Certified Economic Crimes Forensic Examiner, NW3C
  • International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators (IAFCI) member
  • North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) member and committee member
  • Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police member
  • National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE) member
  • Arizona Peace Officer Certification
  • Certificate in Law Enforcement Technology
  • Law Enforcement General Instructor Certification
  • Law Enforcement Driving Instructor Certification
  • First Aid and CPR Certified
  • Computer Voice Stress Analysis Examiner (expired-renewable)
  • Covey Supervisor and Leadership Training
  • Formerly cross deputized US Marshall
  • Previously held FBI Top Secret Clearance
MEG HINCHEY