2025 CFE of the Year: Erin Johnson, CFE

Every year, the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) recognizes individuals and organizations who demonstrate outstanding achievements in their professional and personal endeavors. The ACFE Awards highlight the very best of the anti-fraud profession and serve to inspire a global community of ACFE members, their colleagues and future generations of fraud fighters.

The Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) of the Year Award is presented to a CFE who demonstrates outstanding achievement in fraud examination. This year, the ACFE is honored to present the award to Erin Johnson, CFE, for her remarkable leadership, innovation and dedication in protecting the integrity of veterans’ benefits.

Erin Johnson is a lead program analyst for the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA). She provides oversight of fraud operations, participates in the investigation and remediation of fraud, and collaborates with the VA Office of Inspector General and other benefit organizations. Johnson brings more than 17 years of federal government experience in project management, leading teams to drive measurable growth, and possesses a strong understanding of VBA operations and federal regulations within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Her development of the Fraud Investigation Tool (FIT) and the Account Automation Watchlist significantly improved fraud detection accuracy and has stopped more than $470,000 in payments before they were disbursed. She also implemented new security measures to protect Medal of Honor recipients from targeted fraud schemes.

Beyond her casework, Johnson has helped shape the future of anti-fraud work within the federal government. She authored standard operating procedures on fraud detection, mentored colleagues in pursuing the CFE credential and played a key role in the VBA’s partnership with the ACFE’s Law Enforcement and Government Alliance (LEGA). Her support of the VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) led to the successful resolution of insider fraud cases and the restoration of financial security to thousands of veteran fraud victims.

Erin Johnson embodies the spirit of service, leadership and excellence that defines the anti-fraud profession.