2026 Cliff Robertson Sentinel Award: Noelle Webb

Established in 2003 and first presented to Oscar-winning actor Cliff Robertson, the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners’ (ACFE) Sentinel Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary courage by exposing fraud, corruption or misconduct in business or government.  

Bearing the inscription “For Choosing Truth Over Self,” the award honors individuals who place integrity and accountability above personal or professional interests, often at considerable risk to themselves. 

The ACFE is proud to present the 2026 Sentinel Award to Noelle Webb, an award-winning pharmaceutical representative who blew the whistle on illegal pain medication marketing during the height of the opioid epidemic. Her courage to come forward and expose these practices came at a significant professional and personal cost.  

Webb witnessed misconduct and reported wrongdoing despite the risks associated with speaking out against a large corporation, choosing integrity over self-interest.  

Today, Webb is an author, educator and advocate. She now works to highlight the importance of whistleblower protections and alternative models of trauma-informed healing. She works to strengthen protections for those who report misconduct and provides guidance to people navigating the challenges that can follow coming forward. In her book, “Leash of Courage,” Webb recounts her personal experiences, examines the realities faced by whistleblowers and explores pathways for rebuilding after adversity.  

Inspired by the positive impacts of the human-canine bond, Webb is also the founder of Leash of Courage, an organization dedicated to sharing research, science and resources that connect humans and dogs. Through this work, she promotes awareness of the ways animals can positively influence people's lives and well-being. 

Webb's courage in exposing wrongdoing and her continued commitment to supporting others embody the spirit of the Sentinel Award. Her story serves as a reminder that accountability begins with one person willing to speak the truth, regardless of the consequences.  

The 2026 Sentinel Award will be presented at the 37th Annual ACFE Global Fraud Conference, July 12-17, 2026, held in Boston, Massachusetts, and virtually.