Lorna Goertz, Richmond, B.C., MEDA board, chair of audit committee

Day job: Lorna Goertz works in business valuation and litigation support for Wolrige Mahon LLP, one of the largest independent accounting firms in Vancouver. "What I like about MEDA," she says, "is that its goal is to develop programs that are sustainable, and by sustainable I mean that the benefits will continue when MEDA is gone. And the reason it’ll happen is because all of the players in the chain actually benefit from their participation so it’s in their best interest to continue."

Most fun? "I've enjoyed opportunities to see MEDA at work and the results of what it does when I've been to Romania, Nicaragua and Tanzania. I really enjoy getting the detailed board reports because it’s exciting to read how MEDA's goals are achieved. I really appreciate the opportunity to contribute my skills both in internal audits and on the audit committee, where we’re looking to strengthen MEDA in its role as an innovator."

Lorna's internal audits have taken her to MEDA programs in Romania and Nicaragua. What does an audit entail? She cites Romania as an example: "You check to see that the terms of the loans comply with the standards," she says, "and compare the payment history with what is required." And, as part of the ongoing vigilance every microfinance program needs to employ, "you also visit and talk to a number of borrowers so that you know that they're real, that they’ve really borrowed money and what they’ve done with it."

Hobbies: Lorna enjoys walking and cycling in beautiful British Columbia. She often cycles a 30-kilometer route to keep fit and enjoy nature.

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