51�鱨վ

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(573) 882-9325
Christopher.Ave@umsystem.edu

The 51�鱨վ Board of Curators has selected Jim Grimes as the chief audit and compliance officer for the 51�鱨վ System. 

Grimes has more than 25 years of experience in internal audit, compliance and risk management. A seasoned leader in both corporate and higher education environments, Grimes has a proven track record of enhancing internal controls, driving compliance initiatives and improving operational efficiency across a wide range of industries.  Grimes reports directly to the board. His appointment began March 10, 2025.   

Before joining the 51�鱨վ System, Grimes served as the director of internal audit at Tulane University, where he played a pivotal role in strengthening audit functions and ensuring effective compliance practices. Prior to his time at Tulane University, Grimes served in leadership roles at Rapid7, Inc., SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment Incorporated (now United Parks and Resorts, Inc.), Anheuser-Busch Incorporated, and as a partner at RubinBrown, LLP, where he advised clients on internal control, process improvement, compliance and risk management.   

“I am committed to advancing the audit and compliance functions to further strengthen the university’s operations and its mission of excellence in education and research,” Grimes said. “I am passionate about empowering our teams, encouraging collaboration and aligning audit and compliance functions with broader organizational goals.”   
 
Grimes is an alumnus of the 51�鱨վ-St. Louis and has an MBA from Fontbonne University. He is a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) and a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and has also completed the COSO Internal Control Certificate Program. Grimes is actively involved in the audit and compliance community, having served as a Founding Board Member and three-time Past President of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) in St. Louis.