With more than two decades of experience in risk advisory, program integrity, and fraud risk management, Kevin Lane has built a national reputation for leadership that is as grounded in values as it is in vision. A principal at Deloitte, Kevin has served in offices from St. Louis to Washington, D.C., to Buenos Aires, and Dallas, leading high-impact work that helps government clients improve their system operations and better serve the public.

Yet no matter how far his career has taken him, Kevin’s compass has always pointed back to Virginia Tech. A double Hokie with both a bachelor’s and master’s in accounting, Kevin credits the cross-disciplinary foundation he received at Pamplin with setting him up for success—and instilling a lifelong commitment to service and giving back.

Today, he serves on the university’s VT Alumni Association Board, the Pamplin Advisory Council, the Pamplin Community for Leadership and Engagement, and the Department of Accounting and Information Systems Advisory Board. He also mentors students and young professionals and has personally supported scholarships, strategic initiatives, and fundraising campaigns across the university. His personal philanthropy, matched through Deloitte, has surpassed $1 million in gifts and commitments—with a strong emphasis on advancing Pamplin’s academic mission.

What keeps him engaged after all these years? “Gratitude,” he says simply. “And the hope that I can help someone else the way Virginia Tech helped me.”

We caught up with Kevin to talk about leadership, legacy, and why he believes every Hokie has something to give.

Where you've been in your career—and where you're headed...
I’ve spent my career in a range of areas—cybersecurity, audit support, risk, compliance, and in recent years, program integrity and fraud risk management. What I love about risk advisory work is the way it combines disciplines. That foundation was built at Virginia Tech. Even back in the ’90s, we were learning classical accounting alongside IT. That cross-disciplinary approach gave me versatility and a mindset that’s stayed with me.

How your perspective has evolved...
I’ve learned that many organizations address risk only after something has gone wrong. My advice? Snip the wick before the firecracker goes off. Preventative action is less costly—and less painful—than damage control. But I’ve also learned that every organization is on its own journey, and our role is to meet them where they are.

A mindset or leadership trait that defines you...
I hope people would say I’m honest, respectful, kind, and that I operate with integrity. It’s basic, but meaningful: do what you say, say what you do.

A skill that's paid dividends (but often gets overlooked)...
The cross-disciplinary skill set you get at Virginia Tech is powerful. I see it in Hokies I work with even today—they’re just a little more STEM-enabled, regardless of major. That versatility makes a real difference. It’s what employers want, and it’s what clients value.

A message you always leave with audiences...
None of us can predict the future. But we can plan for the most likely scenarios. Scenario planning—having playbooks ready and knowing when to trigger them—is one of the most valuable tools in risk management today.

The work you’re most energized by right now...
I’m currently focused on data integrity—helping government agencies sustain and understand their own data, make better decisions, and serve the public more effectively. It’s work I care deeply about. At Deloitte, we want to help the government become the best version of itself. I’m proud to be part of that mission.

Your Virginia Tech moment...
There were so many people who changed my life at VT, so I will start at the beginning with Dr. Wayne Leininger. He gave me a chance when I needed one—first as an undergrad, and later in graduate school. That support made a lasting impact on my life, and I’ll always be grateful.

What being a Hokie means today...
There’s a real sense of community among Hokies. When I meet another Hokie, my first thought is, “How can I help?” I sense the same from them. That’s just the culture. And it’s one of the things I value most.

A professional resource every leader should know...
I’ve been involved with many, but the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners stands out. They produce excellent research and data I use all the time. It’s a very well-run organization with a strong mission.

Something on the horizon you're excited about...
I’m beginning to think about the next chapter—retirement in the next one to five years. I’m not done working, but I am thinking about how to stay engaged in a different way. I’ve had early conversations about getting more involved at Virginia Tech, professionally and philanthropically. I don’t know what it will look like yet, but I’ll be around.

Advice to your younger self, 30 years later...
I’d say: find your tribe sooner. Virginia Tech is a big place, but the world is big too—and you make it smaller by finding your people. That’s how you make the most of the experience. And I’d remind myself to be present, to engage more fully, earlier.

On giving and generosity...
People sometimes hesitate to give because they feel their gift won’t matter. But Hokies don’t measure value in dollars. It’s not the size of the check—it’s what’s in your heart. I started small. Most people do. And over time, I just stayed engaged. What matters most is getting started.

Why I give—and how I choose where to support...
I love partnering with others in philanthropy. When you come together, the impact is greater. I give to honor the people who shaped me—and to support the strategic priorities of the university. I trust our leaders, and I want to help move their vision forward.

Final thought...
There are amazing things happening at Virginia Tech—and especially at Pamplin. There’s always room for more people to get involved. If you're even a little curious, raise your hand. Someone will reach out, and you might find a new way to connect. The Hokie Nation is always stronger when it grows.

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