BARR Advisory helps innovative technology and cloud service providers simplify the path to security and compliance. 

Information Technology

BARR Advisory

As a Senior Consultant at BARR Advisory, Teddy supports the company’s growing CISO Advisory service offerings, specifically for small-to-medium sized companies in need of a virtual CISO (or CISO on retainer). He plans and executes various engagements including readiness assessments, policy and procedure documentation, vendor risk management assessments, and external audit assistance.
He is an experienced consulting professional with a history of working in IT governance, risk, and compliance for financial institutions and small-to-medium sized companies. He maintains the CISA and HITRUST CCSFP certifications to fortify his reputation as an IT professional in audit and risk.Teddy graduated from Utica University with a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, and prior to BARR, he worked at [Wolf & Company](/org/wolf-company-p-c), P.C.

Teddy Vangalen

As BARR’s Director of Cybersecurity Consulting, Mitch Evans leads a growing CISO Advisory practice providing vCISO services to organizations of various sizes and across a wide range of industries. He oversees and supports a team of CISO Advisory consultants who provide services ranging from cybersecurity gap assessments, to policy and procedures documentation, due diligence questionnaires, penetration testing, and much more. He provides guidance and support to the CISO Advisory consultants, as well as direct guidance to clients.
Mitch has over 10 years of experience in security and compliance and maintains a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification.

Mitch Evans

As Marketing Manager, Jen supports [BARR Advisory](/org/barr-advisory)’s marketing and communications strategy. In this role, she is responsible for developing high-impact materials and marketing campaigns to extend BARR’s reach in the cybersecurity and compliance B2B markets. She assists with the planning and execution of all digital marketing, including SEO/SEM, email, blog and social media efforts.
Jen has more than 10 years of experience in content creation, advertising, social media strategy, campaign development, branding and management. Prior to BARR, she was director of marketing for a private university and ran her own freelance copywriting and marketing business. Jen holds both a Bachelor of Science in public relations and marketing and a Bachelor of Arts in modern languages from [Kansas State University](/org/kansas-state-university).

Jen Knobel

As the Director of Quality, Whitney Perez brings a wealth of experience in internal audits, SOX, information security, and internal control development. She evaluates risk and controls for industries including energy, government, and financial services.

Prior to joining BARR, Whitney held IT auditor and advisory positions at KCP&L in Kansas City, Missouri and [Grant Thornton](/org/grant-thornton-international) in Dallas, Texas. Whitney has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the [University of Kansas](/org/university-of-kansas) and is a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).

Whitney Perez

As HITRUST manager, Swathi West leads BARR’s HITRUST practice. Her focus is on strengthening client relationships and developing new business opportunities. She also plans and executes information technology SOC audits, client risk assessments, and GRC Advisory engagements for BARR’s rapidly expanding client portfolio.
Swathi is originally from South India, and came to the U.S. to pursue her Master in Space Studies degree at the [University of North Dakota](/org/university-of-north-dakota). From there, she went on to work for [UnitedHealth Group](/org/unitedhealth-group)’s information security team, where she fell in love with the cybersecurity industry, auditing several healthcare clients against the HITRUST framework. With a passion for client experience, Swathi moved to the client side, working for [Cardinal Health](/org/cardinal-health), where she gained experience selecting security tools, planning security testing, and the overall auditing process. Prior to BARR, Swathi was a Senior Consultant at Schellman & Company, working on several HITRUST, SOC, and HIPAA certification projects.

Swathi West

Zerrick Staples

As an Associate Consultant for BARR's Attest Services, Eduardo Madero is responsible for supporting senior consultants with the completion of SOC 2 audits for SaaS clients.

Eduardo graduated from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Science in Business Computer Information Systems. Eduardo is proficient in Microsoft Office and data management. He excels when working in a team and has extensive experience in public speaking. Eduardo is fluent in both English and Spanish and can read and write in Hebrew.

Eduardo Madero

Kristin Strand is currently an Associate Consultant at [BARR Advisory](/org/barr-advisory), where they specialize in cyber risk advisory. Prior to joining BARR, Kristin served in the US Army Reserves.



Kristin Strand reports to Angela Redmond, Director, Cyber Risk Advisory. Some of their coworkers include Disha Shah - Associate Consultant, Cyber Risk Advisory, Daniel Flores Herrera - Senior Consultant, Cyber Risk Advisory, and Sydney Buchel - Senior Consultant, Cyber Risk Advisory.

Kristin Strand

Hannah Kenney is a Manager in [BARR Advisory](/org/barr-advisory)’s Cyber Risk Advisory practice. She serves on cyber risk engagements for computer software, human resources, and financial technology organizations, where she is responsible for planning, execution, and delivery of cyber assessments, and reporting process improvements.
Hannah’s background includes extensive project management experience. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems and Business Analytics from the [University of Kansas](/org/university-of-kansas).

Hannah Kenney

Sydney Buchel is a Senior Consultant for Cyber Risk Advisory at [BARR Advisory](/org/barr-advisory). Sydney has worked in the cyber and IT risk field for over three years. Prior to their current position, they were a Research Assistant at Modern Work Lab and an Operations and Business Analyst at Lead2Revenue, LLC. 

Sydney has a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Systems from the University of Maryland, College Park. Sydney is passionate about helping organizations protect themselves against cyber threats and improve their overall security posture. In their free time, they enjoy spending time with their family and friends, traveling, and reading.

Sydney Buchel has a Bachelors degree in Business Analytics and Management from the [University of New Hampshire](/org/university-of-new-hampshire) and a Bachelor's degree in Business Analytics and Management from UNH Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics. Sydney also has a High School Diploma from [Pinkerton Academy](/org/pinkerton-academy). Sydney is certified from BSI in ISO 27001:2013 Lead Auditor (TPECS) and from USF Corporate Training and Professional Education in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate.

They work with Ashlyn Jones - Senior Consultant, Cyber Risk Advisory, Whitney Perez - Director of Quality, and Disha Shah - Associate Consultant, Cyber Risk Advisory. Sydney Buchel reports to Angela Redmond, Director, Cyber Risk Advisory.

Sydney Buchel

As a Senior Consultant in BARR’s Cyber Risk Advisory practice, Disha Shah is responsible for planning and executing information technology audits and client risk assessments for clients in various highly regulated industries.

Prior to joining BARR, Disha served as an associate in KPMG’s risk advisory practice. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and management information systems from Northern Illinois University. Disha is quadrilingual, and can communicate in English, Hindi, Gujarati, and Sanskrit.

Disha Shah

Ashlyn Jones is a Senior Consultant for Cyber Risk Advisory at [BARR Advisory](/org/barr-advisory). Ashlyn has over fifteen years of experience in the customer service and administrative field. Ashlyn has held various positions such as an Executive Sales Assistant, Physical Therapist Aide/Receptionist, and Office Manager. In their previous positions, they were responsible for greeting patients, handling customer inquiries, scheduling appointments, and managing office functions. Ashlyn's experience has allowed their to develop strong communication and organizational skills which they utilize in their current role in Cyber Risk Advisory.

Ashlyn Jones' educational career began at Vernon Township High School where they studied web design. Ashlyn then continued their education at The Chubb Institute.

Ashlyn Jones reports to Angela Redmond, Director, Cyber Risk Advisory. Some of their coworkers include Kristin Strand - Associate Consultant, Cyber Risk Advisory, Sydney Buchel - Senior Consultant, Cyber Risk Advisory, and Daniel Flores Herrera - Senior Consultant, Cyber Risk Advisory.

Ashlyn Jones

Angela Carpenter is a Manager in [BARR Advisory](/org/barr-advisory)’s Cyber Risk Advisory practice. She is known for her exemplary client service as well as her technical expertise in assessing security and compliance against regulatory standards including SOC 1, SOC 2, and SOC for Cybersecurity. Angela currently serves clients in a wide range of industries—from global technology services and media production to financial services.
Prior to joining BARR, Angela was a Senior Auditor for the Federal Reserve Bank in Kansas City and later a Financial Systems Analyst at the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System in Washington, D.C. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from [Kansas State University](/org/kansas-state-university).

Angela Redmond

Daniel Flores Herrera is a Senior Consultant for Cyber Risk Advisory at [BARR Advisory](/org/barr-advisory). Daniel has also worked as an Information Systems Assurance Experienced Senior at BDO USA, LLP and as a Senior Consultant - Technology Risk at EY. During their time at EY, Daniel participated in 6 engagements relating to financial attestation and third-party assurance over client control environments. Daniel also prepared walkthroughs, documented evidence, and performed testing of IT general and application controls for clients in the Oil & Gas, Environmental & Waste, and Manufacturing industries. In addition, they assisted clients with the assessment, design, and implementation of processes and controls to achieve business objectives, business and IT risk management and regulatory requirements. Prior to their work at EY, Daniel interned with the company in the Risk Advisory department. Daniel has also worked as an Academic Support Assistant (Database Management Systems I) at the [University of Houston](/org/university-of-houston).

Daniel Flores Herrera reports to Angela Redmond, Director, Cyber Risk Advisory. Daniel Flores Herrera works with Kristin Strand - Associate Consultant, Cyber Risk Advisory, Ashlyn Jones - Senior Consultant, Cyber Risk Advisory, and Eduardo Madero - Associate Consultant, Cyber Risk Advisory.

Daniel Flores Herrera

As a Senior Consultant for BARR's Attest Services, Steve Ryan is responsible for planning and executing information technology audits and risk assessments for clients in the healthcare industry. He is experienced in both HITRUST and HIPAA assessments.

Prior to joining BARR, Steve was a Senior Consultant in Wolf & Company’s IT Assurance practice. He holds a Bachelor of Science in information systems from Bentley University.

Steve Ryan

Lauren Hannawald brings over 15 years of industry experience to her role as Chief of Culture and Communications. As leader of both the Marketing and People Operations teams, she oversees the strategies behind every touch point across the BARR experience—creating a thriving culture for every associate, a trusted advisor to valued clients, and a true partner to industry and community organizations.

Her day-to-day responsibilities include ensuring that all brand communications and events (internal and external) as well as associate engagement programs—such as onboarding, talent development, team-building, recognition, and diversity, equity and inclusion efforts—are aligned with BARR’s mission and short and long-term goals.

A marketing communications professional by background, Lauren began her career at Hallmark Cards and VMLY&R. She also served as the Director of Marketing at Rockhurst University in Kansas City. Lauren holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Kansas and a master’s degree from New York University.

Lauren Hannawald

As Head of Brand, Michelle leads BARR Advisory’s marketing and communications strategy, global brand management, creative services, and strategic partnerships. In her role, Michelle is responsible for developing integrated marketing initiatives designed to showcase BARR’s expanding advisory and compliance services as well as develop key partnerships as a pathway to new business. With nearly a decade of marketing, communications, and branding experience in a wide range of industries, Michelle brings her passion for creativity and innovation to BARR’s dynamic culture.

Prior to BARR, Michelle served as Assistant Director of Marketing for a private university in Kansas City, along with holding various marketing roles of increasing responsibility in the technology, performing arts, and athletics industries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Kansas State University and a master’s degree from Rockhurst University.

Michelle Carson

Kyle Helles is the Head of Attest Services at [BARR Advisory](/org/barr-advisory). Kyle has over 10 years of experience in auditing and consulting, with a focus on the technology sector. 

Prior to joining BARR, Kyle was a Manager in Internal Audit at [Frontier Communications](/org/frontier-communications). In this role, they were responsible for leading and executing operational and financial audits across the company. Kyle also oversaw the development and implementation of new audit programs and processes. 

Before [Frontier Communications](/org/frontier-communications), Kyle worked as a Senior IT Auditor at Ernst & Young LLP (EY). In this role, they advised clients on how to improve their internal controls and mitigate risks. Kyle also conducted audits of financial statements, Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, and IT systems. 

Kyle is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA). Kyle holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the [University of Connecticut](/org/university-of-connecticut).

Kyle Helles has a Bachelor of Science in Applied Economics and Management from [Cornell University](/org/cornell-university), an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies from Monroe Community College, and an Associate of Arts in Baking and Pastry Arts/Baker/Pastry Chef from The Culinary Institute of America. Kyle also has a Regents Diploma from Fairport High School.

Their manager is Brad Thies, Founder and President. Some of their coworkers include Adam Jones - Director of Finance, Lauren Hannawald - Head of Brand Strategy, Communications & Creative Services, and Angela Redmond - Director, Cyber Risk Advisory.

Kyle Helles

Allison Neptune is the Coordinator of People Operations at [BARR Advisory](/org/barr-advisory). Allison has over three years of experience in Accounts Payable and Denial Management. Allison has a strong background in customer service and is passionate about helping others. Allison is a team player and is always willing to go the extra mile to help their team succeed.

Allison Neptune has a master's degree in industrial and organizational psychology from Adler University and a bachelor's degree in psychology from North Carolina Central University.

Their manager is Whitney Lindsey, Head of People & Culture. Allison Neptune works with Jonnae Hill - Manager, Culture and Community Engagement, Kari Cohen - Practice Director, People and Culture Advisory.

Allison Neptune

Adam Jones is currently the Director of Finance at [BARR Advisory](/org/barr-advisory). Adam has over 10 years of experience in the finance industry, including previous positions as Manager of Corporate Development at DST Systems and Senior Vice President at Palmer Square Capital Management LLC. Adam Jones began their career as an analyst at ThinkEquity Partners in 2007 and has since gained a wealth of knowledge and experience in the financial sector. Adam is a highly skilled and experienced financial professional who is dedicated to helping their clients achieve their financial goals.

Adam Jones has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Business Administration from The University of Kansas and an MBA from Indiana University - Kelley School of Business. Adam also attended Shawnee Mission East.

They are on a team with Angela Redmond - Director, Cyber Risk Advisory, Whitney Lindsey - Head of People & Culture, and Kyle Helles - Head of Attest Services. Their manager is Brad Thies, Founder and President.

Adam Jones

As Culture and Community Engagement Manager, Jonnae Hill connects our associates to meaningful opportunities as a way to further our organizational mission and enhance their engagement. Through key initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, she ensures that BARR’s values are at the forefront of each associate’s experience. With nearly a decade of experience in higher education, Jonnae brings outstanding leadership and development expertise to BARR.
Prior to joining BARR, Jonnae served in several leadership positions at universities in Missouri. She holds a Master of Arts in educational administration from University of Missouri Kansas City and Bachelor of Arts in communication from University of Missouri Columbia.

Jonnae Hill

As Executive Administrative Assistant, Krystal Wilson provides general administrative support for BARR’s President as well as supports the Leadership team and overall success of the organization.

Krystal brings 10 years of experience to her role. She previously worked with BDO US, where she was responsible for supporting the BDO Detroit office as well as the Tax Regional Managing Partner. Krystal is accomplished in customer service, training, collections, and administrative work. She has been awarded for strong customer service skills and leadership with the ability to execute deliverables with excellence.

Krystal Wilson

As BARR’s Head of People & Culture, Whitney is responsible for recruiting new talent, onboarding, supporting each phase of the associate life cycle, and enhancing our values-driven work environment. She also supports wellness activities, benefits, and compensation administration.
Before joining BARR, Whitney acquired 13 years of experience in talent recruitment and management at leading companies like Google, Amazon, and Oracle. Whitney has a bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University and a master’s degree from the University of Denver.

Whitney Lindsey

As Founder and President of [BARR Advisory](/org/barr-advisory), Brad Thies leads all aspects of the organization’s global client service delivery and security assessment services including SOC, ISO, PCI, NIST and HIPAA examinations, FedRAMP reviews and GRC consulting services. Under Brad’s leadership, BARR has become one of the most sought-after third-party assessors in the cloud computing space.
Brad is a recognized thought leader on security and compliance in the cloud computing space. He is a regular guest speaker at industry events, such as ISACA conferences and a member of the [AICPA](/org/aicpa)’s Trust Integrity Task Force. Brad’s professional advice has been featured in Entrepreneur, Cloud Computing Journal and Information Security Buzz. Prior to founding BARR, Brad managed [KPMG](/org/kpmg)'s IT advisory services division. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Information System Auditor (CISA).

Brad Thies

The current leadership team at BARR Advisory has a wide range of experience in different areas of business. The team includes a manager who has experience in corporate development, a senior vice president, and an analyst. All of the members of the team have received their education from different prestigious schools. The team is united by their common goal of providing the best possible service to their clients.

Leadership Team

About

Team members

Other teams at BARR Advisory

Founding Team

Discover similar companies