As BARR Advisory continues to expand, we’re eager to welcome some of our newest team members: Amanda Parnigoni, senior consultant, cyber risk advisory, Steve Ryan, senior consultant, HITRUST, Disha Shah, associate consultant, cyber risk advisory, and Zack Wash, senior consultant, cyber risk advisory.
Get to know a little bit about each of them below.
Amanda Parnigoni, senior consultant, Cyber Risk Advisory
As a senior consultant in BARR’s Cyber Risk Advisory practice, Amanda Parnigoni is responsible for leading and executing technology risk readiness assessments and audits, including SOC 1, 2, and 3. She is experienced in evaluating risk and IT controls for clients in various highly-regulated industries and has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Massachusetts.
Q: What books or podcasts do you recommend and why?
A: Right now I am reading anything by Colleen Hoover. Her books were popular in 2021 and are so well written. I also recommend a few podcasts:
- The Daily: This is the perfect podcast for a quick review and update of what is going on in the news.
- Terrible, Thanks for Asking: This podcast always helps me put my issues in perspective. It also provides a different outlook on situations that others are dealing with and how they overcome challenging situations. (TW: tear jerker!)
Q: What are some of your favorite quotes about life/business?
A: One of my favorite quotes is, “Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence.” My dad hung this Calvin Coolidge quote in our house growing up, and my family lives by these words, both personally and professionally.
Q: Do you have any pets?
A: I have a cat named Remy. He is named after the rat in Disney’s Ratatouille.
Q: What technology innovation has made the most impact on your life?
A: Smartphones! The impact and evolution of smartphones within the last 20 years is always something that shocks me, both good and bad.
Q: What is your favorite outdoor activity?
A: I try to get outside everyday for a walk. I find this is the biggest mood booster for me, whether it’s five minutes or an hour (even during the freezing winters in Boston).
Steve Ryan, senior consultant, HITRUST
As a senior consultant in BARR Advisory’s HITRUST practice, 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 has a Bachelor of Science in information systems from Bentley University.
Q: What is your advice for someone starting a career in the cybersecurity industry?
A: Be inquisitive! There is so much to learn about the cybersecurity industry as a whole, and there are so many roads you can take in your career. Poke around and see what you relate with/feel most passionate about, as there are always opportunities!
Steve’s favorite place, Emerald Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park
Q: What’s the most beautiful place you’ve ever been or your favorite vacation spot?
A: My favorite vacation spot by far is Denver, CO. Between the natural beauty and culture, there is no better place to visit in the US. Just outside of Denver in Rocky Mountain National Park, there is a little hike to Emerald Lake which is the most beautiful place I’ve ever been. If you ever get the chance to visit this place, I highly, highly recommend it.
Q: Do you have any pets?
A: I have a 10-month-old Pitbull/ Boxer/Hound rescue pup named Maverick.
Q: What is your favorite outdoor activity?
A: Anything and everything outdoors! I love hiking, camping, snowboarding, fishing just to name a few.
Q: Why should clients choose BARR? What’s different about our approach?
A: BARR is unlike any other firm I’ve interacted with. Yes, we are an audit firm, but in reality, we are truly partners with all of our clients. We are passionate to ensure you succeed in your organization’s objectives and always make ourselves available. Not only that, but we also ensure our goals and values align with your organization’s goals and values. This leads to a true partnership and ensures we are moving in the same direction. We strive to provide our clients with as much support as possible to ensure continuous security improvement.
Disha Shah, associate consultant, Cyber Risk Advisory
As an associate consultant, Disha Shah supports the planning and execution of cyber risk engagements, including information technology audits and risk assessments for clients in various highly regulated industries. Disha has a bachelor’s degree in accounting and management information systems from Northern Illinois University and is quadrilingual in English, Hindi, Gujarati, and Sanskrit.
Q: Do you have any pets?
A: Yes, I have a three-and-a-half year old Havanese puppy whose name is Debit. I cannot wait to get another puppy and name them Credit!
Q: What is the most important personal attribute you bring to your job?
A: Openness: I am always open to suggestions, ideas, and criticism. It makes me better at what I do.
Q: What is your favorite outdoor activity?
A: I LOVE to swim and ride horses.
Q: What’s the most beautiful place you’ve ever been or favorite vacation spot?
A: The most beautiful place I’ve ever been was Koh Samui, Thailand.
Q: What excites you about where the industry is going?
A: What excites me is the fact that the industry is fast-paced, and it gives me an opportunity to be creative when finding solutions for the clients we serve.
Zack Wash, senior consultant, Cyber Risk Advisory
As a senior consultant in BARR’s Cyber Risk Advisory practice, Zack Wash is responsible for planning and executing information technology audits and client risk assessments for clients in various highly regulated industries with specialized experience in manufacturing. Prior to joining BARR, Zack was a senior risk advisory consultant with Focal Point Data Risk. He has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Auburn University.
Q: What advice would you give someone who is starting a career in the cybersecurity industry?
A: Don’t be scared to make the jump. Technology is constantly evolving, so be sure you stay curious and ask questions, especially when you are just starting out.
Q: What’s the most beautiful place you’ve ever been or favorite vacation spot?
A: The most beautiful place I’ve ever been is Colorado in the winter. The scenery from the top of the mountains and feeling of being on top of the world is indescribable.
Mia, Zack’s Goldendoodle
Q: Do you have any pets?
A: Yes, I have Mia. She is a year-and-a-half old Goldendoodle. She has a one of a kind personality and is the happiest, cutest pup ever (I may be a little biased toward her though).
Q: What is one of your favorite foods?
A: My favorite food is lomo saltado. I was introduced to this Peruvian dish while living in Miami and have been in love ever since.
Q: What is the most important personal attribute you bring to your job?
A: I always bring positivity to my work. Don’t let 1% of your day ruin the other 99%.
Interested in joining the BARR team? Explore our open positions.