AARC-360 ® - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Audit Manager at AARC - 360
- Senior Audit Manager
Alek Bilinski is a valuable and seasoned professional with a plethora of experience in customer service and business management. With over 6 years in medical practice management, Alek takes a hands-on approach when performing projects with precision and integrity.
Originally from Rochester New York, Alek earned an Associate's degree in Radiologic Technologies. He put that degree to work in the medical field treating cancer patients with therapeutic radiation. He has taken that mindset of changing the world for the better and has successfully treated 1,000's of patients in the hopes of curing their cancer. This role allowed him to move into the practice manager position where he took his skills and expertise and helped transform a small medical practice into one of Atlanta's busiest plastic surgery practices. He has brought that same mentality, experience, and attitude to the IT compliance and cybersecurity risk management field where he is dedicated to offering our clients with precise and accurate reports.
Now Alek has brought those accumulated skills and experiences to AARC-360 as the Reporting and Engagement Support Specialist. As AARC-360 continues to grow, Alek will look to support the company and provide outstanding service. With Alek's dedication, he is ready to tackle anything that is sent his way and knows that with his help, AARC-360 will be even more successful going forward.
Job Titles:
- Reporting and Engagement Support Specialist
Alexis Rodriguez joined AARC-360 in January of 2024 as a recent graduate from Georgia State University with a focus on Psychology.
This is Alexis' first IT auditing position, and she will focus on conducting SOC Reports.
Before joining AARC-360, Alexis was a Registered Behavioral Therapist. Her time spent in that role taught her objectivity, independence, and patience, all of which will allow Alexis to effectively perform quality audits.
Job Titles:
- Client Relationship Manager
Alexis Smith is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in management, business optimization, and process improvement. With over five years in the IT Security sector, Alexis utilizes a comprehensive understanding of the industry to achieve consistent outcomes and drive company deliverables.
Originally from New Jersey, Alexis earned a Bachelor's in Business Administration from James Madison University. She put that degree to work in the hospitality field working for some of the largest and most prestigious companies in the world. In addition to invaluable experience in leadership, service and process optimization, Alexis earned several accolades including the Circle of Excellence award, recognizing top performers in the industry. She brought that experience and attitude to leadership in the IT Security industry where she transitioned into a management role.
Now Alexis has brought those accumulated skills and experiences to AARC 360 as the Client Relationship Manager. As AARC-360 continues to grow, Alexis will look to position the company for sustained, scalable growth through the application of BPI practices and process optimization. With the diversity in her background Alexis will be positioned to support the business through a variety of roles and projects.
Amna Tarar has a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, specializing in Computer Information Systems (BBA-CIS). She has a strong passion for IT audit and began her professional journey as an Information Assurance Intern. Her internship at AARC-360 was enriching, and she transitioned into a full-time role to focus on SOC 2 audits. Amna is committed to obtaining the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification to further advance her career.
Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, AARC-360 serves domestic and international companies. Although US-based, we have a global presence with customers across North America, Europe, and Asia.
Andrew Paek joined AARC-360 in October 2022 as a recent graduate from Georgia State University with a focus on accounting.
As a staff consultant, Andrew focuses on the details of Compliance with specific regulations such as the Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements number 21 (SSAE 21) including Service Organization Controls 1 and 2 (SOC1 and SOC 2).
Prior to joining AARC-360 Andrew was very involved in various student- professional organizations such as Beta Alpha Psi. Andrew leveraged the experiences Beta Alpha Psi provided interviewing working professionals honing in on his communication skills.
Andrew's current goal is to gain more audit experience and obtain the CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) certification.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
- Audit and Technology Management Executive
Bernie Wedge is an experienced audit and technology management executive. Bernie's background as a CPA (qualified to be a Board financial expert), Qualified Technology Expert (QTE) and cyber security specialist makes him a trusted advisor to management and Boards. He has a proven record of working with senior executives, Boards and Audit Committees of leading organizations, with a focus on banks, insurance companies, financial market utilities and FinTech organizations.
He held significant strategic and operational leadership responsibilities in his 35+ year career with Ernst & Young LLP (EY), leading diverse teams with varied geographic experience working and travelling and working extensively on client matters and with colleagues in Canada, Latin and South America, EMEIA and Asia-Pacific regions. Bernie was EY's Americas Technology Risk practice Leader (and member of EY's Global executive) and provided strategic leadership to a practice that grew to $900 million and over 3,000 professionals during his two terms in leadership.
He was at the ground floor of the IT risk profession helping develop EY's SOX and SOC 1/2/3 reporting methodology for IT controls and created the EY Global Information Security Survey. He has been quoted in the media on information/cyber security and IT risk issues. Bernie specializes in risk management, privacy, internal control/SOX/SOC reporting, digital strategy, data management and internal/external audits. He is a leader in providing assurance over technology service organizations overseeing more than 250 Service Organization Control reports, including compliance reporting for banks, asset managers, health insurance claims processors, credit-card processors, mortgage processors, and FinTech lenders.
Bernie has assessed and enhanced cyber program and technology risk maturity for banking, insurance and financial market utilities, evaluating organizations against NIST Cybersecurity Framework, COBIT, FFIEC Cyber Assessment Tool (CAT), GLBA, HiTrust (health sector), and HIPAA, and NAIC (Insurance).
Bernie is active in the community serving Boys & Girls Clubs of America as National Trustee and Member of National Technology Committee; University of Alabama - Cyber Executive Board of Advisors; and Hands-On Atlanta (Atlanta's largest organization focused on harnessing volunteer activities) as Finance Chairperson.
Professional Designations
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Job Titles:
- Staff Audit Consultant
- Staff Consultant
Braden Hill is a Staff Consultant who joined AARC-360 shortly after completing his bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University.
This is Braden's first IT auditing position, and his area of focus is SOC examinations.
Braden also volunteered for two years on a service mission in one of the northern islands of the Philippines. During his time there, he learned fluent Tagalog. Benefits of this experience included learning how to be self-instructed and how to work well with individuals of different cultures.
Job Titles:
- Leader in the Fields of Sales
- Senior Operations and Client Relationship Manager
Brandy is an experienced leader in the fields of Sales and Operations. Driven by relationships and results, she takes pride in her customers appreciation of her efforts to put them first. Internally, she is culture driven and seeks out opportunities to act as a team player. Brandy has an understanding of the specific regulations as related to the Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements number 21 (SSAE 21) including Service Organization Controls 1 and 2
Job Titles:
- Audit Manager
- Audit Manager at AARC - 360
Connor Gluvna is an Audit Manager at AARC-360 who started his career at Ernst & Young (EY) LLP. With over five years of professional experience supporting both internal and external IT audit engagements at EY, he has learned how to effectively lead and manage an audit. He is based in the Cleveland, Ohio area and seeks to provide excellent client service.
Job Titles:
- Staff Audit Consultant at AARC - 360
Garrett Morgan is a Staff Audit Consultant at AARC-360, who joined the company shortly after completing his bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity from Brigham Young University.
Prior to joining AARC-360, Garrett worked as a Security Analyst at Arctic Wolf while attending school. During his time there, he learned the value of work ethic and saw an improvement in his communication skills. These characteristics, along with others, will undoubtedly assist Garrett during his tenure at AARC-360.
In addition, Garrett volunteered for two years on a service mission in Melbourne, Australia, where he learned how to be self-instructed and work effectively with individuals from different cultures.
Currently, Garrett is determined to gain more audit experience and aims to obtain the CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) certification as part of his professional growth.
James Spence has more than 20 years of Information Technology experience in varied industry groups including government and brings information security and implementation experience to every project. He has hands-on involvement delivering Subject Matter Expert consulting on diverse security and network projects, made recommendations and technology implementations relating to information security systems.
James has extensive experience in PCI DSS Assessments, and cybersecurity and information technology auditing, managed Information Security Management System (ISMS) including vulnerability management and penetration testing. As a Senior Manager, James has hands-on involvement in PCI technical interviews, review of evidence and reports.
James provides professional services to a broad range of industry verticals including, payment card industry service providers, payment concepts, cloud-based retail and services, retail industries, nonprofit, government, financial services, and education. He has conducted PCI assessment for multiple "Big Box Retail", airlines, e-commerce, service providers and federal and state government agencies. Helped organizations through PCI DSS remediation and compliance.
Professional Designations
PCI DSS Qualified Security Assessor (QSA)
Job Titles:
- AARC - 360 As a Staff Audit Consultant
- Staff Audit Consultant
John Berthelsen joined AARC-360 as a Staff Audit Consultant in September 2022 after graduating from Brigham Young University with a bachelor's degree in Information Systems. Prior to his employment at AARC-360, John worked as an assistant manager for an amusement park chain where he focused on providing excellent customer service, leadership, and IT support. He has also been through flight training and is a private pilot.
John maintained his work ethic as he worked as a land surveyor and drone pilot for an engineering firm. He has also served a two-year ecclesiastical mission in Ghana for his church. He continues to work diligently by producing high quality work with meticulous attention to detail.
Job Titles:
- Staff Audit Consultant
- Staff Consultant
Levi Malinoff is a Staff Consultant who joined AARC-360 in January 2022 immediately upon completing his undergraduate degree. He is based near Atlanta, GA and seeks to provide quality client service.
Job Titles:
- Associate - Client Relations and Project Management
Mihika Madhavan joined AARC-360 in January of 2022 as a Client Relations Associate/ Project Manager.
She graduated Emory University with her Bachelor's degree. Prior to AAARC-360, she continued her education at John Hopkins University while being a full-time Behavioral Education Teacher. Previously, Mihika gained skills in marketing, client relations, and account management while working as an intern for a rapidly growing telemedicine start-up.
Mihika's varied experience and honed interpersonal skills allow her to maintain strong relationships with both her teammates and clients. Her responsibilities include working with both current and potential clients and managing the Penetration Tests within AARC-360.
Neil Gonsalves is a dynamic, results-focused leader with a successful track record evaluating corporate business, operational, financial, and compliance strategies through internal and external audit activities. Early in Neil's career, he was responsible for setting up EY's offshore operations for IT Advisory Services in India. He is an effective communicator who works closely with executive management and other stakeholders to identify and evaluate risks and implement reasonable mitigation strategies. He has consistently led large and diverse groups to efficiently deliver value-added results.
Neil has extensive experience in PCI DSS Assessments, SSAE 21 (SOC 1 / SOC2 / SOC 3) Examinations as well as other third-party reporting governed by the AICPA, HITRUST Assessments, financial and information technology auditing, governance, security, and risk management, controls implementation and Sarbanes-Oxley compliance as well as managing Vulnerability Assessments and Penetration Testing. As the Founder and CEO, Neil reviews all engagements and reports as part of AARC-360's quality assurance process.
Neil has provided professional services for multiple Global 1000, Fortune 500, federal and state government agencies and regional companies during the course of his career. He is a former Board Member of the Atlanta Chapter of Ascend (a national organization formed to enhance the presence and influence of current and future business leader) and is actively involved with the diversity and inclusiveness initiatives.
Professional Designations
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Peter Clarke has developed his passion for business and IT security over many years, as an accountant and as an IT security and risk professional, helping organizations understand both the financial and IT security risks within many sectors. Peter finds personal fulfillment in providing clients with customized industry best practices for many security frameworks that organizations are subject to including SSAE 21, HITRUST, PCI DSS, ISO 27001, NIST 800-53, among others.
Peter has over 15 years of experience in IT Assurance, Advisory, Risk, and Compliance services. Peter is experienced in organizing, planning, managing, and auditing client information technology systems using a risk-based approach for internal and external assessments. Peter has managed over 300 IT security and compliance assessments including, SOC 1, SOC 2, HIPAA, HITRUST, PCI DSS, and GDPR audits in his career. Peter has provided assessment services to a diverse range of industries including banking and finance, healthcare, government, retail, and wireless communications performing testing of IT general, business process, and application controls.
Additionally, Peter has operated as a director and lead for his organizations for over 6 years, and as AARC-360's Executive Director, he ensures the organization's compliance with necessary standards including AICPA Peer Reviews, ANAB and A2LA assessments, and PCI QSAC audits.
Peter also served a 2-year volunteer mission in Guatemala, performing service to the Guatemalan people in 6 different geographic areas. During that time, Peter learned fluent Spanish. Speaking Spanish has allowed Peter to travel to many Latin American countries and cross-cultural boundaries through his work and relationships.
Professional Designations
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
Job Titles:
- Audit - Staff Consultant
- Staff Audit Consultant
Priyanka Sathe is an Audit -Staff Consultant who joined AARC-360 in August 2022. She is based out of Cleveland, Ohio and seeks to provide quality client services.
In AARC-360, Priyanka's area of focus is SOC Reports (SOC1, SOC2, SOC3) and HITRUST. She is responsible for testing controls, preparing leadsheets, participating in client meetings, and organizing evidence.
Priyanka has completed bachelor's degree in engineering. She is currently pursuing CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) certification.
Job Titles:
- Staff Audit Consultant at AARC - 360
Rashmi is a Staff Audit Consultant at AARC-360. This is her first IT auditing position. Her responsibilities include performing remote client work, recording, and testing evidence and participating in client meeting and discussions. Prior to joining AARC-360, Rashmi was practicing her Chartered Accountancy license in Mumbai (India) for 5 years in the field of financial auditing, accountancy, and compliance. This entrepreneurial venture helped her to broaden perspective and understand diverse business processes.
Job Titles:
- Consultant at AARC
- Staff Audit Consultant
Sam Drummond is a Consultant at AARC-360. This is his first IT auditing position. Sam recently graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder from the #20 public business school in the nation with an emphasis in Information Management.
Prior to joining AARC-360 Sam was employed as a salesperson for McGuckin Hardware while attending school. Some things learned during Sam's time there was the value of work ethic as well as the improvement of his communication skills. These characteristics along with others will help Sam during his time at AARC-360.
Sam's area of focus will be SOC examinations and his goal is to pass the CISA exam by Spring 2023.
Seth Marble has 10+ years of professional experience, always exceeding goals and maintaining long-term relationships. His eye for detail and precision along with a knack for customer service led him to excel in multiple fields. This along with a strong work ethic and a desire to improve himself and the world around him, make him a fine addition to the AARC-360 team.
Seth grew up on his family's dairy farm in rural northern Utah and from an early age he learned the meaning of hard work. Cows needed milking and chores needed to be done, every day. He took that work ethic with him as he served a proselytizing mission for his church in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and then to school at Utah State University. His degree in Political Science taught him the importance of proper communication and diplomacy. He also felt a call to serve his country and joined the Utah National Guard and ROTC where he served honorably for three years.
Seth worked for 8 years with Enterprise Holdings, Inc. in various management positions including General Manager of an Enterprise Car Sales dealership over the Mountain West region. Seeking new experiences and challenges, he then opened his own health insurance agency serving small business owners and the self-employed. Now he brings this experience to the auditing world.
As a Staff Consultant, Seth's primary focus and responsibilities will always be to his clients. He will review and assesses their internal readiness and security to ensure they meet required industry standards.
Job Titles:
- Consultant at AARC
- Senior Audit Consultant
Shakeem "Shak" Bryan is a Consultant at AARC-360, where he started his auditing career. With over two years of sales experience at multiple companies, he has learned how to effectively communicate and interact with clients. He is based in the Tampa, FL area and seeks to provide excellent client service.
Shak spent over 3 years serving in the United States Army as a Motor Transport Operator. Shak's primary duties included logistic management, operation of heavy vehicles over varied terrain, and transportation of personnel, equipment, and hazardous materials. He was part of an invaluable team known as the "spearhead of logistics." Shak also served as a Human Resource Specialist for a brief period. He was responsible for the regulation of training events that are mandated by the Army and required for all service members. He was also responsible for managing the PII and other sensitive information for a large quantity of personnel, a duty where confidentiality and time management are key to the success of the position and the army as a whole. Shakeem prides himself on a relentless attitude and drive, versatility, time management, organizational skills, and interpersonal skills.
Job Titles:
- Staff Audit Consultant at AARC - 360
Surbhi is a Staff Audit Consultant at AARC-360. This is her first IT auditing position. Prior to joining AARC-360, she was working as a partner in a Chartered Accountancy firm based in Jaipur (India) for more than 7 years and specialize in Statutory audit, Concurrent audit, Tax audit and Financial reporting for Public sector undertaking, Banking sector and other business sectors. Her comprehensive experience in audit helped her to amplify perspective and understand diverse business processes.
Job Titles:
- Business Administrative Assistant
Tasha Darrah is a seasoned professional with a wide variety of experience in customer service, business management and administration. With over 10 years of business and office administration experience, Tasha brings her professionalism and strong work ethic to ARRC-360.
Originally from southern California, Tasha earned an Associate's degree in Surgical Technology and Office Administration. She put that degree to work, immediately garnishing admiration from her collogues. She began working as a surgical technologist assisting in Women's surgery and labor and delivery. Wanting to expand upon her excellent customer service and leadership skills, Tasha went into medical management and patient coordinating. This role helped develop her knowledge of the inner workings of the medical field and helped her open several ambulatory surgical centers across the United States.
Now, Tasha has brought these accumulated skills and experiences to AARC-360 as the Business Administrative Assistant. She supports the various needs throughout the company, assisting with coordination of activities, meetings, conferences, and HR support. Tasha is excited to support and assist AARC-360 for sustained and scalable growth for the immediate future to come.
Job Titles:
- Consultant at AARC
- Senior Audit Consultant
Todd Cooper is a Consultant at AARC-360. This is his first position in IT auditing. Previously, Todd was an officer in the United States Army for 9 years. He was trained as an AH-64D Apache Longbow pilot, and he was also responsible for personnel, training, operations, logistics, safety, teamwork, and project management.
At positions of responsibility in both the civilian and military sectors, Todd has proven himself to be exceptional at customer service. Here at AARC-360, he is dedicated to providing the best support to all our clients to ensure the audit process is efficient, effective, and positive for them.
Todd's understanding of the audit process has made him a tremendous asset to AARC-360 and our clients, and we are happy to have him on our team.
Job Titles:
- HR / Finance Manager
- HR and Finance Manager
Vaishali is a dedicated HR / Finance Manager with in-depth knowledge of administrative processes and managing successful relationships with employees and clients. In her HR function, she is responsible for maintaining an organized employee database by collecting records and carefully organizing paperwork associated with existing and future employees. She is adept in handling personnel related issues, and adhering to laws and regulations governing recruitment and employment practices. She brings forth a positive attitude and strong work ethic. As a Finance Manager, Vaishali is also responsible for managing AARC-360's day to day bookkeeping, accounting and financial requirements and raising awareness of financial issues that matter. She is responsible for preparing bank reconciliations, and managing the cash-flow needs of AARC-360.
As a specialist in information security and regulatory compliance, Zachary focuses on both policy and technology risk assessment aspects of compliance with the specific regulations such as the Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements number 21 (SSAE 21) including Service Organization Controls 1 and 2 (SOC 1, SOC 2).
Job Titles:
- Staff Audit Consultant for AARC - 360
Zachery Ladwig currently serves as a PCI Staff Audit Consultant for AARC-360. He is passionate about information governance. Zachery is currently studying information systems security and data science languages such as Python. He already holds a CompTIA Security+ certification and a certification in Data Management. Zachery graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on economics and political science.
Before working at AARC-360, Zachery was a Cybersecurity Analyst for approximately 2 years. In that role, he specialized in Offensive Cybersecurity, Risk Assessments, Social Engineering, and Auditing Information Technology within Federally Insured Banks.
Outside of being a technology nerd, Zachery is very passionate about world politics and sports management surrounding the game of soccer. He currently plays semi-professional soccer and on occasion is known to score. Zachery has coached 15-year-old soccer players in hopes of leading the next generation of athletes to be better young men.
Professional Designations
Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP)