Importance of a Cybersecurity Plan for Cooperatives

As cyberattacks become more common and sophisticated and cooperative networks grow more complex, a variety of cyber security solutions are required to mitigate corporate cyber risk.

In this 75-minute session, Experts from the IT Department at Heard, McElroy & Vestal, LLC will discuss cybersecurity threats; explore how they directly affect Cooperatives through discussions of their intent and examples of past attacks to re-iterate the attacker's intent. Discussion will be had on the importance of not only educating staff and customers but having a plan in place in the event of an attack.  We will dive into the importance of Cyber Security Insurance and what it actually is, and how it is designed to help in the event of a breach or attack; both financially as well as from a forensic analysis and response.

Presenter and Moderator Bios

Presenter: Ken Monroe, IT Director, Heard, McElroy & Vestal, LLC

Ken Monroe is currently the IT Director for Heard, McElroy & Vestal, LLC (HMV), a public accounting firm comprised of over one hundred and fifty (150) employees servicing clients throughout the states of Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas, Kansas, New Mexico, Colorado, Mississippi, and Tennessee from offices in Shreveport and Monroe, Louisiana and Longview, Texas for more than 77 years.  As a proud graduate of Louisiana Tech University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration specializing in Management Information System, he was inspired to pursue a career in the Information Technology field.  Prior to joining HMV, Ken was the IT Director for the Ouachita Parish School System for 13 years. He has spent the last 10 years focusing much of his efforts in preparing policies and procedures, educational programs, and systems upgrades to address the ever-present issue of Cyber security.  Since joining HMV, Ken has spent significant time working with their Cyber Insurance Co. and making sure all requirements have a plan of implementation.

Ken has been married for 30 years to his lovely wife Dandy with whom he shares one son and daughter-in-law.  In his free time, he is active in his church, traveling, hunting, and fishing.

Presenter: Todd McElmurry, IT Department, Heard, McElroy & Vestal, LLC

Todd McElmurry graduated from Texas State Technical College in 1998 with a degree in Computer Networking.  He spent the first several years of his career life working with Smith County and Gregg Country Appraisal Districts within their IT and GIS Mapping departments.  In 2003 he started as Network Administrator with Curtis Blakely & Co., PC in Longview, Texas where he has been for the last 20 years.   In January 2023 Curtis Blakely & Co., PC was acquired by Heard, McElroy & Vestal, LLC out of Shreveport, Louisiana.  Todd transitioned into their IT group where he currently serves today.

His experience as a Network Administrator has encouraged him to have a passion for security and looking for ways to help clients become more knowledgeable about technology and Cyber Security through training and speaking at statewide conferences.

He is married to his wife Lisa of 24 years and have 3 boys together.  He enjoys camping, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.  He is very active in his church and community.

Moderator: Wayne Sine, CPA, MBA, Director of Education, National Society of Accountants for Cooperatives

Wayne Sine is an experienced and highly knowledgeable professional in the field of Tax. Wayne recently retired as Tax Director from his company, Southern States Cooperative. He has extensive experience working with agricultural cooperatives and has been a long-time member of the NSAC. He is extremely active in the NSAC, serving as both past Chapter President of the Atlantic Chapter, and past Chair of the Tax Committee, and is currently serving as the NSAC Director of Education.. Wayne's career is marked by several accomplishments, and he has always been involved in many organizations, spreading his knowledge. Wayne is a member of the Legal, Tax, and Accounting (LTA) Committee for the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives. He is also Past Chair of both the Tax Committee of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce and the Virginia Manufacturers Association. Wayne also served on the Tax Policy Committee at the Virginia Society of CPAs and served as past Region Vice President for the Tax Executives Institute.