New Partner: Kate Williams, CPA, CISA – IT Security & Compliance Partner
Kate Williams joined the firm in 2018 to expand the IT Security & Compliance practice and provide expertise in SOC Examinations, Internal Controls, Information Technology Consulting, and Information Security. “We have fantastic people and clients at ML&R, thanks to a culture that empowers the team to provide incredible client service without sacrificing flexibility,” says Kate. “I’m excited to foster this unique client-centric culture as a new member of the partner group.”
Get to know Kate a little better below:
What’s a fun fact about you?
I was a competitive country and ballroom dancer in college. Two-step, Waltz, and West Coast Swing were my favorites. I’m a bit out of practice, but I dance with my husband whenever I get the chance!
What’s your favorite thing to do in Austin?
I love Austin FC! My husband and I go to every home game. Verde! Listos!
What new skill have you learned lately?
I developed a green thumb over COVID. I started with a few potted herbs and ended up growing an herb garden, a vegetable garden, and flower beds – and basically re-landscaped the yard.
What is a client success story you’d like to share?
During my first month at ML&R, I spoke with a potential SOC client and won the work. They knew about ML&R’s great reputation and loved that we were such a highly experienced team. It was empowering to immediately be involved in bringing on new clients, and even more so to win the work!
What’s your favorite thing about working at ML&R?
I love working with startups that are just starting to consider IT compliance, whether it’s due to a customer requesting a SOC report or a scare from a sudden rise in phishing attempts. Companies can get really bogged down in overly complicated or unnecessary compliance activities. When I work with startups, I make sure our recommendations actually make sense for the size and complexity of their business and can scale as the company grows. They really seem to appreciate that. Startups don’t have time for pointless “check the box” exercises, and neither do I!
You can read more about Kate here, as well as the IT Security & Compliance service line she manages at ML&R.
