Friday, December 29, 2017

Property Nerds crunch Silicon Valley’s home sales data with a new index!:

The Property Nerds at the Boyenga Team are pleased to welcome a new nerd to the team, Meiyi Cheng. Having graduated from MIT with a bachelor’s degree in Management Science, we are thrilled to have her join us and provide in depth analysis into the Silicon Valley real estate market. This market we are immersed in is always changing (for better or worse), and it is imperative to have someone on our team who will be able to analyze trends and data. As the first real estate team in the nation to utilize a data scientist to dig deeper into the Silicon Valley real estate market, here’s what you can expect going forward. 
Meiyi will be developing the first Home Sale Index focused entirely on Silicon Valley.  The new index will be known as the Property Nerds Silicon Valley Home Sales Index.  It is being developed to keep consumers, agents, and brokers educated and informed about what is happening in the market.  Also along with this will be an ongoing segment tailored for those who are interested in deeper analysis of real estate trends in the Bay Area. Updated frequently, this will be your one-stop-shop for market conditions updates and news about real estate here in Silicon Valley. 
Next, we are introducing a new segment called the “Data Dojo”. Within this, Meiyi will be providing consumers, agents, and brokerages with unique insights utilizing complex data points and predictive analytics. Whether it’s a fresh take on standard metrics such as days on market or list vs. sales price, or it’s an inside look into the relationship between two seemingly unrelated data sources, www.ThePropertyNerds.com  will be your go-to resource for expert examination of the housing market. You will be able to come here anytime, read, and learn about all we have to share revolving around the real estate industry we love. 
 Lastly, all of our work we will be backed by Meiyi’s expertise as a data scientist to help ensure we are bringing you accurate, relevant, and informative data. Through this, we will offer consumers the full breadth of Silicon Valley real estate experience.   With over a century of combined real estate experience our team can offer our clients a stress free and predictable real estate journey. If you’d like guidance navigating through the sale or purchase of a home, we are here to help. Contact the Property Nerds at Boyenga Team to find out how we can engineer your real estate happiness.

Thursday, December 28, 2017

CHECK OUT MOVING TIPS FROM THESE BLOGS:

Moving blogs are great sources for tips to help you get everything moved to a new apartment. Check out some of our favorite blogs for helpful moving advice.
The Moving BlogThe Moving Blog has a great design that makes it easy to find the information you need fast. This blog not only features great moving advice, it offers tips to help you nail down the costs associated with moving. The tips in this blog can help you stay on budget and make a move that doesn’t break the bank.
The Moving Planner BlogThe Moving Planner Blog prides itself on making moving as simple as possible for its readers. Here, you will get easy to follow, no-nonsense advice on how to plan and execute a simple, stress-free move.
ohmyapartment BlogApartment Ratings’ ohmyapartment blog offers much moving content. The blog might appear to be simple at first glance, but it has a powerful collection of tips. You can spend hours delving into this moving blog and only scratch the surface of the great moving advice it has to offer.
Apartment Guide BlogOk, we’ll toot our own horn here. Just so you know, the blog you’re looking at right now offers great moving tips to help with every step of a move, from apartment hunting to packing and loading up the moving truck to settling into a new place. The AG Blog is easy to navigate and chock full of helpful moving information. New tips are added every week. You’re already here, so bookmark this blog and keep coming back for the latest tips and tricks!

Monday, December 18, 2017

Checking Into the Big Apple: What Makes NYC Movers Special:

Choosing the right moving company is no small feat, whether you’ve found a new apartment or are helping your office switch to a new location. While you may have experienced moving in the past, it’s not something that people do regularly. When it comes to which New York City movers you hire to move you, you’ve probably done an Internet search, checked for the best Yelp reviews, and asked friends for recommendations.

What Separates a Good Moving Company from a Bad One?

Is it cost? Is it a company with one flat rate and no hidden costs? Is it one that’s timely? It’s probably all of the above.
Moving anywhere can be a struggle, but moving in New York City seems to require super human strength and endless patience. So what makes NYC movers so special? While the answer is largely universal, a New York moving company has a unique set of challenges. Here’s what it’s like to move someone in the city that never sleeps.

Price and Performance: Flat Rates and Reliable Traits

Cost is probably the first thing that comes to mind when searching for a moving company in New York City. Prices can vary greatly, and sometimes come with hidden fees you weren’t expecting. A good moving company will be upfront about costs and won’t have hidden fees or extras. A great moving company will offer one flat rate that you can rely on when planning your move.
A reliable mover will tell you what it’s going to cost and how long it’s going to take, and will be on time. Delivering a positive experience to clients requires juggling a lot of factors, and you’ll want to find one with plenty of experience. Moving can be an emotional time, and you’ll want a mover that doesn’t bring their own baggage. Contact the moving professionals at FlatRate to assist you in your next hassle-free move.

NYC Movers Know the City

Living in New York can sometimes feel like the whole city is conspiring against you. If you’re lucky enough to have a car, you can never find a parking spot. If you’re hurrying to catch the train, you can almost guarantee that it just left. But if you’ve spent a few years here, you probably feel pretty comfortable getting around the city. Your movers should be experts, just like you.
New York City movers have to navigate trouble more than anywhere else in the world. Nowhere else is trash piled up on the sidewalk like some intentionally placed obstacle. And sometimes it seems as though you need a degree to know the most efficient routes between boroughs. FlatRate’s NYC Elite Movers know all these traps and more.

Knowing Your Needs

New York City movers need to be knowledgeable, upfront, and timely. They also need to understand your life is still going on around the move. A mover’s job in New York is to make this time as quick and painless as possible. Choosing the right mover may seem easy, but nothing in New York is ever that simple. Find one that understands you and knows the city, and you’ve found something special. Contact FlatRate to get started with your perfect move today.

Sunday, December 17, 2017

Kansas City Interstate Movers for Your Summer Household Move:

Every household move has its own unique challenges, but coordinating all the details of moving to a new state can be an overwhelming process for any family. From hiring a reputable team of Kansas City interstate movers to figuring out how to pack, store, and transport all of your belongings, the to-do lists can seem endless in the months leading up to moving day.

Professional Interstate Movers' Household Relocation Solutions

At Kings Moving & Storage, we understand that stress is virtually a given for families moving to a new state, and our first priority is helping to ease the burden for a seamless moving experience.
With our highly skilled team of interstate movers, Kansas City residents count on us for our personalized services, and we always go the extra mile to make the long distance moving process as streamlined, affordable, and stress-free as possible.

Why Choose Kings Moving for Your State-to-State Move?

There are countless reasons why Kings Moving is known as the first choice in Kansas City interstate moving companies, and our commitment to excellence shines through in every stage of your relocation. Whether you’re moving just over the Kansas-Missouri border or taking your family to the other side of the country, you can depend on the crew at Kings Moving to provide:
Professional Movers’ Services: We take a simplified, custom approach to interstate moves—eliminating the fears of hidden fees and non-communication. To ensure your satisfaction, a relocation coordinator will work with you from start to finish and be available to answer any questions you have along the way.
Comprehensive Relocation Solutions: There’s no job too big or small for our Kansas City interstate movers, and we offer a vast selection of full-service options to customize your moving package. From expert packing and crating to secured storage, we’re the one-stop shop for state-to-state moving.
Unparalleled Resources: As a trusted agent for North American Van Lines, the experience of Kings Moving is backed by the premier resources of one of the top names in transportation. With a nationwide network of moving professionals, you can be confident that your move will be handled with the utmost efficiency and respect.
Getting the most out of your relocation means working with an experienced team that has a commitment to professionalism and superior customer service. That’s exactly what you’ll get with the pros at Kings Moving & Storage, and we’ll help you choose the right services to meet your needs and your budget.
Give us a call today to learn more, or fill out our online form to get started with a free, in-home moving estimate!
TAGS:
 
INTERSTATE MOVERS

Thursday, December 14, 2017

Expert Bay Area Movers:

Metropolitan Van & Storage has been serving Bay Area communities since the 1940s, developing an exemplary track record that demonstrates our commitment to providing quality service. No matter where you are in the San Francisco Bay area, our movers are ready to assist with the skills necessary to make sure your next transition is handled right. Specializing in local, long-distance, and international moves, as well as storage solutions, our experienced team of San Francisco movers can handle all the details so you can focus on what matters most to you.

Moving to a New Home? We Can Help

A lot goes into a family move, but packing and transporting things is simple when you have assistance from people who have been doing it every day for decades. Hiring expert help can give you peace of mind that everything will arrive safely, plus it frees you up to handle all the other details you’ll need to tend to, such as setting up the new place and arranging services. Most importantly, we also take care of specialized items - from that big bulky couch you don’t want to lift to the art collection that must be preserved.

We’re Expert Commercial Movers, Too

Transitioning to a new space can slow workflow and cause downtime if not handled correctly. Our commercial moving professionals routinely handle business moves, including offices, industrial facilities, and even entire corporations. From dismantling modular furniture (and putting it together again to set up your new space), to carefully transferring valuable and delicate electronics such as company servers, we can make your next commercial move of any size quick and simple.

Keep Your Belongings Safe in a Secure Storage Warehouse

We’re experts when it comes to storage, too. Our facilities are ideal for homeowners and business decision makers who want a temporary space to hold their belongings during a transition. Business owners may also benefit from our state-of-the-art record storage solutions and shipment tracking capabilities. We preserve documents and sensitive items like radiographs, and monitor them so private and HIPPAA-protected items stay secure. When it comes time to destroy these items, Metropolitan Storage can assist with that, too. We’re glad to work out a custom solution, tailored to your business’s needs.

We Have a Large Fleet and Multiple Locations

As part of the Atlas Van Lines group, we have the resources to handle a move of any size to any destination. Plus, we have moving and storage facility locations all over the greater San Francisco Bay area, including Benicia, Mountain View, and West Sacramento, ensuring you’ll always have quick access to our experts and anything you choose to store with us.
If you’re ready to plan your next move, have questions, or would like to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate for our services, our friendly representatives are glad to help. Call our Bay Area movers, or give us your info and we’ll get in touch with you.
TAGS:
 
BAY AREA MOVING COMPANIES 
SAN FRANCISCO MOVERS

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

10 Biggest Stadiums in the U.S.

What is the biggest stadium in the United States?​

For everything from college football to arena concerts, thousands of people find reasons to pack into sports stadiums across the country. But just how many people can the biggest stadiums in the U.S. hold? Amazingly, some of these facilities reach record-breaking capacities on game days — holding populations larger than some cities. Wondering where these large arenas are? We’ve got the list!
The biggest stadiums in the U.S. are college football stadiums.

The biggest stadiums in the United States

Here are 10 of the largest stadiums in the United States, based on the official capacity numbers from the institutions.
  1. Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI. Known as “The Big House,” this college football arena holds 107,601 people, which is actually a 2,000 capacity decrease from 2015. They removed seats to allow for accessibility updates, but the renovation didn’t dethrone this stadium as the largest in the country.
  1. Beaver Stadium, State College, PA. Home to the Penn State Nittany Lions, this stadium can hold 106,572 fans. It’s named after James A. Beaver, former Pennsylvania governor.  
  1. Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH. This stadium, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, moved up on the list after renovations in 2016. The unique double deck horseshoe design currently holds 104,944 people, however, future plans will decrease seating in the fall of 2018.
  1. Kyle Field, College Station, TX. A newcomer to the Top 10 list, Kyle Field expanded to hold 102,733 fans after a $485 million redevelopment in 2014-2015. It’s named after Edwin Jackson Kyle, who served as the dean of agriculture and president of the athletic council. He donated an area on the south side of campus to become the football field in 1905, and it’s been the home of Aggie football ever since.
  1. Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, TN.  This stadium is not only used for the Volunteers football team, but also for large conventions and NFL exhibition games. The original stadium was built in 1921 and held just 3,200 people. After almost a century of renovations and growth, the current capacity is 102,455. The signature look on the field includes orange and white checkerboard end zones.
  1. Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, LA. Home to the LSU Tigers, “Death Valley” can have up to 102,321 fans on game day, when the stadium size makes it the third largest city in Louisiana. Perhaps the most notable game was the “Earthquake Game” in 1998, when the crowd’s reaction to a touchdown pass registered as an earthquake on the seismograph.
  1. Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, AL. This is the seventh-largest stadium in the U.S. with a capacity of 101,821. The visitor’s locker room is called “The Fail Room” after alumnus and donor James M. Fail. He chose the naming rights to that locker room so opponents had to prepare in The Fail Room before facing the Alabama Roll Tide.
  1. Darrel K Royal – Texas Memorial StadiumAustin, TX. Holding 100,119 Texas Longhorn fans, this is the largest football-only venue in Texas. It earned the eighth spot on the largest stadiums list after renovations in 2007 added 9,000 seats.
  1. Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, CA. 93,607 people can fit in this stadium, which is home to the USC Trojans. However, unlike the other college venues, this site is actually owned by the state of California, Los Angeles County and the City of Los Angeles. Along with hosting football games, it’s been home to Super Bowls, the Olympics, and the World Series, earning it a spot as a National Historic Landmark.
  1. Sanford Stadium, Athens, GA. Rounding out the list of the biggest stadiums is the home of the Georgia Bulldogs, which has a capacity of 92,746 people. Games at the Sanford Stadium are said to be played “between the hedges” due to the privet hedges surrounding the field. The original hedges from 1929 were removed in 1996 to accommodate the 1996 Summer Olympics, but were replanted as soon as the event was over from cuttings of the original hedges.
That completes our list of the top 10 biggest stadiums in the U.S., but wait, there’s more! Below, you’ll find 15 more of the biggest sports venues in the country.

More of the largest stadiums by capacity

1. Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA — 92,542
2. Cotton Bowl, Dallas, TX — 92,100
3. Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, NE — 90,000
4. Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, FL — 88,548
5. Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, AL — 87,451
6. Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Norman, OK — 86,112
7. MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ — 82,500
8. FedExField, Landover, MD — 82,000
9. Lambeau Field, Green Bay, WI — 81,441
10. Notre Dame Stadium, Notre Dame, IN — 80,795
11. Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, WI — 80,321
12. Memorial Stadium, Clemson, SC — 80,301
13. Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, SC — 80,250
14. AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX — 80,000
15. Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, FL — 79,560

What about the biggest stadiums in the world?

Wondering about even more stadiums? Here are a few facts about the biggest stadiums around the world:
  • The largest stadium in the world is Rungrado 1st of May Stadium, located in Pyongyang, North Korea. It’s also known as May Day Stadium, named because it was completed on May 1, 1989.  It’s home to the Korea DPR national football team, which is a part of FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association). It has a total capacity of 114,000 people and covers 51 acres, also making it the largest stadium by area.
  • The largest stadium no longer in use is the Great Strahov Stadium in Prague, Czech Republic. Its capacity was around 220,000. It now serves as a training facility.
  • The biggest sports venue in the world is the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, located just outside of Indianapolis, IN. It hosts 257,325 fans for motor racing events.
Is your favorite stadium on the list? Which of these stadiums have you visited? Leave us a comment below!

Sunday, December 10, 2017

#MovetoEndDV FAQ's:

Do you help men out of abusive situations, too?
Absolutely! Any victim, regardless of gender, is one too many, and we want to do what we can to support anyone in an untenable situation. We take our cues from our partner organizations to identify victims in need of these moves. Due to the sensitivity of these situations, specifics on these moves are not something we are able to discuss in detail.
In what areas do you offer free moving services to victims of domestic violence?
We currently offer these moves through each of our four locations in California. Our current service regions include: Central and Southern California, from Fresno to San Diego. If you or a friend are in a dangerous situation outside of our service areas, please contact us and our concierge service will provide a list of local resources.
How do you make sure someone isn’t just trying to get a free move?
Our seven partner shelters screen all victims requesting a free move. Less to make sure the situation is legitimate, but more to ensure that the victim is supported throughout the entire transition and not just on move day.
Aren’t these moves dangerous?
This is just another reason we do these moves in conjunction with established shelters. The shelters work with local law enforcement as needed and make sure that a safe house is arranged for the victim.
What should I do if I am in a domestic violence situation and need to get out?
Please contact the police or your local domestic violence-prevention shelter immediately.
Why are you doing this?
Our goal is to inspire and encourage businesses and other moving companies across the nation to make a pledge to #MoveToEndDV and commit to working with a local shelter to donate or provide a free product or service that will aid victims of domestic violence. Together, we can #MoveToEndDV once and for all.
How can I get involved?
Get creative and figure out how your business can make a difference in the lives of victims of domestic violence. Then visit www.MeatheadMovers.com/Pledge and accept the challenge to #MoveToEndDV. From there, challenge your fellow business owners and entrepreneurs to make their pledge.
What if I’m not sure what I can do to help?
There is no limit to ways in which people and businesses can contribute to the needs of victims and survivors of domestic violence. If you want to make a monetary donation to the cause, please contact your local women’s or domestic violence shelters, they can always use more assistance in that capacity. If you would like to provide services but aren’t sure how they will help, feel free to send us an email. We will be happy to brainstorm ways you or your business can help.
What businesses have made the pledge to #MoveToEndDV?
You can visit www.MeatheadMovers.com/Pledge to see the participating businesses and their individual pledge pages. If there’s a business you would like to see involved, contact the business directly or contact us and we’ll gladly reach out and encourage them to accept the challenge.

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Wednesday, December 6, 2017

TAX DEDUCTIONS FOR HIRING MOVERS:

Did you know that you can deduct for moving expenses? Well now you do! In order for a move to be tax deductible, your move must meet certain conditions. According to the IRS Website:
“If you moved due to a change in your job or business location, or because you started a new job or business, you may be able to deduct your reasonable moving expenses but not any expenses for meals. You can deduct your moving expenses if you meet all three of the following requirements:
  • Your move closely relates to the start of work
  • You meet the distance test
  • You meet the time test
Your move must closely relate both in time and in place to the start of work at your new location. You can consider moving expenses incurred within one year from the date you first reported to work at the new location as closely related in time to the start of work. A move generally relates closely in place if the distance from your new home to the new job location is not more than the distance from your former home to the new job location. For exceptions to these requirements, see Publication 521Moving Expenses.
The distance test: Your new workplace must be at least 50 miles farther from your old home than your old job location was from your old home. If you had no previous workplace, your new job location must be at least 50 miles from your old home.
The time test: If you are an employee, you must work full-time for at least 39 weeks during the first 12 months immediately following your arrival in the general area of your new job location. If you are self-employed, you must work full time for at least 39 weeks during the first 12 months and for a total of at least 78 weeks during the first 24 months immediately following your arrival in the general area of your new work location. There are exceptions to the time test in case of death, disability and involuntary separation, among other things.
If you are a member of the Armed Forces and your move was due to a military order and permanent change of station, you do not have to satisfy the distance or time tests.
Figure moving expenses on Form 3903 (PDF), Moving Expenses, and deduct as an adjustment to income on Form 1040 (PDF), U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. You cannot deduct any moving expenses covered by reimbursements from your employer that are excluded from your income.
For more information on deductible and nondeductible moving expenses, refer to Publication 521Moving Expenses. Also, refer to Publication 521 for information on moves between locations in and outside the United States.
The IRS details the types of moving expenses that you can deduct for in Publication 521:
Household goods and personal effects.   You can deduct the cost of packing, crating, and transporting your household goods and personal effects and those of the members of your household from your former home to your new home. For purposes of moving expenses, the term “personal effects” includes, but is not limited to, movable personal property that the taxpayer owns and frequently uses.
If you use your own car to move your things, see Travel by car, earlier.
You can deduct any costs of connecting or disconnecting utilities required because you are moving your household goods, appliances, or personal effects.
You can deduct the cost of shipping your car and your household pets to your new home.
You can deduct the cost of moving your household goods and personal effects from a place other than your former home. Your deduction is limited to the amount it would have cost to move them from your former home.
Example.
Paul Brown has been living and working in North Carolina for the last 4 years. Because he has been renting a small apartment, he stored some furniture at his parents’ home in Georgia. Paul got a job in Washington, DC. It cost him $900 to move the furniture from his North Carolina apartment to Washington and $3,000 to move the stored furniture from Georgia to Washington. It would have cost $1,800 to ship the stored furniture from North Carolina to Washington. He can deduct only $1,800 of the $3,000 he paid. The amount he can deduct for moving his furniture is $2,700 ($900 + $1,800).
You cannot deduct the cost of moving furniture you buy on the way to your new home.
Storage expenses.   You can include the cost of storing and insuring household goods and personal effects within any period of 30 consecutive days after the day your things are moved from your former home and before they are delivered to your new home.
Travel expenses.   You can deduct the cost of transportation and lodging for yourself and members of your household while traveling from your former home to your new home. This includes expenses for the day you arrive.
The day of arrival is the day you secure lodging at the new place of residence, even if the lodging is on a temporary basis.
You can include any lodging expenses you had in the area of your former home within one day after you could no longer live in your former home because your furniture had been moved.
The members of your household do not have to travel together or at the same time. However, you can only deduct expenses for one trip per person. If you use your own car, see Travel by car, earlier.
Example.   In February 2015, Josh and Robyn Black moved from Minneapolis to Washington, DC, where Josh was starting a new job. Josh drove the family car to Washington, DC, a trip of 1,100 miles. His expenses were $253 for mileage (1,100 miles x 23 cents per mile) plus $40 for tolls and $150 for lodging, for a total of $443. One week later, Robyn flew from Minneapolis to Washington, DC. Her only expense was her $400 plane ticket. The Blacks’ deduction is $843 (Josh’s $443 + Robyn’s $400).
Well, there you go. I hope this information helps you as you consider hiring professional movers. Look forward to hearing from you soon!
Regards,
Joshua McKee

Sunday, December 3, 2017

Security executives on the move and in the news:

The upper ranks of corporate security are seeing a high rate of change as companies try to adapt to the evolving threat landscape. Many companies are hiring a chief security officer (CSO) or chief information security officer (CISO) for the first time to support a deeper commitment to information security.
CSO’s Movers & Shakers is where you can keep up with new senior level security executive appointments and perhaps gain a little insight into hiring trends. If you have an announcement of your own that you would like us to include here, contact Michael Nadeau, senior editor.

November 21, 2017: Protegrity names former IBM director Hira Advani as VP and CSO 

As Protegrity’s VP and CSO, Alliances and Services, Advani will evangelize the importance of security to influence customers and partners. He was most recently an IBM director and software chief security compliance officer. In that role, Advani consulted and collaborated with C-suite executives and board members at global brands to help them build a culture of cyber risk awareness and preparedness. He is a graduate of the Indian Institute of Technology (BS) and the Georgia Institute of Technology (MS). Advani is also a member of IEEE and FIRST Forum for Incident Response for Security Teams.
hira advani photo 300x300Protegrity
Hira Advani, Protegrity VP and CSO
“As Tina Fey put it, ‘Being a good boss means hiring talented people and then getting out of their way,’ and I am delighted to have him lead the initiatives of the Protegrity’s Professional Services and Alliances teams, both of which are fueling our company’s current and projected growth,” said Suni Munshani, Protegrity CEO, in a blog post on the company website.
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November 14, 2017: New LookingGlass CSO Jeremy Haas and CRO Michael Taxay appointed to executive leadership team
LookingGlass Cyber Solutions, a provider of threat intelligence-driven security, has hired two cybersecurity professionals to join its executive leadership team: Michael Taxay as chief risk officer (CRO) and general counsel, and Jeremy Haas as CSO. They join the company to help prevent cyber attacks by operationalizing threat intelligence and delivering unified threat protection solutions to government organizations and corporate enterprises.
mike taxay LookingGlassLookingGlass Cyber Solutions
Michael Taxay, LookingGlass CRO and general counsel
“I am enthusiastic about the impact that Mike and Jeremy will have on the company,” said LookingGlass CEO Chris Coleman in a press release. “LookingGlass is dedicated to leading and innovating the threat intelligence solutions market, and their additions will undoubtedly have a positive effect on the evolution of our portfolio and the organization at large.”
Taxay joins LookingGlass after a distinguished career in both the public and private sectors. He recently retired from the FBI Cyber Division as a member of the senior leadership team responsible for the Bureau’s counter-cyber intrusion program. Taxay previously served at the Department of Justice as acting director for Cyber Counterterrorism and Financial Enforcement, and as deputy chief of the Counterterrorism Section. At LookingGlass, Taxay will be responsible for the governance of significant risks impacting the company including strategic, reputational, and operational. He will also be the company’s primary legal advisor and serve as an industry thought leader.
jeremy haas LookingGlassLookingGlass Cyber Solutions
Jeremy Haas, LookingGlass CSO
Haas has spent the past 24 years at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and U.S. Air Force (USAF) supporting intelligence activities. Haas is a recognized cybersecurity expert, having served at the CIA’s Center for Cyber Intelligence within the Directorate of Digital Innovation. There he led and participated in cyber operations, engineering and analysis activities in support of intelligence, counter intelligence, and covert activities. Haas will lead the company’s internal cybersecurity strategy and aid in the development of advanced threat detection and mitigation products.

November 14, 2017: Dave Parsons named CISO at Abacus Group

By joining this IT solutions provider for alternative investment firms, Parsons brings over 25 years of experience in the IT and security fields. He has worked for some of the largest financial services firms in the world, including Barclays, Deutsche Bank, Citibank, and Macquarie Bank. 
“Cybersecurity is and will continue to be the most vital aspect of IT. Having someone of Dave’s caliber join our executive management team is a sign of our continued commitment to being a leader in our industry,” said Chris Grandi, CEO of Abacus Group in a press release.
Parsons will be responsible for the overall strategy and direction for security services at Abacus Group. “I am excited to join such an innovative company with a stellar reputation for service and look forward to working with the team on further enhancing their already extensive cybersecurity offering,” said Parsons in a press release.
Parsons has a master’s degree in information technology from Harvard University and is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). He has extensive knowledge and expertise in developing and managing information security programs and policies against compliance and regulatory requirements. 

November 13, 2017: Allan Alford joins Forcepoint as CISO

Alford will lead the global cyber security firm’s corporate security and governance program, including the implementation of the company’s internal user and data protection program for 2,700 employees worldwide. As Forcepoint’s CISO, he will play a key role in leading the compliance and certification efforts for the company’s security offerings and partners with engineering teams to drive best practices and real-world learnings into security product development. Alford reports to Meerah Rajavel, Forcepoint, chief information officer, and is based in the Austin, Texas headquarters. 
allan alford headshot 2Forcepoint
Allan Alford, Forcepoint CISO
“The security industry is at an inflection point, where customers and vendors must partner to build solutions that can bring visibility to risky behavior or abnormal data usage as the means to stop headline-grabbing data breaches,” said Meerah Rajavel, CIO at Forcepoint in a press release. “Allan understands that a new paradigm must be applied to people, process and technology to adequately address these emerging security threats.” 
With more than 25 years of IT and security experience, Alford joined Forcepoint from Pearson, where he was product and business information security officer. Prior to that, Alford held various IT and security positions at Polycom, where he built and managed the product security program and served most recently as CISO. 
“The human point is an exciting frontier that presents both potential for business value and risk for an enterprise or government agency,” said Alford in a press release. “By combining human-centric security with a modern view on IT, HR and compliance programs, companies like Forcepoint can help employees and partners understand the critical role they play in defending against cyberattacks and protecting sensitive information assets. Instead of operating in silos of business units, IT and corporate functions, we have to look at cybersecurity through the lens of ‘everyone to the defense’.” 

October 19, 2017: Egnyte co-founder Kris Lahiri takes on new data protection officer role

As data protection officer (DPO) at the cloud provider of smart content collaboration and governance, Lahiri will be responsible for continuously monitoring Egnyte's regulatory compliance with the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). He will act as the main point of contact for the EU Commission during any audits or reviews.
kris Lahiri egnyteEgnyte
Kris Lahiri, Egnyte DPO
"With so much more at stake under GDPR, we believe that all organizations should make the necessary moves to ensure complete compliance with the new rules and regulations, including appointing a DPO," said Lahiri in a press release. "My team and I take tremendous pride in implementing proper procedures and protocols to ensure Egnyte's compliance with all regulations, not just the GDPR, and we will continue to make sure all of the data we handle is properly managed and secured."
Prior to Lahiri's appointment, he served as Egnyte's CISO, responsible for creating and implementing global information security strategies that protect all customers' content and users. Prior to Egnyte Lahiri spent many years leading the design and deployment of large-scale infrastructures for Fortune 100 customers Valdero and KPMG Consulting.

October 18, 2017: Gene Fredriksen moves from CISO to chief information security strategist at PSCU

Fredriksen’s new role is part of an effort at the largest credit union service organization (CUSO) in the U.S. to further strengthen its information security and compliance (IS&C) teams. In this newly created role, Fredriksen will report on several strategic functions primarily focused on relating PSCU’s perspective and stance on cybersecurity to existing clients, prospective clients, consultants in the credit union space and the industry as a whole.
Fredriksen has over 25 years of information technology experience, with the past 20 focused in information security. He joined PSCU in 2013. Since then, he has grown the IS&C teams and service offerings, implemented advanced tools and processes, and advanced PSCU’s relationship with numerous partners. His previous roles include global CISO for Tyco International, VP of technology risk management and CSO for Raymond James Financial, and adviser on various cybersecurity steering committees for the administrations of George W. Bush and Bill Clinton. Fredriksen has served on the R&D committee for the Financial Services Sector Steering Committee of the Department of Homeland Security and was recently appointed to represent credit unions in the Global Forum to Advance Cyber Resilience.
“PSCU’s Information Security & Compliance teams have evolved into a world-class operation, and this is in large part thanks to Gene’s leadership,” said David Bryant, PSCU’s newly appointed CISO, in a press release. “I look forward to working closely with Gene and the rest of the IS&C teams to ensure the highest level of service and security for our Member-Owners and their members alike.”

October 17, 2017: Ely Pinto joins Leumi as CISO 

In this role, Pinto is responsible for leading and executing the bank’s information and cybersecurity programs, and will also be tasked with redeploying an end-to-end information security program. Pinto reports directly to Martin Droney, Leumi’s chief operations and technology officer. The two will work together on developing and expanding the bank’s established information and data security culture with a risk-based approach.
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Ely Pinto, Leumi CISO
“Cybersecurity is a critical area of focus at Leumi, and we are pleased to have Ely on board as we continue to build our bank-wide information security infrastructure,” said Droney in a press release. “Ely’s extensive experience in financial services and technology will bolster Leumi’s information security efforts at a time when banks need to be hypervigilant in the face of heightened cyber activity.”
Pinto brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in providing security solutions at large financial and corporate institutions. Most recently, he spent 12 years as an information security specialist at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, where he had also previously served as a solutions architect. In these roles, he was responsible for developing the strategic direction of the bank's cybersecurity program and the overall security of bank systems, data and networks. Pinto also led the design and implementation of new security technologies and spearheaded security integration and risk mitigation efforts across all technology platforms and business applications, including cloud-based technologies.

October 9, 2017: John O’Driscoll named first CISO of Australia’s Victoria state

The appointment of a CISO is part of a shift in Victoria’s cyber security strategy from an agency-by agency approach to a whole-of-government approach, to better protect public services and information. As CISO, O’Driscoll will focus on leading collaboration across Victoria’s departments and agencies helping with ongoing work to assess, monitor and respond to cyber security risks, as well as engaging with Commonwealth and private sector experts to deliver a resilient and cohesive cyber security environment.
Other key actions from the Cyber Security Strategy that will be led by the CISO include:
  • Develop cyber emergency governance arrangements with Emergency Management Victoria, so that risks are better understood and planned for as part of ongoing work to protect government assets and services
  • Strengthening partnerships across all levels of government and the private sector to share best practice, intelligence and insights
  • Rationalizing and better coordinating the procurement of proven cyber security services
  • Developing a workforce plan to attract, develop and retain skilled cyber security public sector workers
  • Presenting a quarterly cyber security briefing to the Victorian Secretaries Board and the State Crisis and Resilience Committee, so government is better informed of cyber security issues and assessments.