HKA is pleased to announce that Andy Antunez and Richard Peters have joined HKA as Partners in its Digital Forensics and Data Solutions practice.

They bring in-depth experience in digital forensics, information technology, cybersecurity, and decentralized finance, bolstering our team’s ability to deliver expert insights and solutions in the expansive realm of digital evidence.

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With over 20 years of expertise in digital forensics, security, and information technology (IT), Andy Antunez brings a wealth of professional experience to the HKA team. His background includes leading investigations related to digital forensic collections, data destruction and manipulation, employment issues, fraud, and insider risk.  

Andy has practical, hands-on training and expertise in providing forensic technology services, including data preservation, digital forensics, electronic discovery, and data analysis. Over the past two decades, he has personally imaged over 10,000 computer devices and over 5,000 mobile devices, serving as a computer forensics examiner, expert, neutral, or litigation consultant on more than 500 matters.

“I’m looking forward to bringing my experience leading complex investigations, conducting in-depth forensic analysis, and examining electronically stored information to HKA. The expertise I’ve developed has prepared me to contribute meaningful and effective solutions for our clients facing digital and data challenges.”

Andy Antunez, Partner

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Richard Peters has over 25 years of experience as a senior information security advisor specializing in cybersecurity, crypto tracing, cryptocurrency, digital forensics, investigations, and compliance. He has managed and delivered IT security solutions, including technology risk management services, audits, security assessments, compliance assessments, attack-and-penetration testing, and security analysis. 

He has designed, assessed, and tested security standards and frameworks, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 27001/27002, the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST CSF and 800 series).

Richard has specific experience with penetration testing for applications, networks, and hardware. He has used this skillset for forensic and security assessments in cryptocurrency, blockchain investigations, crypto asset tracing, and the decentralized finance space.

“I am excited to bring my cybersecurity and information technology expertise to our Digital Forensics and Data Solutions team. In a landscape where digital threats constantly evolve, I look forward to delivering innovative solutions, strengthening risk mitigation strategies, and ensuring our clients’ digital assets remain secure and resilient.”

Richard Peters, Partner

His experience and knowledge encompass client and server environments, mainframes, databases, applications, and hardware. Richard has provided expert witness testimony on numerous occasions for matters related to cybersecurity, crypto investigations, and fraud.

Richard holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Texas at Austin, as well as several licenses and certifications related to cybersecurity, cryptocurrency, and IT, including TRM Crypto Compliance Specialist, TRM Advanced Crypto Investigator, TRM Digital Forensics and Cryptocurrencies, TRM Certified Investigator, TRM Crypto Fundamentals Certification, Cryptocurrency Tracing Certified Examiner, Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer, Certified Information Systems Auditor, Qualified Security Assessor, and Certified Information Systems Security Professional. 

View Richard’s full Expert Centre Profile here.

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“We are thrilled to welcome Andy and Richard to our Digital Forensics and Data Solutions team. With their extensive experience in information security, data analysis, and risk management, they will be instrumental in enhancing our ability to help clients navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape with confidence and precision.”

Michael Bandemer, Partner, Head of Digital Forensics and Data Solutions

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HKA’s Digital Forensics and Data Solutions professionals specialize in the collection, analysis, investigation, discovery, tracing, and governance of digital data. The team has extensive experience delivering expert insights into the expansive realm of digital evidence. They excel at supporting organizations, law firms, and government agencies as they navigate the complexities of digital investigations, including eDiscovery, advanced analytics, high-tech crime, blockchain forensics, and cybersecurity. HKA’s services also address data privacy, governance, and compliance, providing reliable, actionable findings to meet litigation, regulatory, and security challenges.

Learn more about HKA’s Digital Forensics and Data Solutions expert services. 

 

Media contact

Name	Andrew J. Katz, CPSM
Title	Marketing and Communications Director, Americas
Number	+1 215 962 1136
Email	AndrewKatz@hka.com

HKA is pleased to welcome Director José Soto to its Government Contracting and Compliance team in Washington, DC.

José is a compliance and subject matter expert with almost 25 years of experience in government contracting across various industries. His expertise encompasses extensive knowledge of government rules and regulations, including the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and Cost Accounting Standards (CAS).

José guides clients through cost and pricing strategies and transformation initiatives. He prepares and analyzes cost impact proposals, gross dollar magnitude, disclosure statements, incurred cost submissions, and forward pricing rate proposals. José also supports clients with large enterprise resourcing planning (ERP) systems such as Deltek Costpoint, Oracle NetSuite, and SAP.

Earlier in his career, José spent over six years as a senior auditor at the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) and is well-versed in DCAA requirements. His subsequent experience includes working in various compliance roles for some of the federal government’s largest contractors.

 

“We are thrilled to welcome José to our team. His years of experience and expertise with government contract compliance issues make him a valuable addition to HKA. We’re confident that his skills and experience will significantly enhance our capacity to support clients and lead to innovative contributions.”

Jamie Sybert, Partner

Before joining HKA, José was a director at MorganFranklin Consulting, where he was instrumental in building its Government Contracting Advisory practice. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from the University of Puerto Rico and is fully fluent in Spanish.

View José’s full expert profile.

HKA has a successful track record advising government contractors and their counsel on aerospace and defense, technology, media and telecoms, life sciences and healthcare, and professional services matters.

HKA helps clients handle complex issues related to requests for equitable adjustment, certified claims, contracting officer’s final decision appeals, prime contractor and subcontractor disputes, termination settlement proposals, bid protest assistance, bribery and anti-corruption, compliance and risk management, investigations, and grants and agreements.

The firm’s Government Contracting and Compliance team members provide expert witness testimony at the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals, the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals, and other state and federal courts.

Learn more about HKA’s Government Contracting and Compliance services.

Media contact

Name	Andrew J. Katz, CPSM
Title	Marketing and Communications Director, Americas
Number	+1 215 962 1136
Email	AndrewKatz@hka.com

HKA is proud to announce that the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) has named Partner Michael Griffin to its prestigious College of Fellows. 

The CMAA, an organization dedicated to advancing and supporting professional construction management and program management development, focuses on building the workforce of the future for the continued growth of the construction industry. Its mission includes the development of research beneficial to the advancement of technological, educational, and vocational expertise in the industry, and education in the construction management profession. 

Each year, the CMAA designates certain members to the College of Fellows. Fellows are selected in recognition of their leadership in the construction and program management profession, their contributions to the profession’s enduring development, and their support and commitment to the CMAA. It is the highest honor that can be bestowed on a CMAA member. 

“It is a tremendous honor to be selected as a Fellow. The CMAA’s leadership and dedication to excellence have been pivotal in the construction management field, setting the standards that drive quality and innovation. I am incredibly proud to be part of CMAA’s eminently qualified Fellows and am committed to fostering the growth of the construction management profession.”

Michael Griffin, Partner, Forensic Technical Services Lead, Americas

“This achievement not only highlights Mike’s dedication and expertise but also reflects the high caliber of excellence at HKA. I am incredibly grateful to Mike for his outstanding leadership of our Forensic Engineering, Architectural, and Technical Expert Services practice here in the Americas. We are honored to have him on our team, and we are excited to see how his contributions will continue to shape the future of the construction industry.”

Frank Giunta, Partner, Regional CEO, Americas 

Michael, a civil engineer with more than 45 years of construction industry experience, leads HKA’s Forensic Engineering, Architectural, and Technical Expert Services practice in the Americas. He has acted as an expert witness in government contracting and technical matters and has testified in federal and state courts.  

With an extensive background as a project manager, construction manager, and principal in charge of multi-million-dollar projects across North America, his expertise includes assessing contractors’ and construction managers’ performance and standard of care, evaluating defective construction, calculating damages, and conducting contract analysis and administration. 

View Michael Griffin’s expert profile here and discover more about the firm’s experts by visiting our extensive Expert Centre. 

HKA’s forensic engineering, architectural, and technical experts provide expert advisory, expert determination, and expert witness services for clients worldwide. Depending on the assignment, the firm’s technical specialists act as sole experts within a specialized technical team or collaborate with other experts in complementary disciplines such as quantum, delay, forensic accounting, and commercial damages, known as HKA’s multidisciplinary service. 

Learn more about HKA’s Forensic Engineering, Architectural, and Technical Expert Services. 

Media contact

Name	Andrew J. Katz, CPSM
Title	Marketing and Communications Director, Americas
Number	+1 215 962 1136
Email	AndrewKatz@hka.com

HKA is pleased to announce that the American Institute of Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA) has recently recognized Alex Mats, Director of Forensic Accounting and Commercial Damages (FACD), with its prestigious Standing Ovation Award. This honor highlights Alex’s exceptional contributions and dedication to the profession.  

The AICPA is dedicated to providing exclusive guidance and specialized resources, including esteemed designations, certifications, and credentials, to accounting and finance professionals. The annual Standing Ovation Award recognizes young financial professionals who exhibit exemplary achievement in the areas of forensic accounting and business valuation. Alex is among 12 award recipients honored at the 2024 AICPA and CIMA Forensic and Valuation Services Conference held in Dallas this past October. 

“I am deeply honored to receive the AICPA Standing Ovation Award, which is not only a personal milestone but also an acknowledgment of the benchmark of excellence of my work at HKA. This field requires us to constantly adapt, innovate, and uphold the highest standards of integrity, and I am grateful to be part of a profession that challenges me to grow every day.”

Alex Mats, Director

“The Standing Ovation Award reflects the hard work, dedication, and passion that Alex always brings to HKA’s FACD team. We are grateful to the AICPA for honoring his contributions and are excited to see his future impact on the forensic accounting industry.”

Dave Duffus, Partner

Alex has experience in public accounting, corporate accounting, and litigation support. At HKA, he consults on a variety of financial, economic, and accounting matters, including complex financial disputes related to commercial litigation, forensic accounting, and business valuation. Alex has authored expert reports and testified as an expert at deposition and trial and in alternative dispute settings. 

Please visit our Expert Centre to find out more about Alex Mats and our other HKA experts. For more information about the AICPA, please click here. 

HKA’s FACD experts have extensive experience advising clients on the accounting, economic, and financial impacts of complex matters. The firm’s experts serve clients by analyzing issues related to various disputes, including breach of contract, intellectual property, shareholder, mergers, and acquisitions. Additionally, HKA undertakes fraud, forensic, and regulatory investigations.   

Learn more about HKA’s Forensic Accounting, Commercial Damages, and Intellectual Property expert services. 

Media contact

Name	Andrew J. Katz, CPSM
Title	Marketing and Communications Director, Americas
Number	+1 215 962 1136
Email	AndrewKatz@hka.com

HKA welcomes Dr. Muaz Fagiar to its Calgary construction claims management team in Canada.

Dr. Fagiar joins HKA as a Director with over 15 years of experience specializing in contract and claims management, project controls, and dispute resolution. He is a subject matter expert in critical path method scheduling, delay and disruption analysis, and claims management, mitigation, and avoidance.  

Dr. Fagiar assists clients with identifying risks, implementing controls, minimizing claims exposure, and establishing contract and claims management strategies. He has worked on several major infrastructure projects in Western Canada, such as the Valley Line LRT. His expertise spans transportation systems, roads, tunnels, bridges, dams, utilities, facilities, and signaling systems, among other areas. 

“Dr. Fagiar brings a unique blend of expertise and innovative perspectives to HKA, making him an invaluable asset in the construction industry. His experience implementing advanced methodologies for effective claims management and dispute resolution is crucial to helping us grow our team in Canada. We look forward to working with him to deliver increased value and exceptional service to our clients.”

John Baxter, Partner

Dr. Fagiar has authored, co-authored, and presented numerous papers at conferences, published papers in construction management journals, and delivered guest lectures on contracts and claims management.  

He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Construction Engineering and Management from the University of Alberta, a Master of Science in Engineering Project Management from Teesside University, and a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering from Sudan University of Science and Technology. 

HKA’s claims and dispute resolution experts investigate the causes and effects of events, analyze contractual entitlement and causation, and quantify the effects in pursuing or defending claims. The firm’s experts address claims issues related to extensions of time, prolongation, disruption, acceleration, loss and expense, changes in legislation, and variations. HKA’s commercial and contract managers, quantity surveyors, cost engineers, planners and schedulers, and technical engineering specialists support clients at any stage of a project’s life cycle.

Learn more about HKA’s Claims and Dispute Resolution Services, including our Claims Governance, Construction Claims, and Dispute Avoidance offerings

Media contact

Name	Andrew J. Katz, CPSM
Title	Marketing and Communications Director, Americas
Number	+1 215 962 1136
Email	AndrewKatz@hka.com