Carlos S. Lobato, New Mexico State University’s interim chief information security officer, joined the New Mexico Public Accountancy Board this month. Lobato was appointed to the position by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham Sept. 21. The appointment runs through Jan. 1, 2024.
Lobato has more than 20 years of professional experience in the corporate and banking industry, higher education and local government entities. He received two bachelor’s degrees from NMSU, one in business computer systems and the other in accounting before earning a master’s degree in business administration. He is a current licensed certified public accountant in New Mexico and holds various professional auditing and information security certifications.
“New Mexico Public Accountancy Board provides an invaluable service to the state,” said Ruth Johnston, NMSU vice chancellor and strategic chief financial officer. “Carlos is an excellent choice for this position. His strong dedication to service and his experience will be an asset to this board.”
Public accountants perform a number of services involving accounting or auditing skills, including issuing reports on financial statements and performing many kinds of management, financial advising or consulting services, preparing tax returns or giving advice about tax matters.
The NMPAB issues licenses to both Certified Public Accountants and CPA firms to practice public accountancy in New Mexico. The board sets professional and educational standards for CPAs for obtaining and maintaining licenses, and ensures CPA firms report peer reviews of their performance. The board also investigates complaints from the public against CPAs and CPA firms and takes appropriate disciplinary action when professional and ethical standards are violated.
Lobato became NMSU’s first IT compliance officer for the NMSU system in 2012 to ensure information technology compliance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations. In 2017, he was appointed by NMSU Chancellor Dan Arvizu to the position of chief privacy officer for the NMSU system, where he implemented a privacy program, conducting IT risk assessments, promoting IT and data security-related training and awareness programs and monitoring NMSU systems via auditing and compliance activities prior to taking on duties of interim chief information security officer in July 2021. Earlier this year, Lobato was among those selected for the first cohort of the National Association of College of University Business Officers’ new Emerging Leaders Program.
“It’s an honor to be appointed by Gov. Lujan Grisham to serve in a position of trust on this board,” said Lobato. “I feel privileged to work with my fellow board members to ensure the highest standards of public accountancy are maintained in New Mexico.”
The NMPAB consists of seven members, four of whom are certified public accountants or registered public accountants who have practiced for at least five calendar years prior to appointment. Three members represent the public and may not have ever held a certificate of public accountancy or held any interest in the profession or a firm.
The next swearing in ceremony is scheduled for Nov. 12. The board plans to hold the event in person but it’s subject to change based on COVID-19 restrictions.