Integrity-Driven Data Privacy Solutions
Veronica K. Contreras, P.C. (“VKC-PC”) was founded in 2021 by its President and Owner, Veronica K. Contreras. The firm was established to provide strategic, practical guidance in privacy and data security law. Ms. Contreras draws on her extensive legal experience to advise organizations on complex domestic and international data privacy and security compliance matters, delivering clear, effective solutions tailored to her clients’ needs.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to enhance organizations’ data privacy, security, and AI compliance through expert analysis, creation, and deployment of top-tier governance frameworks, complemented by comprehensive services, such as risk assessments, policy development, compliance audits, and on-going support.
To achieve this goal, we provide concise, practical, and customized solutions for businesses of all sizes and industries. We empower our clients with meaningful compliance choices, recognizing that one size does not-fit-all. Our risk-based approach helps companies effectively understand, and manage, their specific industry risks.
In the ever-evolving AI, and data privacy and security compliance landscape, staying ahead of changing laws is crucial. Our expert team is dedicated to keeping you informed, and compliant, with the latest laws and regulations.
What sets us apart? Our attorneys’ exceptional technical expertise. We not only understand the law, but also know how to apply it to your unique business needs. We take the time to learn about your company, engage with your employees, and ensure they grasp the legal and regulatory requirements. We guide you every step of the way, helping you build a best-in-class compliance framework that meets all relevant data privacy, cybersecurity, and AI legislation.
Choose us for a proactive, knowledgeable, and personalized approach to data privacy, security, and AI compliance.
Veronica K. Contreras
President and Founder
Veronica Contreras is the founder of Veronica K. Contreras, P.C., a legal consulting practice, specializing in data protection, cybersecurity, and AI consulting services, with over fifteen (15) years of experience.
Ms. Contreras previously worked at Clario (formerly eResearch Technology, Inc.), a Global Data Management Technology Company, as the company’s global Data Privacy Officer, Counsel. While there, Veronica was responsible for the development and implementation of the company’s global data privacy compliance program, including without limitation: compliance with GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA compliance; on-going administration (and maintenance) related to data privacy policies and procedures, privacy (and security) risk assessments, data privacy compliance training, and client-related audit requirements.
Prior to joining Clario, Ms. Contreras worked at MultiPlan, Inc., a healthcare technology company, as the company’s Data Privacy Officer, Associate Counsel, responsible for the company’s data privacy program, including without limitation: compliance with HIPAA, TCPA, CAN-SPAM, and HITRUST certification requirements; on-going administration (and maintenance) related to data privacy policies and procedures, client risk assessments, privacy training, and third-party risk management requirements.
A lawyer by training, Veronica K. Contreras earned her Juris Doctor from the Western Michigan Cooley Law School and her Bachelor of Arts, in Philosophy, from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.
Meet Our Team
Michael K. Yacubian
Sr. Associate, Data Protection Attorney
Michael “Mike” Yacubian is an associate with Veronica K. Contreras, P.C. (“VKC-PC”), and a licensed attorney in Massachusetts, specializing in data protection and cybersecurity for over six (6) years.
Before joining VKC-PC, Mike served as Senior Associate Counsel for Data Privacy at Clario (formerly eResearch Technology, Inc.), a global data management technology company.
There, he played a key role in developing and implementing the company’s global data privacy compliance program. His responsibilities included ensuring adherence to GDPR, HIPAA, and CCPA regulations; managing a team of privacy attorneys; negotiating privacy-related contracts; conducting data privacy impact assessments; developing global data privacy training programs; and overseeing related policies and procedures.
Earlier in his career, Mike gained extensive legal experience in the technology and financial sectors. At Pegasystems, Inc., a leading customer relationship management software company, he addressed contracting and legal issues related to software as a service (SaaS). At Boston Financial Data Services, he reviewed formation documents for trusts, corporations, LLCs, and hedge funds to ensure compliance with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations.
Mike earned his Juris Doctor in 2015 from Suffolk University Law School – Boston, Massachusetts, and a bachelor’s in arts, in Criminology in 2011, from Merrimack College – North Andover, Massachusetts.
Ted W. Crawford
CISO
Ted Crawford is a senior hands-on technology leader, a consultant of Veronica K. Contreras, P.C. (“VKC-PC”), and forms an integral part of VKC-PC.
Ted brings a strong business acumen and proven record of building, collaborating, and leading cross-functional teams to plan and execute business critical initiatives to companies’ CIOs, COOs, and CISOs.
Ted has expertise in building out security programs and processes, addressing network and infrastructure security, applications security, data security, and assessing and identifying gaps, in current security technologies, processes, and procedures.
Additionally, Ted provides guidance and oversight to companies that are transitioning from enterprise applications architectures to native cloud-based applications.
Prior to Ted consulting with VKC-PC, past senior leadership roles included:
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) – Clario, a provider of clinical data management services to pharmaceutical companies. In this role he was responsible for Information Security architecture, Operations, Security and IT Compliance.
- Chief Information Officer (CIO) – ERT, merged with Clario and Bioclinica in 2021. Senior technical leader supporting M&A due diligence assessments and managing complex integration IT and Security projects.
- Sr. Director Cloud Platform Services (PaaS) Global Solutions and Service Delivery – Oracle Cloud.
- Solutions Architect – PhaseForward (acquired by Oracle) providing consulting services to large pharmaceutical companies in integration of PhaseForward’s clinical and drug safety solutions with pharma’s internal CTMS, Clinical Data Warehouse and Drug Safety systems.
Jacob A. Goughnour
Data Privacy Analyst
Jacob “Jake” Goughnour, is a privacy and compliance professional experienced in federal, healthcare, and regulated environments. He focuses on privacy operations, compliance governance, risk management, and vendor oversight aligned with HIPAA, the U.S. Privacy Act, and federal regulatory requirements.
He has supported privacy assessments, audits, data incident responses, and development of training and standard operating procedures that strengthen compliance and safeguard sensitive information. Jacob collaborates with IT, legal, security, and operational teams to implement practical controls that reduce risk while supporting critical
services.
His background includes federal program support, contractor coordination, performance reporting, and vendor management, as well as experience with data lifecycle practices and emerging areas, such as AI governance.
Jake earned his Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy, in 2015, from Seton Hill University and his Bachelor of Arts, in Psychology/Criminology, in 2013. Jake also served in the United States Navy from 2002-2008, with multiple campaign achievements.
Awards and Speaking Engagements
Law 2.0 Outstanding Leadership Award (Dec 2022)
Veronica was recognized for her outstanding leadership by the Law 2.0 Conference.
The Law 2.0 Conference primarily comprises achievers from the legal industry who are recognized for their contributions in the legal field and have demonstrated excellent leadership skills, namely:
1) a leader’s reputation;
2) educational background;
3) professional experience;
4) creative thinking; and
5) decisive leadership.
Speaker at DIA Digital Technology in Clinical Trials Conference (Aug 2020)
Session Topic: “How to Ensure Adequate Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Measures.”
DIA is a global association that mobilizes life science professionals from across all areas of expertise to engage with patients, peers and thought leaders in a neutral environment on the issues of today and the possibilities for tomorrow.
Speaker at the Pennsylvania Bar Institute – Health Law Institute Conference (March 2020)
Speaker at the Pennsylvania Bar Institute – Health Law Institute Conference (March 2020)
PBI’s annual Health Law Institute is a premier event for health law professionals organized by the Pennsylvania Bar Institute.
Business Code of Ethics
Veronica K. Contreras, P.C. (“VKC-PC”) is committed to the highest standards of ethical business conduct and compliance with laws and regulations that apply to our business. Each of us are personally responsible for supporting our core values, which consist of honesty, integrity, collaboration, accountability, and compliance.
See our Business Code of Ethics here.