Phillip J. Nemmers is a distinguished executive whose four-decade career embodies the intersection of strategic leadership, cybersecurity oversight, and digital innovation. With over 37 years of experience, including a successful tenure as a Senior Partner at Ernst & Young (EY), Phil is a boardroom-ready leader whose contributions extend across corporate, nonprofit, and governmental sectors. He brings a rare blend of technical depth, financial acumen, and governance insight, making him a highly sought-after advisor in an era where cybersecurity and technology risks increasingly shape organizational strategy.
As a Financial Expert under SEC, NYSE, and NASDAQ regulations, Phil’s professional profile is both deep and diverse. He holds credentials as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), and Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP). His unique combination of credentials and experience positions him to serve as a trusted voice on audit committees, cybersecurity oversight panels, and risk management bodies.
During his 37-year career at EY, Phil helped shape and lead some of the firm’s most critical initiatives. He directed the evolution of EY’s global audit methodology to integrate cybersecurity risks, led elements of their national cybersecurity practice with full P&L oversight, and spearheaded a multi-year initiative advising boards and C-suites at Fortune 50 companies on IT transformation and cyber risk. His client portfolio includes iconic brands such as Google, US Bancorp, Mayo Clinic, and Berkshire Hathaway, where his blend of technical insight and business strategy earned him the reputation of a “trusted business advisor.”
Phil’s leadership impact extended beyond client service. He played a pivotal role in EY’s outreach to regulatory and public policy institutions, briefing entities such as the SEC, Homeland Security, FTC, and members of Congress on cybersecurity and privacy challenges. His ability to bridge private-sector expertise with public-sector interests underscores his commitment to shaping policy and governance frameworks that support enterprise resilience.
Equally passionate about developing future leaders, Phil served as a mentor and advocate for diversity and inclusiveness within the professional services community. His reputation as a team builder and coach has helped elevate talent across EY’s national practice areas.
Phil’s board experience further demonstrates his commitment to meaningful governance. He currently serves on the Board of Scouting America – Mid-Iowa Council, where he also chairs the Risk Management subcommittee. In this role, he draws on his deep background in enterprise risk to help steer a mission-driven organization that shapes ethical and responsible young leaders.
Phil’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting with an IT emphasis from Loras College, where he graduated Maxima Cum Laude. He later completed executive leadership training at Harvard Business School and received boardroom certification through the Digital Director Network.
With his broad understanding of financial systems, digital transformation, and governance structures, Phil continues to be a formidable force in the boardroom. He is an executive who not only understands the technical language of risk and compliance but can translate those insights into business-driven strategies that enhance organizational value and resilience. Whether advising corporate directors or shaping public policy, Phil’s impact is measured not only in outcomes but in the trust he consistently earns from colleagues, clients, and fellow board members.
Character
Phillip Nemmers is a values-driven leader known for his integrity, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to making meaningful contributions in every role he assumes. His reputation as a trusted advisor and advocate for diversity reflects a deep dedication to ethical leadership and team development throughout his 37-year career.
Knowledge
With extensive expertise in financial auditing, cybersecurity, risk management, and digital transformation, Phil brings a unique blend of technical and regulatory insight supported by credentials such as CPA, CISA, and CITP. His work advising Fortune 50 companies and briefing top U.S. regulatory bodies showcases his depth of understanding across complex business and technology landscapes.
Strategic
Phil’s career demonstrates a proven ability to anticipate and address emerging risks, having led global initiatives that integrated cybersecurity into audit methodologies and guided boardrooms through digital transformation. His strategic oversight enables organizations to align risk governance with long-term business objectives in an evolving digital environment.
Communication
Recognized for his clarity, approachability, and collaborative spirit, Phil effectively bridges technical detail with executive-level priorities, earning trust in both boardrooms and government briefings. His talent for translating complex concepts into actionable insights has made him a sought-after speaker, mentor, and advisor across industries.
