My journey in the security industry began prior to 2006, which is when I joined SIA. Before this, I was working for a US senator in Congress, managing legislative issues related to criminal justice and technology legislation, particularly.
At that time, I was working very closely with law enforcement agencies in the state of Minnesota and around the US, in support of funding for police and sheriff’s departments and their implementation of telecommunications technology.
I also worked with broadcasters and satellite television operators on broadband and spectrum policy which was brought before regulatory bodies, specifically the Federal Communications Commission. I then worked on the government relations team at Alcatel before joining SIA.
I was interested in working for SIA due to its focus on homeland security issues as well as being able to bring value to association members and advocate for them. I thought was very exciting to come on board and build a program that would seek to influence government policy and have a direct impact, such as federal grant funding or funding that could be used for security projects.
Fast forward from 2006; for the last 12 years, I have been CEO of SIA and during that time, I have focused on membership growth and developing new initiatives and programs.
One of my main focuses is helping others to find talent in the industry. We hear from manufacturers and integrators consistently that they have a lot of difficulty filling certain positions on their teams – most notably technician roles.
While there is a shortfall of talent across many sectors, we have to do our part to compete and promote our industry.
Something that we’ve done to help this is to develop a new cyber certification program for installers known as the Security Industry Cybersecurity Certification (SICC). We have also partnered with the Electronic Security Association to establish the Foundation for Advancing Security Talent (FAST), which is a non-profit dedicated to helping businesses identify, recruit and keep talented employees. SIA’s workforce development programs include development of tools to help companies such as a hiring guide that promotes fair opportunity to individuals, regardless of whether they are professionals transitioning into a new role, young professionals, straight out of college or are more familiar with the industry.
SIA is also focused on expanding its influence in other regions. SIA is the premier sponsor of ISC West, but now we’re trying to provide value in other areas such as Latin America. This year, we announced SIA as the premier sponsor of Expo Seguridad México, which is the leading trade show in Mexico. Our goal is to help US-based companies achieve success through new exhibiting opportunities in this market while also delivering compelling content for attendees in the Latin American region. We’d like to eventually launch a new review product showcase at Expo Seguridad México, so that exhibitors can participate in a unique platform for demonstrating the value of their products before qualified panels of end user judges.
Another area that I personally think is incredibly important is the topic of AI; SIA is currently focused on what thought leadership we as an organization can provide to our members both in the US and globally to help them understand AI as it progresses.
Perceptions about AI have changed and there are a lot of different marketing messages out there about what it can and cannot do. What we’re studying and evaluating right now is what AI can really deliver to the security community. We want to make sure we know which solutions really are reliable and can be used successfully for actionable purposes. To this end, we will likely establish an Advisory Board that can communicate with end users about the true possibility of AI.
In general, SIA is very focused on influencing revenue opportunities for US-based companies. We’ve spent a substantial amount of time combating legislative proposals that could restrict the use of certain technologies, most notably facial recognition technology. It is very alarming that at every level, including cities, counties and even statewide, they’re trying to limit or completely ban its use. This is a proven technology that is essential for protecting critical infrastructure such as transit and schools, so SIA is working to combat this movement.
In addition to furthering our public policy objectives, SIA has several overarching goals, starting with its learning development offerings. For example, one way that SIA supports the industry is through certifications, to help increase knowledge and expertise.
We offer a number of online courses which provide new employees within the security industry with a technical understanding of various components such as surveillance or cybersecurity. Companies are finding value in leveraging that series of education to use as their on-boarding policy for employees.
Another key area is standards development and technology content. SIA developed the Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) standard and we help practitioners understand how to implement OSDP solutions by offering a bootcamp training course for them. Through the potential AI Advisory Board, we may examine the feasibility of developing standards in the next few years that better define the performance of AI solutions in security.
SIA is known for its numerous signature events. We run several events – not just at ISC West and ISC East. For example, our Securing New Ground conference is held in the fall, which is aligned with the annual SIA Megatrends publication. There is also the SIA GovSummit, for government officials and beyond. This premier conference taking place annually in Washington, DC, provides crucial insights into the latest policy developments in security and technology and how they impact business opportunities for our industry.
SIA also produces an event called AcceleRISE, aimed at providing professional development training to young professionals. This month, we are launching an event called Security LeadHER in partnership with ASIS International, a conference for women in security. Young professionals and women in security are some of SIA’s most thriving communities in terms of member engagement, so we’re very proud of these conferences.
Lastly, we work with outside research partners, most notably Omdia, to produce market trend reports, which can help to influence our spending decisions in our various markets.
One initiative happening at SIA is a pilot program for installers over the next 12 months. What’s unique about this particular apprenticeship program is that it focuses on physical and cybersecurity, so is a ‘converged’ security apprenticeship program and is unlike anything else.
We’re working with a number of high-tech companies in US for this pilot and we’re very proud to have evolved this program. It will include 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and 200 hours of instruction and training as part of the criteria. It’s a great way to not only bring new individuals into the industry, but to also foster diversity.
The other the other initiative I want to highlight is a new environmental social governance (ESG) Advisory Board. This is intended to help mid and small companies develop their own ESG programs within their businesses. The role of SIA would essentially be to establish briefings for each company about the requirements or standards that relate to ESG compliance.
Other ways that we are promoting ESG include creating a program that recognizes member companies who are very successful within this area and an ESG Advisory Board that would open opportunities for equipment to be donated to underserved areas.
At the heart of SIA, we provide professional development to every individual. There are many on-boarding programs that professionals can take advantage of, both on demand and in-person at our conferences. For those who are trying to elevate their own expertise, we have our certification programs.
We are excellent at connecting members, through introductions and interactions, on a regular basis at our events and conferences. There is also the opportunity to influence government decisions in terms of where money should go and what should get funding.
At the end of the day, I would summarize by saying we’re a great community.
Of course, we have already discussed AI and ESG, but one thing that I would also highlight is the importance of using industry technology ethically. We need to explore the appropriate use of security technology in the context of human rights concerns, for example.
This article was originally published in the June edition of Security Journal Americas. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.