The winners of the US Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs) were honoured at a networking lunch where 3,000 security professionals gathered to celebrate outstanding performance.
The awards were presented at Global Security Exchange (GSX) in Las Vegas on Monday 24th September 2018.
Founder of the OSPAs Professor Martin Gill said “The security sector plays a vital role in safeguarding us all and it is encouraging to see so many individuals, teams and companies nominated for an OSPA.”
Gill further added “The OSPAs programme is currently running in 8 countries and I urge everyone who knows someone who is outstanding to commit to nominating them so the ‘best’ can be identified across the World.”
US AWARD WINNERS 2018:
Outstanding In-House Security Manager/Director: Raymond Gerwitz
“I am pleased, honored and humbled to be recognized as this year’s US OSPA’s Outstanding In-House Security Director and to join respected past award winners. This recognition affirms our team’s commitment to serving as a forward facing, innovative partner in our institution’s success. This award has provided a unique opportunity to build positive relationships with accomplished industry leaders and is a testament to our shared obligation to safeguarding our community.”
Outstanding Security Team: Hillsboro Technical Operations Security
“We are honored and humbled to be selected for this influential award. The recognition this award gives to our Security Officers that they work for a best in class organization is priceless. Continuous improvement is a cornerstone of our management system and we appreciate the recognition of this award as it helps validate our programs and our processes.” – Eric H. Morse, CPP, Head of Security
Outstanding Contract Security Company: Sodexo
“This was the first year Sodexo entered the US OSPA’s and the event surpassed all our expectations. The strict ethical code and the true independence of the process really makes a difference. The quality of the finalists and winners was truly outstanding and they can be proud of their achievement” – Simon Pears, Global Security Director
Outstanding Security Consultant: Michael A. Silva, CPP
Outstanding Security Training Initiative: Matthew W. Doherty, Hillard Heintze
“Accepting this award is a special honor. At Hillard Heintze, one of our founding principles is to prevent acts of targeted violence in our nation.
I’ve spent my entire career on this issue, at one level or another and every single time I learn of another active assailant or shooter incident – whether through our work or in the news, there is a high likelihood they could have been prevented by recognizing concerning behaviors in advance. Threat Management Team training is a proven differentiator in preventing these tragedies”
Outstanding Security Equipment Manufacturer: SmartWater CSI
Outstanding Young Security Professional: Russell Mallette, CPP
Outstanding Security Officer: Richard W. Sullivan
Lifetime Achievement Award: Geoff Craighead, CPP
The US OSPAs were sponsored by Edith Cowan University (trophies and certificates) and the International Foundation for Protection Officers (Outstanding Security Officer category sponsor).
Pictures from the event are available to view here.
