The winners of the US 2023 Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs) were revealed on the 10 September at an awards reception held at GSX in Dallas where security professionals gathered to celebrate the best of the best from the US Security Sector.
The winners highlight the very best companies, people, projects and technologies that have made a significant contribution in safeguarding people, places and property from all areas of potential crime and disorder.
The calibre of the nominations was exceptionally high and made the job of selecting the winners particularly challenging for the 12-stong security experts you made up the judging panel – all nominated by the leading associations. All those that were selected as finalists and winners demonstrated that they really are the absolute best and should feel extremely proud.
2023 WINNERS:
Outstanding In-House Security Manager/Director
John Wojcik, CPP – The MITRE Corporation
John Wojcik has led collaboration across MITRE to champion and deploy mission focused security initiatives to enhance protections for the company and its federal government sponsors. MITRE was nationally recognized for excellence in counterintelligence and insider threat mitigation, and its cleared facilities received Commendable and Superior security ratings from the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency at more than twice the national average. Judges drew attention to John’s skills as a security builder, highlighting his effective leadership in MITRE in promoting cooperation at every level of the company and enhancing relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
I am honored and proud to join the ranks of OSPA award recipients. Special thanks to the Security Executive Council for the nomination and partnership, to the OSPAs for honoring me with this prestigious award, to MITRE leadership for their outstanding support of the security program, and most of all to the entire MITRE Global Security & Risk Management team for their exceptional expertise, performance, and commitment to the mission that made this award possible. It is my privilege to lead a team of security professionals who are among the best in the business.John Wojcik
Outstanding Contract Security Manager/Director
Brittany Andersen – United Security Inc
Brittany Andersen serves as the Assistant Director of Public Safety at the Outlets of Des Moines in Altoona, Iowa. In her role she provides Operations Management and is responsible for scheduling, day-to-day operations, and keeping the Public Safety staff apprised of upcoming events and new duty requirements. Her work is vital to providing a robust and effective security force and presence. Brittany continually looks for enhancements in the Public Safety Department’s processes and procedures. She has worked diligently in updating the Standard Operating Procedures for the Public Safety Department at the Outlets of Des Moines. Brittany sets an example for others to follow. Her dedication to her duties and responsibilities was highlighted.
Thank you again. I am truly honored to receive the award. I would not be half as effective as a manager without my team here at The Outlets Of Des Moines. I am very lucky to have an outstanding mentor in Steve Drane and leadership and support from USI. Brittany Andersen, United Security Inc
Outstanding Security Team
Baker Hughes Enterprise Security Function
Baker Hughes Enterprise Security Function “best in class” proactive, risk based, intelligence led security programs enable strong collaborative business partnerships and operational success. The Judges felt that this was the clearest security strategy of all entries in this category. Demonstrating security leadership within the company. They constantly improve based on regularly reviewing their approach reflecting on stakeholder needs, the operational footprint, and changing assessment of and responses to risks.
We were extremely humbled to be amongst so many outstanding and exceptional security professionals and ultimately to win this award. We are all winners to be nominated. This award is a testament to the hard work of our Enterprise Security Team that manages risk and supports our business across the globe. It reminds us of the progress we have made but also drives us to continue to seek excellence and bring value to our organization in all that we do.Andrew Tosh, Executive Security Director Global Operations
Outstanding Contract Security Company (Guarding)
Sunstates Security
Sunstates Security is a privately held, woman-owned, security personnel provider headquartered in Raleigh, NC. The company provides armed and unarmed physical security services to a wide variety of clients across the US. Sunstates Security’s mission and vision statements drive operations, focusing efforts on the core principles of honor, integrity, and trust. The success of this operating philosophy is reflected in a client retention rate of over 95% and with 48% growth in 2022. This has been achieved organically following the pandemic.
Winning this prestigious award two years in a row is a testament to all the hard working people at Team Sunstates. Staying true to our core values, culture, and operational template are critical ingredients to our consistency and long-term success. Thank you to the OSPAs committee and TEAM Software by Workwave for supporting and sponsoring this great event.
Denis Kelly, COO
Outstanding Security Consultant
Glorin Sebastian – Google Inc
Glorin is a highly motivated IT professional with 8+ years of experience in IT Audit, Risk Management, Cyber risk assessment, Data Privacy, System Integration, Controls, Security, and GRC implementations. He holds CISSP, CISA, and SAP GRC AC 10.0 certifications, as well as an MS in Information Systems and an MBA, and is currently pursuing an MS in Cybersecurity. Glorin is proficient in various technologies, frameworks, programming languages, and tools, including SAP, Oracle, COBIT, ISO 27001, NIST, Python, Tableau, and Power BI. Glorin has held positions at Google, Ernst & Young, Deloitte, SunTrust Ban, and been recognized previously for outstanding performance.
Outstanding Security Training Initiative
National Infrastructure Security and Resilience U (NISRU) – InfraGard National Members Alliance
InfraGard National Members Alliance (INMA), an FBI-affiliated independent nonprofit organization, has proudly delivered thousands of hours of training and education to more than 27,000 security stakeholders via its flagship eLearning program, National Infrastructure Security and Resilience U (NISRU). Addressing the dominant threats across all 16 DHS critical infrastructure sectors, NISRU has provided critical infrastructure operators with knowledge, skills, and resources to strengthen the physical and cybersecurity of their organizations. Security professionals have benefited from a unique and affordable eLearning program that offers the most depth and breadth in the critical infrastructure space.
Outstanding New Security Product
Campus Plan – System Surveyor
In 2014, System Surveyor recognized a need for an easy-to-use, digital map of physical security assets that allows security managers, administrators, public safety and integrators to effectively communicate and keep a multi-building campus safe, from planning and budgeting to implementation and ongoing management. In the years since, System Surveyor has helped schools like NYU, Cal State Fullerton, University of Utah, Ysleta School District and Atlanta Public Schools streamline their security solutions, paving the way for safer schools that was admired by judges.
We are incredibly honored to receive an OSPA award in the Outstanding Security Product category for our System Surveyor Campus Plan. Helping universities and K-12 schools streamline site surveys and system design along with implementation and device maintenance to ultimately keep students and staff safe is all the gratification we need. However, at the end of the day, this kind of recognition is deeply affirming of the importance of the work we do in the education sector. We also want to thank our exceptional product and engineering teams at System Surveyor who have invested countless hours over the last few years to ensure our platform delivers substantial value to schools.Maureen Carlson, VP of Growth
Outstanding Security Partnership
ECAMSECURE, a GardaWorld company and Los Angeles Police Commercial Crimes Division
ECAMSECURE, a GardaWorld company, is the pioneer in outdoor video surveillance, providing portable surveillance systems that combine AI, technology and state-of-the-art mobile security equipment for over 15 years. ECAMSECURE is part of GardaWorld, one of the largest privately owned security services and cash services company in the world, offering physical security services, cash management solutions and security risk management, with Crisis24. Judges commented that the ECAMSECURE and LAPD partnership is an excellent virtual boots-on-the-ground surveillance option for combating crime in remote areas.
Outstanding Security Equipment Manufacturer
Gallagher Security
Driven to revolutionize the way organizations around the world protect and manage their people and assets, Gallagher Security designs and manufactures industry-leading access control, perimeter, and intruder alarm security solutions. Certified to the highest level of national security in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, Gallagher’s solutions are trusted to protect some of the world’s most high-consequence assets and locations. The judges commented that Gallagher Security is well positioned to provide seamless distribution of its products globally. Its socially responsible initiatives set it above others, as well as being an exceptional company that has attained top security certification in multiple countries. They dedicate 15% of their revenue to research and have met a variety of standards and certifications, such as SOC2 Type 2 and FIPS201-3. They put their customers first and lead the way in cybersecurity.
Setting a higher standard is a value woven into the fabric of Gallagher Security that begins with our people and extends into our products. It’s an honor to have the OSPAs reaffirm our efforts and to be recognized as Outstanding Security Equipment Manufacturer for 2023.Gallagher Security
Outstanding Security Officer
Rochelle Ross – Allied Universal
Allied Universal MetroLink supervisor Rochelle Ross has dedicated nearly two decades of her life to safeguarding the light rail transportation system in St. Louis, MO. As the shift supervisor for one of the busiest MetroLink zones in the city of St. Louis, Rochelle not only serves as a mentor to new officers, but also as a familiar and friendly face to passengers and Metro staff. In addition, Rochelle can always be counted on to offer a historical perspective to the Allied management team, allowing managers to better tailor staffing and deployment changes based on successes and failures in the past. Judges noted that St. Louis is not only one of the most dangerous cities in the US, but is listed as one of the 50 most dangerous cities in the World.
Outstanding Young Security Professional
Matthew Porcelli – Harvard Protection Services
Matthew Porcelli, MSc, CPP, F.ISRM, MSyl, is a Safety and Security Manager with 20 years of experience in the Criminal Justice and Private Security sector. Matthew is board certified as a Certified Protection Professional (CPP) and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s Degree in Administration of Justice and Security from Caldwell University and the University of Phoenix respectively. He has a Level 6 Diploma from the Institute of Strategic Risk Management (ISRM) in Strategic Risk and Crisis Management with distinction and was inducted into the University of Phoenix’s, “National Society of Leadership and Success,” in 2020.
I have been a finalist for the US OSPA category of, “Outstanding Young Security Professional,” for the last three years, which I was extremely proud of; however, when I received the award in this category for 2023 at GSX in Dallas, Texas, the feeling was indescribable! This honor has propelled me into a humbling status, which I will never forget! I highly recommend that global security professionals nominate their colleagues for such a prestigious honor!Matthew Porcelli, Harvard Protection Services
Lifetime Achievement Award
Sandi J. Davies – IFPO
Sandi Davies is the international industry leader in developing and delivering meaningful relevant educational opportunities to security officers and supervisors globally. As CEO of the International Foundation for Protection Officers she has been responsible for the industry’s most recognized accredited certification programs available. At the helm of the IFPO she has been instrumental in certifying over 160,000 security officers internationally. Individuals and corporations have benefited immensely as a result of these professional development programs. Her passion has remained strong for over 40 years in the industry, and admits to feeling accomplished when she learns of a security officer or supervisor having their career enhanced through the efforts of the IFPO.
The judges commented that Sandi is an industry pioneer and leader who continues to revolutionize the protection officer industry world-wide. Many major global corporations, businesses, schools, and security professionals depend on her unparalleled programs to train, educate and certify protection officers, managers and instructors. Her contributions extend beyond the security industry, into the lives of the people who share her passion and benefit immeasurably from her programs.
It was to my much surprise and overwhelming delight that I was selected to be the recipient of the 2023 US OSPA – Lifetime Achievement Award. I’m proud that my peers within the industry recognize the commitment I have to making the role of security officers as valued and appreciated as possible. Over the 40+ decades that I have been in this industry it has been my quest to change the perception of the security officer. I believe that I am making some inroads but not without the help and support of so many others in this industry.
What this means to me is that I am making a difference. That has been my goal. To be recognized and honored makes me smile.
Through this awareness of this award, I feel like it have even greater value. It brings attention to the IFPO and the fine organization it has become.Sandi Davies
The 2023 US OSPAs are sponsored by TEAM Software by WorkWave.
