2024 Winners’ Summaries
Outstanding In-House Security Manager/Director
Casey Johnston – Elevance Health
Casey’s tenure with Elevance Health has been marked by the development of a best-in-class program to address the company’s global threats and risks. He has set the bar high for himself and his team, and his leadership has been recognised at the highest levels. Casey embraces the role of mentor, collaborator, and colleague, empowering teams to win while at the same time recognising the importance of building future stars of the security industry. Judges noted that his ability to build impactful relationships with key stakeholders within, and outside of the organization, and the improvement in security resilience during his time with company.
Outstanding Contract Security Manager/Director
Ed Torres – GardaWorld
Ed Torres, Senior Project Manager at GardaWorld has revolutionized Fannie Mae’s security operations with his innovative leadership. Ed’s strategic oversight during the pandemic which included a thoughtful approach to staffing, while maintaining a 24/7 response, and optimising remote work capabilities ensured uninterrupted security services. Ed has also pioneered numerous value-adding initiatives, including the concierge program, “Know Your Role” scenario-based training program, and “Day in the Life” career development initiative – all best practices, rolled out nationally. Judges commented that Ed demonstrates exceptional adaptability and innovation and his focus on employee development and ability to foster a strong security culture within the organization were seen as especially commendable.
Outstanding Security Team
Fusion and Global Security Operations Centers Team – Meta
As a central hub for triaging company risks, the team has facilitated coordinated responses and enhanced situational awareness, ultimately contributing to a safer and more secure environment for the entire organization. The security team’s outstanding performance is a result of its strategic approach to centralizing information, fostering cross-functional collaboration, leveraging advanced technology, proactively mitigating risks, and engaging stakeholders. Judges felt that Meta’s nomination stood out due to the company’s comprehensive strategy, innovative use of technology, and overall excellence in security operations. Their exceptional contributions to Meta’s security make them truly deserving of recognition.
Outstanding Security Consultant
Ben Kincaid – Complete Threat Preparedness
Ben Kincaid, a key figure at Complete Threat Preparedness, has distinguished himself through his exceptional leadership and strategic vision in security management. His expertise has been pivotal in crafting comprehensive security frameworks for government and corporate institutions worldwide, significantly enhancing their operational safety and stability. Ben’s proactive approach in integrating advanced security technologies and his commitment to ongoing professional development have set new standards in the field, ensuring robust security solutions that support both the growth and success of the organizations he serves. His achievements make him an outstanding candidate for this award.
Outstanding Security Training Initiative
Baker Hughes Enterprise Security, Global Intelligence and Travel Security Operations Center (GITSOC), Emergency Notification System (Everbridge Platform) Training Initiative
The key achievement of this initiative was the use of the emergency notification system (ENS) platform due to increased training, visibility of the program, and ease of services provided. Contributing to an improved security culture in the organization, increased collaboration between different leaders, and continued development of SOC personnel. As a result of the program, a team of seven individuals (the GITSOC) was able to increase ENS use cases significantly, suggesting the group is on track to continue performing at a high level and reaching wider audiences within the organization.
Outstanding New Security Product
Protect AI Platform
Advancements in AI and ML are happening at breakneck speed. To get products quickly to market, developers are relying on a vast and growing array of open-source libraries, packages, frameworks, foundational models and third-party datasets. This is generating security and governance risks including PII leakages, data manipulation, model poisoning, infrastructure attacks and regulatory non-compliance. Protect AI creates a safer AI-powered world with products that give organizations the ability to see, know and manage security risks and implement MLSecOps. Customers can build and manage secure-by-design ML systems and AI applications and ensure governance, without adding time-to-market, cost or complexities.
Outstanding Security Equipment Manufacturer
Gallagher Security
Gallagher Security is a global leader in integrated technology solutions that helps organizations around the world protect, secure, and manage people and assets. The company’s award-winning solutions are trusted by government, defense, commercial, industrial, healthcare, transportation, mining, and educational organisations in 140 countries.
Gallagher designs and manufactures a comprehensive suite of security software and hardware, including integrated access control, intruder alarm, and perimeter solutions. The intelligent technology can be scaled and customized to deliver business efficiencies across simple, enterprise, and high security sites.
Outstanding Security Sustainability Award
Genentech Hillsboro Security
The organizational strategy for Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, to achieve sustainability, is based on a 10-year plan from 2019-2029. Their plan spans 3 areas, each with a different set of sustainability objectives: Society; Environment; Economy. Genentech’s comprehensive plan coving these objectives had a significant impact to staff, customers, society, the industry and the environment. Judges commented that Genentech highlighted specific examples, measurable results, and provided direct stakeholder feedback.
Outstanding Contract Security Company (Guarding)
DSI Security Services
DSI Security Services is a privately owned company offering security services across various industry verticals. In business for over 55 years, DSI has nurtured its roots in local law enforcement to grow into a nationally competitive operation serving clients from coast to coast. DSI has consistently competed with large security companies and has thrived in the era of acquisitions and mergers. They have achieved their goal of improving the level of service in 100% of the contracts they have taken over from larger nationally and internationally known security companies. This has resulted in their unprecedented growth- that is 100% organic.
Outstanding Security Officer sponsored by Evolv
James Showalter – GardaWorld
James Showalter, GardaWorld’s 2023 Companywide Officer of the Year, exemplifies outstanding service and leadership at Transamerica’s busiest Cedar Rapids site. His quick and calm emergency responses, such as saving a heart attack victim’s life, have been praised by emergency services and hospital staff. Also recognized as GardaWorld’s Officer of the Month and a Making a Difference award recipient, James’ dedication, reliability, and strong rapport with stakeholders make him an invaluable asset. He consistently goes above and beyond, reinforcing a culture of trust and security, and proving to be a leader of positive change.
Outstanding Young Security Professional sponsored by Digital Twin Imaging
Parker Ebert – Inn at Bay Harbor
Parker joined the Inn at Bay Harbor as a Security Officer in January 2021, quickly proving his value in safeguarding guests and staff with his proactive approach. His exceptional commitment led to certifications like CLSO and active shooter instructor, enhancing his skills. Recognizing his outstanding performance, he was promoted to Security Supervisor in October 2022, tasked with training and overseeing department operations. Parker’s willingness to mentor and share expertise improved team cohesion and efficiency. His holistic dedication to growth and well-being, both professionally and personally, solidifies him as an indispensable asset poised for continued success in the competitive hospitality industry.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Dr Larry Barton
Dr. Barton has been a prominent figure in the security field for nearly 40 years. He has notably transformed the way security professionals assess and address violent incidents in workplaces, communities, and globally. Dr. Barton excels in communicating with diverse audiences, inspiring them to reflect on their methods and adopt changes grounded in his evidence-based approach. Judges praised Larry’s groundbreaking contributions to threat assessment, workplace violence prevention, and school safety, along with his extensive experience, deeming him a worthy recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.