Judges

Charles “Chuck” Andrews, CPP, CFE, CFCI, ICPS, MSME

Friends of Chuck (FOC)

Eric Clay, MBA, CHPA, CPP, PSP, PCI

International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS)

Sandi Davies 

International Foundation for Protection Officers

Sandi began her career in contract security in 1980 with a primary focus on personnel administration.  She became deeply involved in training and was instrumental in developing Security Officer training programs for a major national guard company.  Her interest in security training grew and in 1988 she joined the newly formed International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO).  In 1991 she was elected executive director of the International Foundation for Protection Officers. To date over 160,000 individuals have become certified.

In 2020 by way of Sandi’s direction an IFPO RESEARCH project was launched.  .  This research project has been long overdue as the last much less involved research was conducted in 1988.  The basis of this research includes understanding the complexities of security officers in the 21 century.  The main reason for IFPO’s interest in this research is that well thought out documented proof is obtained so that the results can better provide the IFPO with the necessary tools to develop even more relevant security educational opportunities.  As a result of this the IFPO created and had published by the USA Department of Labor the Security Officer and Patrol Services Competency Model.

2022 Sandi became the Chief Executive Officer of the IFPO.

Accomplishments and Awards

• 2014 Sandi was awarded the very prestigious ASIS International Award – The Karen Marquez Award created by the Women in Security Council.
• 2015 the International Association for Security Consultants presented the Charles Sennewald Outstanding Contributions award to Sandi.
• 2022 Security Magazine recognized Sandi as ‘Security’s Most Influential’
• 2023 Sandi was the recipient of the Outstanding Security Performance Award (OSPA) – Lifetime Achievement Award.

Richard L. Duncan

ASIS International

Richard L. Duncan, Certified Protections Professional (CPP), International Airport Professional (IAP), is the owner and principal consultant at RL Duncan Consulting, LLC. He provides public safety, security, and emergency management advisory services for clients. He is the former assistant general manager, Public Safety & Security (PSS) at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest and most efficient airport.  He provided executive oversight and direction for airport law enforcement, fire suppression and emergency medical response, safety, security, and emergency management that enabled over 870,000 air operations and accommodated more than 107.4 million passengers in 2018. He directed, coordinated, and oversaw civil aviation public safety and security programs in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations and codes. Managed airport law enforcement operations consisting of patrols, canines and explosive ordinance disposal units. Spearheaded initiatives to equip and deploy special response teams to combat high level threats. Assessed airport fire and rescue with a concentration on aircraft rescue and firefighting, fire suppression and emergency medical services. Directed physical security surveys, vulnerability assessments, and risk assessments to mitigate unauthorized access, criminal activities, and threats of terrorism.

Duncan is Board Certified in Security Management, International Airport Management, and Homeland Security. He is a board member of ASIS International North American, Board of Directors. He is, also, a past chairman of Airport Council International (ACI) World Security Standing Committee; a past chairman of ACI – North America, Public Safety and Security Committee; and a past chairman of the Greater Atlanta Chapter of ASIS International. Access Control and Security Systems Magazine named Duncan, “Security Director of the Year.”  Additionally, he was named one of the “25 Most Influential Security Executives” by Security Magazine, Solutions for Enterprise Security Leaders and was featured in several editions of Who’s Who in Black Atlanta.

Doug Farber 

International Security Management Association (ISMA)

Doug Farber is the Global Head of Security for Millennium Management, a leading a global alternative investment management firm, which manages more than $40 billion in assets with offices in United States, Europe and Asia.

An accomplished professional and executive leader in integrated security, Doug has established properly purposed technology and programs for some of the nation’s most iconic High Value Assets, during his career with the United States Secret Service and The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. He is recognized for his attentiveness and experience in the administration and organization of diverse, multi-project deliverables with significant knowledge and proficiency in the design, implementation, and management of security technologies encompassing high value asset protection, executive protection, and physical security systems to protect people, property and assets with emerging technology.

Prior to joining Millennium, Doug spent three years with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey as the Director of Security for the World Trade Center, where he was responsible for developing the first formal post 9/11 World Trade Center Security Department. He successfully established and led the team that was responsible for transitioning the site from construction to operations, and developed and implemented some of the most advanced integrated threat detection and mitigation systems deployed in modern history.

Mark P. Hahn

Information Security Systems Association (ISSA)

Mark Hahn is Qualys’s Solutions Architect for Cloud and DevOps Security. In this role he works with Qualys’s clients to ensure that cloud applications and infrastructure are secure and reliable. Mark uses DevSecOps and Site Reliability Engineering practices to ensure that software and applications are deployed with high velocity and with the utmost security. He shows clients how to build security into software using agile methods and cloud native distributed systems world built for DevOps and rapid change.

He has 25+ years of experience as a Principal Architect building large-scale systems, including Wall Street trading systems, multinational retail payments systems and supply chain systems. Mark is an exceptional technologist with experience directing products and projects from inception through completion. Mark holds two patents including US 8977783 – High-speed secure content transfer to SD-card from kiosk. Mark speaks at many conferences on software security, agile methods and cloud native technologies.

Bob Hayes

The Security Executive Council

Bob Hayes is the principal architect and founder of the Security Executive Council (SEC). He has more than 25 years of experience developing security programs and providing corporations security services, including seven years as the CSO at Georgia Pacific and nine years as security operations manager at 3M.

Bob was one of the first security executives to successfully implement unified management of corporate security, computer security, and business conduct and compliance programs in a Fortune 100 company. His security experience spans the manufacturing, distribution, research and development, and consumer products industries as well as national critical infrastructure organizations. Additionally, he has more than 10 years of successful law enforcement and training experience in Florida and Michigan.

Bob is a recognized innovator in the security field and was named one of the 25 Most Influential People in the Security Industry by Security Magazine. He is a frequent speaker at key industry events and a leading expert on security issues, and he has been quoted by such major media outlets as The Wall Street Journal and Forbes.

Don Knox, CPP, CITRMS

International Organization of Black Security Executives

Don is an industry professional with more than 25 years of global security, international crisis management and enterprise risk experience. He has worked for several multinational Fortune 100 companies in the manufacturing, healthcare and insurance industries, and has had the opportunity to lead high functioning teams.

He is a trusted strategic advisor, DEI advocate, served on several boards and participated on multiple international security standards and guidelines committees. He held several leadership roles in organizations such as ASIS and RILA. He is a Past President of the International Organization of Black Security Executives and currently a member of their Advisory Board.

Eric Kready

Friends of Chuck

Eric Kready, CPP served 20+ years in the United States Army before transitioning to a civilian Security Professional career in the private sector.  Eric has served in security operations and intelligence positions in the private sector and currently operates as a corporate security professional for a global Fortune 200 company. He is responsible for security operations at multiple locations in the southeastern United States as well as serving as the Program Manager for a Global Physical Penetration Testing Program. 

He also continues to mentor veterans and law enforcement personnel in their transition to a career in public and private sector security and is currently leading a robust global project assisting active-duty military and law enforcement personnel transition to a career as a civilian Security Professional.  Mr. Kready currently serves as Director, ASIS International Professional Certification Board.

Alvar Orellana McBride McBride, CPP 

ASIS Foundation

Alvar is a board-certified security professional in risk management, crisis management, corporate security management, cyber and electronic security.

He is the CEO of Griffin Risk Solutions LLC, supporting organizations across the region to secure their business continuity.  A key partner of the company’s board and functional leaders, an enabler in developing strategy with a high and positive impact on the business results, personnel, and customer-oriented facilitating a zero-incident culture environment. Experienced in leading multicultural and diverse teams with solid and proven results in multinational organizations and fast-paced environments with a highly positive impact in critical environments.

During his last experience at DiDi Mobility as Global Director of Corporate Security, he conceived the design and execution of global programs in travel security, executive protection, risk management, incident response, and investigations. He led south cone security operations and defined the InApp security strategy, focused on user protection.

As Latin America Security Manager at Google, he upgraded data center security operations for Chile, Brazil, and 3PL in the region, standardizing policies, SOPs, and compliance, and improving the incident investigations program, the management physical security workforce, and crisis management and training security programs.

In DHL led security operations, built country teams developing innovative solutions, coordinated security activities, and ensured compliance with regional security policy, TSA, TAPA, internal DHL policies and procedures, and relevant local legislation. He developed Risk Management, Crisis Response, and Investigations programs covering 100% of reported incidents.

Jaime P. Owens, CPP 

ASIS Foundation

Has been in the Canal since 1988 (35 years), where he was ascending through the ranks up to the current responsibility. Have studies in Economics in Panama, a Diploma on Political and Strategic Studies from the Latin-America University for Science and Technology. Has been on several managerial and security programs, including programs from the INCAE, Texas A&M, ADEN, to mention some. Owens is Board Certified in Security Management from ASIS International since 2003.

Owens is member of ASIS International since 1999; ASIS is the preeminent organization for security professionals worldwide. Former Member of the Board of Directors, First Latin-American, 2015-2020, was member of the Board of Trustees of ASIS International Foundation. Founder and Chairperson of the Panama Chapter. 2004 was Regional Vice President (Region 22). Served as member of the Professional Certification Board (PCB) 2005-2009; Chair of the Certification, and the Liaison & Alliances Committees. The PCB is the Board responsible of the Professional Certification Programs of ASIS International, CPP (Board Certified in Security Management), PSP (Board Certified, Physical Security Professional), PCI (Board Certified, Professional Certified Investigator), and APP (Associate Protection Professional). Has been invited, as non-member, to PCB´s different committees, as the International Liaison Committee, the Special Projects Committee, and reviewer of the English-Spanish translation of the exams. Member of the Awards Committee 2008-2014, Utilities Security Council´s Latin America Utilities Security Committee’s 2012-2014, ASIS Women in Security Council Advisory Member, and Senior Regional Vice President for Group 7 (Mexico, Central America & the Caribbean) 2011-2014.  On 2012 Awarded as the SRVP of the Year.

Owens is former member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. Recognized as Ambassador by the Latin American Security Association (ALAS), and appointed as Reviewer/Judge for the ALAS Security Projects Award since 2017.

Kevin Palacios

International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO)

Kevin is:

• IFPO global board member
• ASIS global executive protection community chair
• IFPO Latin America regional director
• CPP, PSP, PCI board certified by ASIS International
• CSSM, CPOI, CPO certified professional by IFPO.
• Author, consultant, instructor, and University professor.
• Master’s degree in Health, Safety, and Environment, Business Management, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Hypnosis, and Education.
• Recognized as a Global Influencer in Security Thought Leadership by IFSEC.
• 25 years of experience in the Security Industry
• Owner/Manager HELPS Latam

Jonathan Perillo

ASIS International

Jonathan Perillo is an innovative and accomplished security leader who continuously seeks to find unique ways that security departments can add organizational value. While Jonathan demonstrates that this takes a truly tailored approach for each company, the fundamental pillars that he employs to achieve this are risk collaboration, organizational alignment, and empowering capable security teams. Jonathan prides himself on his ability to attract high-aptitude staff and enable them with operational ownership, best-in-class tools, and a framework in which success is achievable. This formula fuels his continuous efforts to add value to organizations, stepping beyond simply managing risks and into providing actionable business insights.

Jonathan’s voice in the security industry is one of strength, insight, and compassion. Recognized for his leadership throughout the security industry, he is a featured speaker at conferences and gatherings for security organizations and other institutions. He is also diligently working within the security industry to advance and elevate the profession, with appointments to the North American Regional Board of Directors for ASIS International and the Senior Leadership Team of TINYg.

Jonathan is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Homeland Security & Emergency Management (Summa Cum Laude) and has earned his ASIS International “Triple Crown” in achieving the Certified Protection Professional (CPP), Professional Certified Investigator (PCI), and Physical Security Professional (PSP), in addition to his numerous other certifications and endorsements.

Ric Pohland

National Association of Security Companies (NASCO)

Ric Pohland has served in Government (military) and private security since 1983, most recently as President, and Chief Operating Officer for American Security Programs (2015 – 2021), and as President of Coastal International Security. In those roles, he developed and led corporate strategic direction and operational initiatives to ensure high-quality security operations and generate business growth.  He served initially with Coastal Int’l Security as Center Operations Director at NASA Kennedy Space Center, FL, where he directed all emergency services—fire, security, and disaster prep/response, and was On-scene commander to all major incidents.  Following the NASA contract, Ric moved to the Washington D.C. Region, serving as Coastal’s Vice President of Operations, and then as President.

Prior to joining the Private Security Services Industry, he served for 25 years in the United States Air Force (USAF) as a career Security Forces Officer. He held multiple senior level positions culminating as Wing Commander of the Air Force’s largest base — Eglin AFB, FL.  He led in five ‘command tours’ (organization’s senior executive) in the USAF to include; Wing Command – 96ABW; Group Command – 820SFG, USAF’s unique Force Protection and Contingency Response Group; and 3 Squadron Command assignments: 89SFS – Air Force One responsibilities, AF’s largest training Academy, and a nuclear security unit.  Ric additionally served in executive staff assignments including; Director of Security for Air Combat Command, and Chief of Assignments for USAF Security Police.

Ric served as Vice Chair of the National Association of Security Companies (NASCO), and as an appointed Board Member on the Virginia, Dept. of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), Private Security Services Advisory Board (PSSAB)

Stacey Porter

International Association of Professional Security Consultants (IAPSC)

Stacey Porter is a high-level security professional leader with more than 20 years of Department of Homeland Security experience, where he managed security personnel in the aviation and security industry. Mr Porter held a Top-Secret security clearance for over twenty years while employed with the federal government and has experience working with public and private sector organizations at the local, state, national and international levels.

He carries a broad background in vulnerability assessment and mitigation, security planning, threat and risk assessment, and investigative management operations.

Omar Valdemar

ASIS International

Vince Vittatoe, CPP, CSC, CPTED-Practitioner

International Association of Professional Security Consultants (IAPSC)

Vince Vittatoe is the Principal/CEO at Vittatoe Consulting, LLC., an independent Security Management Consulting firm based in McKinney, Texas.

Vince has over 30 years of combined law enforcement, nine with the Dallas Police Department, and private sector experience holding Director level Safety, Security, and Loss Prevention positions for both publicly and privately held companies in the hospitality and restaurant industries.

Vince started his consulting business in 2018 to provide security consulting expertise to companies that cannot afford a full-time security professional and support to larger firms with security/risk assessments, policy and procedure compliance reviews, training and more.  In 2021, Vince expanded his services to also include Forensic Consulting.  As a consultant, Vince provides support to multiple industries which include, hospitality, restaurants, insurance companies, multi-family housing, senior living facilities, K-12 Education, retail, and more.  Vince takes great pride in his ability to provide strategic security advice to his clients while fostering a positive working relationship.

Vince is an active member of International Association of Professional Security Consultants (IAPSCS), serving as Vice President,  ASIS International, serving on the Hospitality, Entertainment, and Tourism Steering Committee, the International CPTED Association, U.S. CPTED Association, and other community organizations.

Dan Yaross

International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS)

Dan Yaross retired from Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio on December 31, 2023, after serving at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, culminating in over 21 years of Healthcare Security. 

Before that, he worked in a private security as a branch manager in the Cincinnati office for a large, international security company.  He has held a variety of leadership positions throughout his military and civilian careers.

He has been a speaker at several International and National security, nursing and risk management associations’ seminars.  He entered in the Security Industry soon after he retired from the U.S. Army.  He earned a bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University and a master’s degree from Troy State University in 1993. 

He served as a voluntary leader for several years in ASIS, International and the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS).  He served in ASIS, International in all of the Chapter board positions, including Chapter Chair. He then served as Assistant Regional VP and Regional VP for the association.      

Dan served on the IAHSS Affiliations Council for one year prior to three years on the IAHSS Guidelines Council.  He then was elected to the IAHSS Board of Directors, as a member-at-Large, and then as Vice President, Treasurer. 

Currently, he is serving as the IAHSS Board of Directors, President-Elect and will assume the President position in January 2025.