2025 Winners’ Summaries
Outstanding In-House Security Manager/Director sponsored by Rozin Security
RC Miles – AIDS Healthcare Foundation
RC Miles, Global Director of Safety and Security at AIDS Healthcare Foundation, leads protection efforts for 8,000 staff across 48 countries. He’s transformed security into a strategic asset, especially in conflict zones like Ukraine, maintaining vital HIV services where others withdrew. His leadership spans training, crisis management, policy overhaul, and infrastructure upgrades – achieving high compliance and investigation closure rates. Judges praised his global influence and strategic foresight, marking him a top-tier candidate for reshaping NGO security standards worldwide.
Outstanding Contract Security Manager/Director sponsored by Friends of Chuck
Kevin McGraham – GardaWorld U.S.
Kevin McGraham, Security Account Manager for Portland’s Downtown Clean & Safe, has redefined urban safety through a compassionate, community-focused approach. Since August 2022, his team has saved over 160 lives via Narcan, cut theft by 17 points, and boosted worker retention. With a 90% approval rating and major crime reductions, his ambassador-style model has driven economic revitalization and investor trust. Judges praised his shift from enforcement to empathy, making the program a national model for urban recovery.
Outstanding Security Consultant sponsored by US Bullet Proofing (USBP)
Drew Neckar, CPP, CHPA, CPD – COSECURE
Drew Neckar, Principal Consultant at COSECURE, is a nationally respected security expert with 20+ years’ experience spanning healthcare, education, and enterprise risk. He’s led transformative initiatives across hundreds of sites and influenced global security standards through ASIS and IAHSS. From establishing multi-state training academies to advising institutions on governance, Drew blends strategic insight with measurable results. As a mentor and published researcher, his dedication to innovation and safety continues to shape the security industry’s future.
Outstanding Security Team sponsored by Guardhouse
Downtown Portland Security Team – GardaWorld Security U.S.
Since August 2022, GardaWorld Security’s collaboration with Portland’s Downtown Clean & Safe program has revitalized 213 city blocks, reinforcing safety, trust, and community cohesion. Their compassionate, community-first security model has achieved measurable success, earning global recognition as a blueprint for urban safety. Businesses, employees, and residents alike have benefited from this empathy-driven approach, which reimagines security through kindness and collaboration. Judges praised the innovative concept, applauding its shift from enforcement to a human-centred ethos.
Outstanding Contract Security Company (Guarding) sponsored by SecurityX
Inter-Con Security
Founded in 1973 by Lt. Enrique “Hank” Hernandez, Inter-Con has grown into one of the world’s largest family-owned security companies with 36,500 employees. Serving diverse high-profile clients, it’s tripled in size in three years while achieving a 99% client retention rate. Praised for innovation, diversity (including 31% female representation), and a culture of respect, Inter-Con emphasizes employee support and engagement. Judges commended its 50-year legacy of family ownership and human-centred approach to modern security services.
Outstanding Security Training Initiative sponsored by Digital Twin Imaging
InfraGard National Education Program – InfraGard National Members Alliance
In 2024-2025, InfraGard National Members Alliance revamped its Education Program to a free, open-access model, eliminating cost barriers and boosting participation by 1,086%. Delivering 48,777 hours of expert-led training to 7,202 individuals, the initiative aligned with national security priorities and engaged all 16 critical infrastructure sectors. Enhanced by new tech and cross-sector collaboration, it offers timely, strategic virtual content. Judges praised its expansive reach and impact, highlighting its value to both public and private partners.
Outstanding Security Partnership sponsored by SAGE Integration
GardaWorld Security U.S. and the Downtown Portland Clean & Safe Program
Since August 2022, GardaWorld Security has partnered with Portland’s Downtown Clean & Safe program to restore safety and trust across 213 city blocks. Through a compassionate, community-first model and targeted PSC training, the initiative has saved 160 lives and spurred measurable performance improvements. Recognized globally as a blueprint for urban safety, its success earned a 10-year contract with expanded coverage of 77 additional blocks. Judges praised its deep engagement, empathetic approach, and strong business-community collaboration.
Outstanding New Security Product sponsored by BlackCloak Inc.
Securitas Aviation Tracing Tool – Global Elite Group
The Securitas Aviation Tracing Tool (SATT), developed by Global Elite Group, revolutionizes aviation security by replacing manual systems with a real-time digital platform. It streamlines access control, baggage tracking, and incident response, while automating compliance and audit readiness. Designed for frontline usability, it features geo-verified actions, digital workflows, and customizable reporting. By bridging operational gaps, SATT enhances accountability and efficiency. Judges praised its significance as a modern, transformative solution for aviation security.
Outstanding Security Equipment Manufacturer sponsored by IDP Americas
Axis Communications
Axis Communications, a global network technology leader founded in 1984, drives smarter, safer environments through innovative security and business intelligence solutions. Known for introducing the first network camera in 1996, Axis offers video surveillance, access control, intercoms, and audio systems enhanced by intelligent analytics. With 5,000 employees in over 50 countries and vast partnerships, it delivers tailored solutions backed by expert training. Its impact spans security, operational efficiency, and intelligence across diverse industries worldwide.
Outstanding Security Officer sponsored by COSECURE Enterprise Risk Solutions
Don Buehrer – GardaWorld Security U.S.
Officer Don Buehrer brings over a decade of experience and exceptional leadership to GardaWorld’s Dallas Cowboys security detail. He played a pivotal role in the company’s transition, mentoring peers and executing over 100 details in a season. Trusted to train new officers, Don’s steady professionalism has enhanced team performance and stakeholder trust. Honoured as the 2024 Regional Officer of the Year and 2025 Branch Officer of the Month, he sets a high standard for security excellence.
Outstanding Young Security Professional sponsored by Hirsch
Ishva Jitendrakumar Kanani – Amazon Web Services
Ishva Kanani, an Application Security Engineer at AWS, secures global cloud-native systems while championing inclusive cybersecurity leadership. She drives scalable solutions to reduce systemic risk and improves developer experience through secure architecture and tooling. As leader of WISP’s D.C. chapter, she fosters mentorship and career access for underrepresented groups. A published researcher, award judge, and speaker, Ishva has earned national honours for her integrity, innovation, and impact – redefining what it means to lead with purpose early in one’s career.
Outstanding Security Sustainability Award sponsored by Kolins Security Group
ECOSPHERE – Shield 8 Solutions
Led by Dr. Sean Carr, Shield 8 Solutions’ ECOSPHERE Approach revolutionizes sustainable security by integrating environmental, operational, and social resilience. Through AI-driven simulations and modular systems, clients report 30–40% emission cuts and reduced waste. The model boosts response times and threat containment while empowering community inclusion and equity. With climate-aware planning and low-impact infrastructure, ECOSPHERE trains leaders to embed sustainability into strategy, setting a benchmark for forward-looking security ecosystems that adapt to future risks.
Lifetime Achievement sponsored by Ledlow Security Group
Jeffrey Slotnick CPP, PSP
Jeffrey Slotnick, CPP, PSP, has been a transformative force in enterprise security for over 30 years. From military service to founding Setracon, his work spans emergency response, physical security, and strategic governance. A pioneer of ESRM, he’s shaped global standards through ISO/ANSI contributions, authored over 50 influential articles, and presented at numerous events. Judges praised his immeasurable impact, intoxicating passion for excellence, and star quality, particularly noting his heroic response during the Whitefish, Montana terror campaign. His mentorship, volunteer service, and visionary leadership continue to elevate the industry, earning him the 2025 Security Innovator Award and recognition as a Lifetime Achievement honouree.