Experience

Security Industry Association (SIA)

• United States
• Security and Investigations
• 100 - 200 Employee

• Chief Executive Officer

  • Nov 2011 - Present

  I serve as CEO for the Security Industry Association (SIA), the leading trade association for global security solution providers, made up of more than 1,100 innovative corporate members.We advance our members' interests by (1) advocating pro-industry policies and legislation at the federal and state levels; ( 2) creating open industry standards that enable integration; (3) advancing industry professionalism through learning and development; (4) providing insight into emerging market trends; and (5) collaborating with like-minded organizations. SIA is the premier sponsor of the industry’s leading professional expos and conferences, which give our members access to top-level buyers and influencers and outstanding learning and networking opportunities. We also enhance the position of our members in the security marketplace through SIA GovSummit, which brings together private industry with government decision makers, and Securing New Ground®, the industry's top executive conference for peer-to-peer networking.Notable SIA achievements include: --Instituting a new more relevant suite of member benefits for SIA members, which includes best practice guidelines, education content, research publications, and professional development and educational events--Overseeing the diversification of membership base to grow membership more than 100% during my tenure and achieve a 90% retention rate. --Expanding the SIA brand into new areas of security industry to influence and advance the broader security industry. -- Developing compelling thought leadership papers and market reports used by businesses to influence key business decisions.

• Director, Government Relations

  • Feb 2006 - Nov 2011

  Served as the chief strategist and public policy advocate for the association representing a membership base of more than 500 electronic physical security member companies. Led the development of the annual SIA public policy agenda and communicated to member companies about potential changes to legislative and regulatory policies. Interacted with industry trade press about SIA government relations priorities. Delivered presentations about major legislative and regulatory issues to industry and government audiences. Key accomplishments included: led efforts to secure enactment of federal legislation to increase contractor sales opportunities to local governments by $100-200 million annually. Authored a federal law to permit the use of higher education campus safety grant funds for electronic security projects. Led industry negotiations and developed lobbying strategies to facilitate the enactment of federal legislation to exempt electronic security products from certain federal energy efficiency requirements. Established a state legislative advocacy program that resulted in the defeat of restrictive Radio Frequency Identification Technology proposals in California and Oklahoma; broad biometrics legislation in New Hampshire; and a $12-24 million annual Virginia state tax on alarm monitoring companies.Recipient, 2010 SIA Chairman's Award in recognition of exemplary service to the organization.



Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise

• France
• Telecommunications
• 700 & Above Employee

• Legislative Affairs Manager

  • 2003 - 2005

  Represented a multinational corporation before multiple congressional committees including those responsible for appropriations, tax, and telecommunications policy. Communicated significant legislative developments to senior management and various business units. Key accomplishments included actively participating in coalition efforts to defeat legislation that would have resulted in a $50 million negative impact upon the corporation. Secured congressional support for Voice over Internet Protocol policies, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) broadband loan program, foreign direct investment into the United States, and legislation to reform the Anti-Deficiency Act and ensure the disbursement of federal universal service funds. Managed the preparation of Alcatel North America CEO in testimony before Congress.



OPASTCO

• Legislative Director

  • 2000 - 2003

  Communicated to Congress on behalf of the OPASTCO President and a membership base of more than 500 rural telecommunications companies in a manner that successfully influenced numerous legislative initiatives. Regularly interacted with industry trade reporters and increased the association’s profile and influence. Delivered legislative presentations at industry conferences and OPASTCO Board of Directors meetings. Key accomplishments included securing the participation of 30 members of Congress, FCC Commissioners, and key congressional staff at OPASTCO meetings and conferences. Secured congressional support for government policies pertaining to universal service, RUS broadband deployment, and regulatory relief for small wireline and wireless carriers.



United States Senator Rod Grams

• Legislative Assistant

  • 1995 - 2001

  Served as the principal advisor to the Senator on telecommunications, government reform, criminal justice, labor, and campaign finance reform policy issues. Key accomplishments on behalf of the Senator included: the enactment of legislation pertaining to low power FM radio service, satellite television, and senior citizen fraud prevention. Secured $6.1 million in federal funding for the development of an integrated criminal justice system in Minnesota and $1 million for the expansion of a statewide public safety digital radio system. Initiated and coordinated Senate ratification of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Treaty, which ensured the active participation of the United States in this United Nations institution