Jamie Ridenhour, CPP, SSGB

Director of Quality Assurance I DSI Security Services

Broad knowledge base developed over 12 years of steadily growing scope and responsibility within DSI Security Services. Currently serving as Director of Quality Assurance for DSI Security Services.

My core responsibility is to champion quality in everything we do across our footprint to better serve our employees, clients, and the overall security industry community.

In this role I also manage several online platforms and programs as well as administrate our awesome online learning platform Superior Service Online Academy.

During my career with DSI I have held positions including payroll and scheduling coordination, Operations Management, Branch Management, National Training and Compliance Manager, and now Director of Quality Assurance.

I have had the opportunity to expand my knowledge base in Assessments, Security Program Implementation, Human Resource Management, Security Management, Facility Management, Business Operations, Corporate Security, Risk Management, and Crisis Mitigation and Response.

Personal.  My amazing wife of 12 years and I have three dogs we love very much and a very loving tight-knit family including numerous siblings. We spend our free time reading, enjoying movies, and time with friends and relatives.

What Inspires you? I am inspired by the good in the world, the spark of love and humanity in others. Humans serving for the greater good of others. My love for and redemption by my savior Jesus Christ.   

Community Involvement: Church Member & Deacon, ASIS International Member, Local Volunteering

Achievements/ Awards/ Accomplishments: 2013 Davis Hallford Branch of the Year, 2017 Safe Branch Award, 2017 Davis Hallford Branch of the year, 2019 Spirit of DSI, Alan B. Clark Award.

Licenses and Certifications: Certified Protection Professional (CPP) , NRA Firearms Instructor, Red Cross Instructor, Instructor in multiple other disciplines. Security QA in multiple states.  

Malcolm Smith, CPP

Senior Executive Function I Al Haffa Consulting

From Street Vendor to Global Security Leader.

Malcolm Smith grew up in a crime-ridden Johannesburg neighborhood, where he developed sharp instincts for security. He started his security career at age 12, selling apples outside a cinema, where he learned risk awareness and crowd management. His passion for security led him to join the military, then law enforcement, and further advancing through private security firms and global corporations. With international expertise, he rose to Global Head of Security for a multinational oil & gas company. His leadership in global security operations highlights his resourcefulness, resilience, adaptability, and strategic vision.

Malcolm also began his training career in 1988 in the military. He later transitioned into public speaking, keynote presentations, and mentorship. In 2007 he served as Certification Officer at the Johannesburg Chapter, and he helped professionals develop their skills and achieve industry credentials. Today, Malcolm is a member of the ASIS International Faculty and mentors aspiring security professionals, sharing his journey from the streets of Johannesburg to corporate leadership as a testament to resilience and expertise. His dynamic approach continues to inspire and shape future security professionals.

Malcolm achieved the Henley Executive MBA, a Bachelor of Laws Degree, Associate Degree in Security Risk Management and a Postgraduate of Executive Leadership in Information Assurance. He also earned several professional certifications in Asset Protection, Human Resource Management, Information Security Management, Fraud Examination and Management Consulting.

Patricia G. Coureas, CPP

Business Process Analyst I STIHL Inc.

Patricia has a global background in high-risk, complex domestic and international environments with both Government and private-sector experience. Patricia served 30 years as an FBI Special Agent conducting criminal, counterintelligence and counterterrorism investigations and as an Assistant Legal Attaché in Greece and Cyprus strengthening relationships with principal law enforcement and security services around the globe.

Transitioning into a Senior Security Manager role with a Fortune 500 Company provided numerous opportunities to deliver threat prevention and resolution to the global business system and to strengthen incident management and crisis resolution programs through training and scenario-driven exercises. Patricia has experience delivering innovative strategic solutions to build threat detection, increase response capabilities around Enterprise Risk Management, Asset and Intellectual Property Protection, Cybersecurity and Workplace Violence Prevention.

As a Business Process Analyst, Patricia attained her Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification in May 2023 and demonstrates success in addressing problems by identifying the root causes impacting a desired outcome and implementing solutions to mitigate the causes to ensure strategic and financial benefit to the business.

In April 2022, Patricia earned her credential as a Certified Protection Professional (CPP) and enjoys an active role in American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) as a webinar moderator, mentor and instructor around crisis management, enterprise risk and career transitions. Patricia currently serves as a Steering Committee member with the Professional Development Community providing opportunities to support career advancement and encourage professional development. Patricia has presented educational sessions at GSX 2022 in Atlanta and GSX 2024 in Orlando, participated in panel discussions in the Cyber Arena, presented a ‘Spotlight’ on ‘Enhancing Executive Presence’ in 2024 and provided career counseling for the past two years for ASIS HQ. Patricia, her family and ‘Stihl’, a handsome, energetic silver lab, enjoy living in Virginia with friends and family close by.  

Jon Ensley, CPP, PSP

Admin Director, Business Consultant I Guardian Support Services, Inc.

Jon has over 25 years of industry experience, and is currently working a dual career as the Administrative Director and lead consultant for Guardian Support Services, Inc. As well as being part of an Executive Protection team for Strategos International. Jon has worked in locksmithing, physical security, project management, executive protection, workplace violence training, planning, mitigation, response, and recovery. He has been instructing at various levels for over 10 years, for various industry related subjects. He holds BS Degrees in Criminal Justice and Psychology; graduated from Executive Security International (ESI), and is a current CPP, and PSP.  

Kevin T. Doss, MS, CPP, PSP

Corporate Security – Critical Infrastructure Protection & Compliance I Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E)

Kevin has extensive experience in threat mitigation, corporate security, physical security, and risk management. He holds a Master’s of Science Degree in Security and Risk Management and is a Certified Protection Professional (CPP) and Physical Security Professional (PSP). His current role involves a variety of responsibilities including leading security strategy, budgeting, directing assessments, and developing protection levels for Electric, Gas, and Power Generation, while creating best-of-class regulatory compliance programs. Protecting our communities and nation from harm is what drives his passion as he continues to mentor our next-generation security leaders.

Lee Neutzling, PSP

Security Program Manager I AWS

Lee Neutzling currently holds the position as the Security Program Manager for AWS. He currently is responsible for a variety of tasks including; physical security, security officer management, investigations, and asset protection. Lee has been responsible for global physical security and loss prevention operations and investigations, along with executive protection responsibilities. He has managed multi-million-dollar contract security service contracts and numerous physical security projects and installations. He also serves as a Deputy Chief Security Officer (CSO) through American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) CSO Roundtable.

In the fall of 2008, Lee graduated from the FBI’s Citizen Academy; which teaches community leaders more about the FBI and how the private sector can work with the FBI to help fight crime. Lee has attended several training sessions conducted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that ranges from conducting risk assessments to bombing incidents. In August of 2010, Lee received his Physical Security Professional (PSP®) certification through ASIS. This designation is for those whose primary responsibility is to conduct threat surveys, design integrated security systems that include equipment, procedures and people, or install, operate and maintain those systems. In 2011, Lee joined the Ohio State Highway Patrol Auxiliary and currently holds the rank of Major. Auxiliaries assist Troopers in a variety of tasks and events which include: patrol duties, OVI checkpoints, criminal patrol, assisting with large public events such as the Ohio State Fair and numerous Ohio State University functions such as football games natural disasters. In 2012, he earned his Masters of Arts Degree in Security Management from American Military University. Since earning his Master of Arts, he continues to learn more about security by attending training sessions conducted either by Federal, State, or local law enforcement and/or private sector. Some of these training sessions include conducting interviews and interrogations, conducting threat and vulnerability assessments, incident response to terrorist bombings, active shooter and directive threat training, and others.

He participates in several other security and community organizations; these include American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) where he served as a past board member, the FBI Citizens Academy, InfraGard which is a partnership between the FBI and the private sector for information sharing, and Financial Institutes Security Organization (FISO). Lee also served as a board member for the Canton Domestic Violence Project Inc. and committee member of his local Boy Scout Troop. He enjoys running and has completed several 50k Ultras.

Charles Ahmad, CPP

Founding Partner I Group Nine Risk Consulting

Charlie Ahmad is the founding partner of Group Nine Risk Consulting, a firm specializing in forensic security consulting. He founded the firm following a long and successful military and law enforcement career that spanned nearly 30 years. Charlie was employed by the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) for more than 25 years, retiring as a Supervisory Deputy in January 2022. His work with the Marshals Service often involved proactively identifying, investigating, and mitigating threats to the life and safety of hundreds of federal judicial personnel across numerous federal facilities and their homes. The individuals he was responsible for safeguarding included United States Attorneys, U.S. District Court Judges, Supreme Court Justices, and a member of the United States President’s Cabinet, among many others. Charlie also served as an Infantryman in the United States Army in Europe and during combat operations in Saudi Arabia and Iraq during Operation Desert Storm. Charlie is board certified in Security Management and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Sciences from Illinois State University.

Russell Kolins, CCDI, B.S.S.M., CPTED, FCP, CCAP, SAS

Security Expert I Kolins Security Group

A nationally recognized security expert, investigator, and litigation consultant Russell Kolins with extensive experience in risk management, premises liability, and expert litigation support. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Security Management, he began his career as a Recon marine in Vietnam before transitioning into private investigations, where he quickly gained recognition in risk assessments, security evaluations, and civil liability.

Over the next five plus decades, Russ played a pivotal role in both criminal defense investigations and security consulting, including serving as a Certified Criminal Defense Investigator (CCDI) and working on wrongful conviction cases that led to the release of four innocent men. He developed security strategies for hotels, nightclubs, commercial properties, and hospitality venues, designing policies, training staff, and implementing responsible alcohol management programs. His expertise in liquor liability, excessive force, crowd control, and crime prevention has made him a trusted expert witness in high-profile negligent security cases.

Russ is an active member of several industry organizations, including ASIS International, the International Association of Venue Managers, and the International Association of Professional Security Consultants. He has served on multiple ASIS International councils, including three terms as Chairman of the Hospitality, Entertainment, Tourism Council, and Vice Chairman of the Crime and Loss Prevention Council. Additionally, he is a faculty member at The University of Louisville’s Southern Police Institute, where he teaches Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED).

As the founder of Kolins Security Group, Russ leads a team of nationally recognized security experts providing consulting, training, and litigation support. His expertise continues to shape best practices in security risk management, liability

Jeff Putnam, CPP

Senior Security Project Leader I Lowers & Associates

Jeff has dedicated his professional life to the protection of others. For over 40 years, he has developed, led, contributed, and advised on sensitive security operations for the U.S. Air Force, Governor’s Office of Homeland Security, AlliedBarton, G4S, and ASIS International. At Lowers Risk Group, and subsidiary, Lowers and Associates, he leads audits, inspections, and assessments for clients throughout North America that operate in high-risk, highly regulated industries to provide recommendations, insights, and solutions that enhance safety, security, and profitability.

For 20 years, Jeff served in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as Superintendent of Security and Law Enforcement Operations. During his tenure, he ensured the safety and security of personnel, sensitive government assets, and the enterprise mission. Upon joining the private sector, he focused on helping government agencies and high-profile clients review and assess their risks and vulnerabilities and enhance their physical security systems, third-party contract deliverables and contract compliance, emergency management protocols, and employee training programs.

Jeff has extensive Commercial Property Security and Risk Management experience in multiple challenging environments (e.g., Retail, Health Care, Logistics/Supply Chain, Multi-Family Residential, etc.). He has coordinated with local, state, and federal authorities to assess threats, track criminal incident trends, and tailor a security plan to meet the needs of each property.

Jeff has been board-certified in Security Management since 2005, through ASIS International, as a Certified Protection Professional (CPP). He is a Qualified DOD Law Enforcement Officer (Retired) and is certified as a Florida Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Practitioner (FCP). Jeff holds a bachelor’s degree in General Studies with a Minor in Business Administration from Louisiana Tech University and an associate’s degree in Industrial Security through the Community College of the Air Force.

Gigi Agassini

Principal Consultant I GA Advisory

Gigi Agassini is a security strategist and business leader specializing in Enterprise Security Risk Management (ESRM), cybersecurity, and critical infrastructure protection. She helps organizations—both public and private—develop, design, and deploy security projects for critical infrastructure and federal security, ensuring they achieve their objectives while effectively managing risk. As Principal Consultant at GA Advisory, she integrates ESRM frameworks, delivers specialized trainings and workshops, and fosters a strong security culture within organizations. A recognized thought leader, Gigi speaks at global forums on security, privacy, and sustainability. She holds the Certified Protection Professional (CPP) credential from ASIS International and the ISO 27001:2022 certification from PECB.

Josh Jackson

Business Development Manager I Vicon Industries

Josh Jackson is a proven security leader with a focus on technology tied to mitigating risk.  He started his security career as a practitioner on the integration side.  As an early adopter in the digital transformation of physical security he moved into the manufacturer side of the industry and has a passion for innovative solutions.  While working for Schneider Electric, Josh spent a few years supporting Global Solution and moved to Paris France on assignment to lead the efforts building out their Security Center of Excellence.  In this role Josh gained insight into building management and operations and saw the opportunity for digital transformation beyond just video and specifically around site management.  Once back in the states, he joined STANLEY Security as the Director of Global Product integration, his next step was to join RightCrowd, one of the first PIAM providers and after 5 years he was recruited to a Silicon Valley startup focusing on facial authentication and frictionless access control space.  With additional experience in the SaaS solutions world he was most recently recruited to join Vicon focused on their new Cloud offering.

Paul Mercer

Managing Director I Hawksight SRM Ltd.

Paul Mercer – A Committed Security Risk Management Advisor

Paul Mercer is a dedicated security risk management advisor committed to improving security practices worldwide. With a career spanning both military and corporate sectors, Paul has established himself as an advocate for the belief that risk management forms the foundation of effective security strategies.

Advocating Risk Management as the Core of Security Excellence

The belief that risk management is essential to effective security is at the heart of Paul’s philosophy. He firmly believes that to excel in security risk management, professionals must have a deep understanding of risk assessment, mitigation, and strategic planning. Paul’s dedication to this principle has earned him recognition as a proponent of this vital aspect of security.

A Holistic Approach to Security Risk Management

Paul’s career journey reflects his commitment to a well-rounded approach to security risk management. He believes that effective security risk management advisors must possess a comprehensive knowledge base that includes business acumen, risk management proficiency, and expertise in the core pillars of security—physical, cyber, and people security.

Continual Learning in a Dynamic Security Environment

Paul continually seeks to expand his knowledge in areas such as cybersecurity and the use of machine learning to enhance security risk management. In an ever-evolving threat landscape, he recognises the importance of staying updated on technology and innovation to effectively identify and mitigate security risks.

Military Experience Meets Corporate Excellence

Paul’s background as a Royal Navy Search & Rescue helicopter commander instilled in him values of precision, discipline, and commitment to safety. These values have seamlessly translated into his security risk management advisor career, where he consistently strives to align risk management strategies with organisational goals.

Empowering Organizations Worldwide

Paul Mercer’s influence extends to international organizations, energy sectors, and extractive industries in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. His global perspective and expertise have assisted numerous entities in navigating complex security risk management challenges.

Innovation and Leadership

Paul’s journey includes founding a startup focused on advancing security risk management. Under his guidance, this venture introduced solutions that assess risks based on asset, threat, and vulnerability data, creating dynamic risk profiles and effective risk mitigation strategies.

Sharing Knowledge and Insights

Paul Mercer actively engages with the security risk management community worldwide. He shares knowledge and insights through networking events, public speaking engagements, and online training tools, establishing himself as a contributor to the field of security risk management.

Mads Paerregaard

CEO & Founder I Human Risks ApS

Mads Paerregaard is an experienced security risk management professional who after a career as an army officer worked as a Regional Security Advisor with the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs followed by senior security and c-suite level positions in the private sector.

Mads founded Human Risks in 2016 – a digital risk management platform that supports each step of the ESRM process.

Mads is a graduate from the Royal Danish Military Academy and has an master´s degree in business administration from Henley Business School.

Rene Rieder, Jr., CPP, PSP

Security Practice Leader | Burns Engineering

Highly skilled security engineering professional with over a 25-year career-long record of strategic industry insight, stakeholder satisfaction, and security system development. Responsible for leading multiple disciplinary engineering teams for the development and implementation of holistic security strategies that include architecture, physical security, electronic security, policies and procedures. Projects range from studies and analysis to full design and is applied in different geographical locations for a variety of vertical markets. Rene holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Polytechnic University. He is both a Physical Security Professional (PSP) and Certified Protection Professional (CPP) with ASIS. Rene is currently a Certified Homeland Security Professional – Level IV and Certified Master Anti-Terrorism Specialist. Rene is the current Education Chair for Security Architecture and Engineering Community (SAEC) as well as past Chair. The SAEC serves as a resource to ASIS members, other individuals, and agencies on security architecture, engineering, and technical integration design issues related to protection of assets within the built environment.

Mark Schreiber, CPP, CPD

Principal Consultant | Safeguards Consulting, Inc.

Mark Schreiber is a Security Engineer and Technical Consultant who has been in the industry for over 25 years. Schreiber is an ASIS International Certified Protection Professional (CPP) and has earned a CPTED designation (CPD). His experience includes designing physical security systems worldwide, ranging from door contacts to counter-drone systems. Schreiber commonly designs large facility and critical infrastructure security systems that integrate complex access control, video surveillance, and perimeter intrusion for Fortune 500 clients. He is currently serving as a Director of the International Association of Professional Security Consultants and a Director of the US CPTED Association. Through his years of experience and various leadership roles, Schreiber has presented at multiple industry workshops, conferences, and seminars, including ASIS GSX, ISC West, ISC East, FBI InfraGard, IAHSS, IFMA, ISSA, NCMS, AIA, ALEAN, RIMS, and others.  In addition, Mark is an ASIS Standards contributor and ISO Liaison, as well as a member of several ASIS Subject Area Communities.

J Kelly Stewart

Principal & Head of Security and Safety Advisory Services, North America | Advisory

Kelly is the CEO, President, and Founder of Newcastle Consulting, LLC – a premiere Security Risk Management Consultancy. 

• 30+ years of public and private sector experience as a Security Advisor, Subject Matter Expert, and former Chief Security Officer
• Has led multi-national security risk management operations and complex physical security programs that have enabled executives to focus their organizations on core competencies. 
• Core focus is his systematic, prevention-based methodology rooted in a thorough and comprehensive risk, threat, vulnerability, and assessment that allows for the development of a holistic security blueprint for client organizations.
• Provides advisory services that enable clients to evaluate corporate risk;
• Conducts customized security risk assessments; and
• Constructs security master plans providing organizations with reductions in operational cost and increased profitability.
• Kelly has provided services to private sector organizations, government agencies and local authorities in the UK, the Middle East, South-East Asia and North America.

Danielle Tabachnick, AIA, LEED AP, PMP, PSP, CPD

Senior Security Consultant | Stantec

Danielle is an experienced PMP and licensed architect specializing in security and technology design solutions. Her experience includes planning and design of security and communication systems for large scale new construction and renovation projects with a focus on client and team management. Danielle’s project experience includes higher education, healthcare, aviation, and several corporate campus projects. She utilizes her architectural background to focus on integrated security solutions specifically implementing physical protection through the use of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) concepts. Danielle is also an experienced Revit designer. In addition, her knowledge of architecture in tandem with her background in construction makes her uniquely well suited to working on specialty systems such as security and telecommunications in complex projects to ensure on time project delivery, within budget. Danielle is a board-certified Physical Security Professional (PSP) by ASIS International.

Kevin E. O’Connor CSP, CEC

Certified Executive Coach

Kevin E. O’Connor, CSP, CEC is a professional speaker, teacher, and coach specializing in technical professionals charged with leading their former peers. Kevin has written and co-authored eight books, notably Present Like A Pro and Fearless Facilitation which help leaders identify their executive presence and their ability to successfully present to executives. Kevin teaches graduate students and Chicago’s Loyola University, and is a Certified Executive Coach. He holds the CSP designation, Certified Speaking Professional. Fewer than 400 persons in the world hold this honor for speaking and teaching excellence.