Capital Chatter

2014 Holiday Celebration Recap

On the evening of December 11th, more than 50 ASIS National Capital Chapter members met to celebrate the conclusion of another successful year. Attendees had the opportunity to socialize and get to know many of their fellow members a little bit better. The networking time was only interrupted for a few minutes for the induction of the 2014 Officers.

The 2014 Executive Board Members were sworn in by Jim Saulnier, CPP, Assistant Regional Vice President, ASIS Region XV.

If you were not able to attend the event, please join us in welcoming the incoming 2014 Executive Board members:

• Loye A. Manning, CPP, PSP
  Chair

• BJ Folayan, CPP, CHS-V, CPM
  Vice-Chair

• Chris Czarnowski
  Secretary

• Ann Tasber, CPP
  Treasurer

• John Gallagher
  Sergeant-at-Arms/Programs Chair

In addition to seeing the new executive board members be sworn in, we also said goodbye to five Board Members:

• Leon Beresford, CPP
• Gary Hawkett
• Isaac Nakamoto, CPP, PSP, PCI
• Angel Ross, CPP

We want to thank Leon, Gary, Isaac and Angel for all of their efforts over the past year.  Though no longer serving as officers, we look forward to their continued participation and benefit of their experience as we move forward in the new year.

Member Spotlight:  Scott Fischer, PSP

Scott Fischer, PSP joined ASIS in March 2012 and joined the National Capital Chapter after moving to the area in May 2013.  Over the past year, we have seen Scott achieve his PSP certification, complete his MBA and take on a new position with Admiral Security.  We have been impressed with Scott in the short time since he joined the chapter and wanted to give our members opportunity to get to know him better.

Scott joined the Air Force in 2007 and was stationed at Cannon Air Force Base as a Security Forces Airman First Class (E-3).  While in the military, he volunteered for as much training as he could to help him develop professionally and advance in his security career.  Some examples of the training include Army Special Reaction Team certification, Air Force Sniper certification, Krav Maga Military Instructor certification, and a course at Michigan State University focused on resource protection and crime prevention.  He finished his military career in April of 2013 as a Staff Sergeant (E-5) filling the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge, Plans position for the 27th Special Operations Security Forces Squadron.  He and his wife moved to the D.C. area in May of 2013 and, after an extensive job hunt, Scott was hired by Admiral Security Services in October of 2013.

Scott's current position is Director of Security for the Waterview commercial office building.  His primary duty is managing the team of security officers responsible for ensuring the safety and security of tenant company employees.  Additionally, he is responsible for ensuring continuity of security services by training all security personnel in accordance with the established standard operating procedures.  He also ensures that the client is kept abreast of security-related issues and is satisfied with the services provided.

Scott knows that for or a security director, there is no 9 – 5 work schedule.  Unexpected problems occur and phone calls can come in at any time day or night; however, a “typical day” involves reviewing the security logs and keeping the property management team updated on security issues.  It is a constant juggling act to ensure client and customer requests are properly prioritized while still completing all necessary administrative tasks. 
 
Scott entered this field with minimal corporate security experience but with an extensive military security background and formal education.  Despite this background, he found that professional networking was essential in order to enter into the security management field.  His experience while on active duty in the Air Force was extremely valuable; however, he also utilized the education benefits and completed his A.A. in Criminal Justice and B.A. in Security Management.  After separating from the military, he earned the ASIS International Physical Security Professional Certification (PSP) and completed his M.B.A. in Global Business Management. 

Scott says he really enjoys the challenges associated with security management.  Every day he learns new things and develops new skills.  He enjoys meeting new people with diverse backgrounds and interacting with clients and their customers.  His favorite part of security management is helping his security officers develop so that they are better prepared to move up when opportunities arise.

Although just beginning what he hopes will be a long career in security management, Scott says he would recommend this career to others – as long as they are willing to accept the challenges and responsibilities that go along with it.  He believes it is extremely important to have a supportive family who understands the 24/7 nature of the job. 
 
And how has ASIS membership helped Scott's career?  Scott joined ASIS International about a year before leaving the military so he could learn more about the private security industry prior to transitioning.  When he moved to the D.C. metro area, Scott took advantage of the ASIS-facilitated social networking opportunities which allowed him to get plugged in with the local security professionals.  The most promising interviews during his job hunt occurred as a direct result of contacts that were made at National Capital Chapter meetings he attended and one of those interviews landed him in his current position.

“What the New Year brings to you will depend a great deal on what you bring to the New Year.”
— Vern McLellan