SIA Profile: Kristina Tanasichuk, CEO, Government Technology & Services Coalition

How did you get into the Security Industry?

While I think I was always a “security groupie” — constantly watching every cop/military/law enforcement/first responder show on television since I was young, the events of September 11th changed my life and focused my personal mission on assuring that our country would never suffer such an attack again. I was able to join the American Public Works Association working in homeland security and emergency management where I was able to work with the largest cities in the nation and represent their needs in the emerging field of homeland security. It was an amazing introduction to the “non-traditional” responder community and being able to represent such a terrific group of people who were often overlooked despite their tremendous responsibilities in times of man-made or natural disaster.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

As CEO of the Government Technology & Services Coalition, I really enjoy solving problems. I think that breaking through the inertia of “death by committee,” “over-thinking” and “analysis paralysis” gets my blood flowing. Being able to channel the talents, ideas and skills of my members tangibly moves the ball forward to achieve the homeland and national security missions better, more efficiently and more effectively. I really enjoy that.

What’s your prediction for the biggest trend that will take place in the security industry over the next year?

I think the big trend will be a a better understanding of “innovation.” I think the word is thrown around a lot but what it really means is “the development of value through solutions that meet new needs, inarticulate needs, or old customer and market needs in new ways. This is accomplished through different or more effective products, processes, services, technologies or ideas that are readily available.” You hear a lot of folks deriding the government’s move toward off the shelf technologies (COTS) but the truth is they are true innovators. They are trying not to reinvent the wheel. They know that our nation produces the best technologies and services available through the private sector and they are looking for ways to partner and leverage all of that expertise instead of starting from scratch.

What does your organization receive from membership in (or association with) SIA that you’d like to share with others?

I think SIA members have a tremendous amount of innovation, best practices and “lessons learned” to share with our Federal homeland and national security efforts. While many of the SIA members may focus on commercial clients, I believe that there is tremendous potential for SIA members to leverage the partnership with the Government Technology & Services Coalition to increase their business through both national and internationals business opportunities.

Will you be attending ISC West in April? If so, what are you most looking forward to about the event?

ISC West (and East!) are always great venues to gather, network and learn about the best in the field. There is nothing more important than relationship building with clients, potential clients, partners and peers. ISC West brings everything together for interaction that cannot be replaced by email!!

The views and opinions expressed in guest posts and/or profiles are those of the authors or sources and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Security Industry Association (SIA).