SIA New Member Profile: Mitigation Assessor

New Security Industry Association (SIA) member Mitigation Assessor is a security consulting firm that specializes in identifying vulnerabilities, developing tailored mitigation strategies and enhancing the overall security posture of organizations across diverse industries. The company, certified as a veteran-owned (VOSB) and economically disadvantaged woman-owned (EDWOSB) small business by the Small Business Administration, is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida.

SIA spoke with Michelle L. Chace, MSSM, president and managing principal of Mitigation Assessor, about the company, the security industry and working with SIA.

Tell us the story of your company.

Michelle Chace: I began my career as a paralegal, working on legal cases that required meticulous tracking of evidence trails – often involving analog formats like VHS tapes. While I was attending night school and pursuing a bachelor’s degree in pre-law, the events of Sept. 11, 2001, profoundly reshaped my professional path. Motivated by a desire to contribute more directly to national and organizational safety, I changed my major to criminal justice and transitioned into the security field.

My academic journey continued with earning a Master of Science in security management and becoming part of the inaugural graduating class in 2006 at Bellevue University – the first program of its kind in the country. I went on to co-author an undergraduate textbook on security management, The Fundamental of Security Management: A Common Sense Approach, and accepted my first position as a physical security consultant, formally launching a career dedicated to risk mitigation and security excellence.

What solutions/services does your business offer in the security industry? And what makes your offerings or your company unique?

MC: Mitigation Assessor offers comprehensive physical security consulting services tailored to meet the needs of both public and private sector clients. Our core services include threat and risk assessments, security master planning, electronic security system design, forensic expert witness services and specialized security consulting for complex environments.

What sets Mitigation Assessor apart is our hands-on, experience-driven approach, combining deep industry expertise with real-world application. Our work is grounded in nationally recognized standards but customized to the unique needs of each client. As an independent consultant unaffiliated with product vendors, our recommendations are unbiased, and our designs are solely focused on achieving effective, integrated and sustainable security solutions. Our commitment to clarity, practicality and integrity ensures that clients receive actionable results that enhance safety and resilience.

What is something we might not know about your company – or something new you are doing in security?

MC: I am currently authoring a new solo work titled Foundations of Security Management: An Informative Perspective, scheduled for publication in the fourth quarter of 2025. This book will provide a comprehensive exploration of core principles, practical applications and emerging trends in the field of security management, offering readers an informed and accessible resource grounded in real-world experience.

What is your company’s vision, and what are your goals for the security industry?

MC: Mitigation Assessor envisions a collaborative network of expert physical security consultants, united in providing comprehensive, forward-thinking risk mitigation services. Through strategic partnerships, we aim to deliver tailored, high-impact solutions that reduce vulnerabilities, enhance resilience and support safer environments for our clients.

What do you think are the biggest opportunities in the security industry right now?

MC: The biggest opportunities in the security industry right now lie in the integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud-based security platforms and mobile access solutions. There’s also significant growth potential in the convergence of physical and cybersecurity, driven by the need for unified risk management. Additionally, increased demand for expert guidance in regulatory compliance, privacy protection and critical infrastructure protection is creating new avenues for consultants and firms that can deliver practical, forward-thinking solutions.

What are the biggest challenges facing your company and/or others in the security industry?

MC: The biggest challenges facing the security industry today include a widespread talent shortage, rapidly evolving technology and the increasing complexity of integrating physical and cybersecurity systems. Companies often struggle to educate clients on the value of proactive security investments, while also navigating ever-changing regulatory and data privacy requirements. Fragmented vendor ecosystems and limited system interoperability create additional hurdles in deployment and maintenance. At the same time, threat actors are becoming more sophisticated, driving the need for advanced and adaptive solutions. Firms also face pressure to shift toward managed service models while managing tight margins and growing legal liability tied to their recommendations and performance.

What does SIA offer that is most important to you/your company? And what do you most hope to get out of your membership with SIA?

MC: My involvement with the Security Industry Association has been instrumental in expanding both my knowledge and professional network. At ISC West, I visited many vendors booths, attended a variety of educational presentations and had the privilege of serving as a panel speaker. This experience allowed me to share insights, contribute to important industry conversations and connect with peers dedicated to advancing best practices in security.

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.