Security Industry Association Welcomes Charles McGilvary Johnson as Co-Chair of SIA StartUps in Security

Charles M. Johnson of NGA Security Advisors will help lead SIA’s community and accelerator program for security innovators.

SILVER SPRING, Md.—The Security Industry Association (SIA) has named Charles McGilvary Johnson as co-chair of SIA StartUps in Security—a community and accelerator program for security innovators. This dynamic initiative, guided by SIA’s Executive Advisory Board, is designed to identify, support and partner with innovative startups, scale-ups and industry leaders shaping the future of security technology.

Charles M. Johnson, PSP, FCP, is founder and CEO of NGA Security Advisors and a seasoned professional with 30 years of experience in the electronic security industry. As a physical security specialist he has a strong successful track record in developing, nurturing and managing relationships with architects, consultants, attorneys and especially end-user clients. Johnson is experienced in security technology, including physical access control, video surveillance, artificial intelligence, biometrics, Internet of Things, license plate recognition, parking and vehicle gate entrance, interior entrance and exterior barrier protection. He is an active member of SIA, ASIS International, the International Association of Professional Security Consultants and US|CPTED. During his extensive career, Johnson has worked on projects involving clients from corporate/Fortune 500, higher education, K–12, health care, critical infrastructure, multifamily, transportation, gaming and casinos, entertainment venues and federal, state and local government and municipalities, including law enforcement and public safety.

Johnson has been a highly active member of the SIA StartUps in Security community from its inception, previously chairing the community’s Research Committee, where he led efforts to launch the Investor Series, a program that interviews investors and showcases their insights into startups. He has been a part of the SIA StartUps in Security Strategy Review initiative a ISC East—a program that allows technology startup companies to get honest, private direct feedback on their early business strategy.

“I am very humbled and honored by the opportunity to expand my involvement and work with SIA, my co-chair Lee Odess and the rest of our community to provide the resources and support needed by this very important segment of our industry. I am very passionate about the StartUps in Security community and what we have been able to accomplish in the last 12 months,” said Johnson. “The focus SIA has shown through the Women in Security Forum, Veterans in Security, RISE and now StartUps in Security communities is a testament to the exceptional leadership within SIA. As a small business owner myself I am very familiar with the unique challenges, obstacles and daily grind required to keep the ball moving forward. I am hopeful that our industry will continue to see the value in these startup organizations because in my opinion the most substantive work being done from technology, problem-solving and ideas are coming from these companies.”

StartUps in Security is designed for companies classified as startups or scale-ups who are seeking to propel their growth and establish industry relationships. Eligible startups include companies in their early operational stages and focused on product/service development, innovation-oriented businesses introducing novel solutions, organizations targeting large or emerging markets with significant growth potential, companies that typically rely on external funding for growth and businesses managing significant market and financial uncertainties. The community’s activities and accomplishments include hosting SIA Startups Experience events at ISC West and East, launching the StartUps in Security Mastermind peer-to-peer mentoring community and hosting Investor Series interviews with leading capital firms and individual investors.

“SIA is proud to welcome Charles M. Johnson as the new co-chair of the StartUps in Security community. Charles has wide-ranging expertise across both the practical and technical aspects of the security industry, and as a startup founder himself, he has a unique understanding of the experiences startups of all types are going through. His knowledge will be immensely beneficial to this community as he partners with co-chair Lee Odess to build on its success going forward,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “We thank outgoing co-chair Robert Lydic for his leadership in this community and look forward to collaborating with Charles to facilitate connections among security’s innovators who are looking to change the status quo and the industry.”

Learn more about SIA StartUps in Security and access community resources here. Employees of SIA member companies can make the most out of their memberships by getting more involved with the association. Volunteer opportunities include joining SIA committees or groups, lending expertise to SIA’s education and training programs, participating in SIA’s advocacy efforts, contributing to SIA’s publications and thought leadership and getting involved in SIA events. Learn more and get started here.

About SIA

SIA is the leading trade association for global security solution providers, with over 1,700 innovative member companies representing thousands of security leaders and experts who shape the future of the security industry. SIA protects and advances its members’ interests by advocating pro-industry policies and legislation at the federal and state levels, creating open industry standards that enable integration, advancing industry professionalism through education and training, opening global market opportunities and collaborating with other like-minded organizations. As the premier sponsor of ISC Events expos and conferences, SIA ensures its members have access to top-level buyers and influencers, as well as unparalleled learning and network opportunities. SIA also enhances the position of its members in the security marketplace through SIA GovSummit, which brings together private industry with government decision-makers, and Securing New Ground, the security industry’s top executive conference for peer-to-peer networking.