25 on the RISE Honorees

Meet the Security Leaders of Tomorrow

The Security Industry Association (SIA) 25 On the RISE award program, presented by the SIA RISE community and generously sponsored by Brivo, Genetec and HID, recognizes 25 new and emerging security leaders each year for their impactful contributions to advancing the security industry. SIA 25 on the RISE awardees represent the industry’s leaders of today and tomorrow who influence their companies, their communities and the industry at large in terms of diversity, impact and innovation.

Congratulations to the 2024 25 on the RISE Honorees!

View the press release here.

Tanner Bengtzen photo

Tanner Bengtzen

Distribution Channel Manager
ProdataKey

Category: Culture
Read BioTanner Bengtzen is the distribution channel manager for ProdataKey (PDK). This role includes the direct management of all PDK distributors across the United States. Bengtzen’s goal is to ensure the mutual growth and success of PDK partners while maintaining and increasing relationships. He collaborates cross-functionally with marketing, sales, supply chain, finance and operations to ensure cohesion and efficiency. Bengtzen’s efforts have contributed to rapid company growth and various performance awards, including Best U.S. Sales Support from ADI. Bengtzen's introduction into the security industry began in the PDK warehouse. Throughout the years, he has worked in several capacities at PDK while also completing his MBA, and his simultaneous increase in education and experience has placed him in his advanced role today. Bengtzen is infatuated with company culture and understands the positive impact that it can have on performance, and in the past year, he has sought the principles that unlock company culture. He is dedicated to sharing his findings publicly to enhance the creation of corporate communities. All of Bengtzen’s findings are shared in his blog, Culturestone. He hopes that even just one company can benefit from his efforts.
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Maria Castellanos

Global Account Manager
Convergint

Category: Growth
Read BioMaria Castellanos is a global account manager at Convergint, a global systems integrator focused on delivering results for enterprise customers through unparalleled service excellence. She excels at driving growth through disruptive global security strategies, specializing in the unique challenges faced by top Fortune 500 companies. With a proven ability to develop and execute complex, large-scale initiatives, Castellanos shapes the direction of enterprise security across diverse international landscapes. Her extensive experience in collaborating with multinational teams enables her to implement tailored security solutions that address the intricacies of global operations. As a key representative at industry conferences, Castellanos not only shares her insights on cutting-edge security practices but also advocates for inclusion and diversity through meritocracy. Her commitment to fostering diverse talent in high-stakes environments ensures innovation across her teams. Castellanos’ leadership and expertise make her a sought-after professional, influencing the future of enterprise security and helping organizations navigate an increasingly complex global risk landscape.
Josiah Cherry headshot

Josiah Cherry

Senior Associate, Personnel Security and Insider Risk Services
KPMG

Category: Innovation
Read BioJosiah Cherry is a security professional with over six years of experience in growing and maturing insider risk programs. Currently, he plays a pivotal role in personnel and insider risk management at KPMG US. A graduate of the University of Mary Washington, Cherry discovered his talent for data science, and, through his journey in the security industry, he seeks to leverage the latest data-driven strategies to create leading and more impactful security solutions. He further developed his skills by earning a graduate certificate in data analytics engineering from George Mason University. Cherry holds several professional certifications, including CompTIA Security+, Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) and Global Counter-Insider Threat Professional (GCITP). He is dedicated to exploring innovative solutions to today’s evolving threat landscape and is an advocate for continuous learning, ingenuity and new ideas.
Brooke-Erickson

Brooke Erickson

Director of Learning and Development
PSA

Category: Leadership
Read BioBrooke Erickson is a dynamic force in the world of learning and development, currently serving as the director of learning and development at PSA Network. With a remarkable track record spanning over a decade, Erickson has carved her niche by spearheading transformative learning initiatives in diverse sectors, encompassing sales, leadership, technical expertise and career development. At PSA, she is the driving force behind the educational landscape, overseeing PSA University, Partner education and certifications and education at industry conferences such as PSA TEC. Erickson’s impact extends to overseeing the strategy of PSA peer groups, mentoring programs and scholarship initiatives. She was named an "Emerging Leader under 40" in 2024 by Security Systems News. A true leadership enthusiast, Erickson is dedicated to unleashing the full potential of individuals, earning her acclaim as a Master Facilitator in Management and Leadership education.
Andrea-Gutierrez

Andrea Gutierrez

Service Manager
EverOn

Category: Leadership
Read BioAndrea Gutierrez is the service manager at EverOn, a provider of commercial and integrated security, fire and life safety solutions. She has been in the banking department for the last six years, where she oversees the service department, which consists of technicians, dispatchers and an internal billing team and focusing on providing excellent customer service to the credit unions and other financial institutions throughout New Mexico and El Paso, Texas. Gutierrez’s passion for great customer service and leadership has been instrumental in the company’s growth and profitability. She believes that excellent leadership is the foundation of creating an excellent team and thrives on leading by example, being encouraging and uplifting those around her. Gutierrez holds a master’s degree in business administration from Grand Canyon University and is always eager to keep expanding her knowledge. She is passionate about not only her professional life, but also her personal life. Gutierrez has a very successful and talented husband, Joey, and an outgoing and ambitious daughter, Ana’Malia. She is actively into yoga and reading. During her spare time, Gutierrez and her husband like to volunteer at nonprofit organizations. She is involved with the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce and recently began spending more of her volunteer time at Best Buddies in New Mexico. Through the help of these connections, Gutierrez has been able to take her staff and colleagues out to volunteer opportunities as well – she believes in making a difference, in her place of work, her personal life and her community. Leadership is about the personal and professional growth, and she inspires to cultivate that in everyone around her.
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Andrew Harris

End User Consultant
dormakaba

Category: Frontline
Read BioAndrew Harris is an end user consultant with a passion for saving lives, drawing from his early career as a firefighter and extensive 24 years of experience in the hardware industry. He proudlys represent dormakaba, a manufacturer of life safety products, and consistently seeks solutions to protect the people and assets of his clients. Harris was born and raised in Kentucky and builds lasting relationships with customers throughout this state, often going above and beyond to meet their needs. His commitment to service and community ensures that safety remains at the forefront of everything he does.
Brennen-Hernandez

Brennen Hernandez

Marketing Communications Manager
Louroe Electronics

Category: Branding
Read BioBrennen Hernandez is the marketing communications manager at Louroe Electronics. A graduate of the University of California, Davis with a degree in English and a minor in Spanish, he prioritizes lifelong learning, and he also received a television and film editing certificate from UCLA Extension. At Louroe Electronics, Hernandez has developed and driven innovative marketing strategies to advance awareness and engagement for Louroe products. Throughout his career in marketing, he has led multichannel marketing campaigns across various digital and social media platforms. Hernandez’s experience in content writing and marketing has allowed him to successfully manage brands, launch products and develop marketing strategies through his creativity, ingenuity and data-driven approach to understanding the market. In his free time, he enjoys long-distance running, rock climbing and spending time outdoors or reading a great book.
Kristina-Johnson

Kristina Johnson

Strategic Relationships Manager
Litum

Category: Growth
Read BioKristina Johnson is the founder of Top Cover Technologies, provides consulting services for Litum, a real-time location solutions (RTLS) company, and serves as a major in the Alaska Air National Guard, commanding the 168th Security Forces Squadron. As Litum's strategic partner manager, she leads the development of key partnerships essential to the company's success, leveraging her extensive healthcare experience to drive innovation in RTLS solutions. Additionally, Johnson brings years of law enforcement and security expertise to her role, enabling her to address complex safety and operational challenges while fostering seamless collaboration and mutual growth across industries.
Ryan-Knoll

Ryan Knoll

Account Executive
Pro-Tec Design

Category: Growth
Read BioFor over 14 years, Ryan Knoll has dedicated his career to helping others by tackling complex safety and security challenges. From the front lines to strategic consulting, he's worn various hats, each contributing to his broad understanding of security dynamics, technology and solutions. Currently, Knoll is an account executive at Pro-Tec Design, a role that allows him to focus on helping others understand, design and implement physical security solutions tailored to their specific needs and environment. He holds multiple security industry certifications covering video surveillance, electronic access control, threat management and cybersecurity. He is also an active member of SIA RISE and ASIS International and is a co-chair of his local Minnesota ASIS chapter.
Alana O'Grady Lauk photo

Alana O'Grady Lauk

Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs
Verkada

Category: Branding
Read BioAlana O’Grady Lauk is a pivotal member of the executive team at Verkada, a Series D company valued at $3.5 billion and based in San Mateo. With a background as an emergency medical technician, her commitment to safety has been a consistent theme throughout her career. At Verkada, Lauk leads public affairs and communications across a global network of 16 offices, significantly contributing to the company's growth and recognition, including awards like Fast Company’s Best Workplaces for Innovators and Inc.’s Best in Business Awards. As a staunch advocate for diversity and inclusion, she is the executive sponsor for both the Women’s Employee Resource Group and the LGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Group, and her team comprises 72% women, and she runs various career training programs for women at Verkada, including career mapping, presentation training, media training, art of conversation training and brand positioning. Lauk’s commitment to community safety is evident through her partnership with the “I Love U Guys” Foundation, where she facilitates free emergency response protocol training for local school employees and law enforcement. Professionally, she has an extensive background in reputation management and crisis response, with over five years at Edelman’s U.S. and Hong Kong offices. Lauk specialized in advising U.S. MNCs in Asia, helping them navigate significant events like the 2019 Hong Kong Protests. Before her time at Edelman, she led communications for blue-chip technology companies in Southeast Asia and began her career at Burson-Marsteller in New York City. Lauk volunteers on the Board of the Family and Children’s Law Center and is an executive producer of the independent film MÁS ALLÁ. She has been recognized as one of the Top 50 Women of San Francisco.
Kabir Maiga

Kabir Maiga

Co-Founder and CEO
PassiveBolt

Category: Innovation
Read BioKabir Maiga is a recognized expert and thought leader in decentralized and self-sovereign identity technologies. With over 15 years of industry experience, he has built a reputation for his deep technical expertise, innovative thinking and ability to translate complex concepts into accessible insights. Maiga, a seasoned entrepreneur, has been named a Forbes Next 1000 and has been awarded multiple CES Innovation Awards, the HITEC Innovation Award, an IoT World award, the Rising Star Entrepreneur award by NEF and the Top Entrepreneur distinction by Co-pace. He holds an MSE from the University of Michigan and a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. Maiga is the CEO of PassiveBolt, a company he spun off from Continental Automotive, leveraging their experience in designing and deploying access control hardware and software for over 120 million vehicles globally. Under his leadership, PassiveBolt has developed and launched the patented KeyShare technology, a first-of-its-kind self-sovereign identity platform designed to address the shortcomings of traditional centralized systems. Maiga’s commitment to the security industry extends beyond PassiveBolt. He founded the NFID Foundation to provide the security industry with a verifiable data registry, enabling self-sovereign identity applications. Maiga has also authored a white paper discussing the applications of decentralized identity in the security industry. As a foremost expert in self-sovereign identity, Kabir is a sought-after speaker at security industry conferences, where he discusses the opportunities and applications of decentralized identity. His blend of entrepreneurial expertise, technical knowledge and visionary leadership make him an engaging and authoritative presenter.
Mark Mulligan headshot

Mark Mulligan

Software Engineer
Evolon

Category: Innovation
Read BioMark Mulligan is a software developer at Evolon Technologies, a SaaS company specializing in alarm verification using Artificial Intelligence who plays a crucial role in the evolution of Evolon’s flagship service, Insites, and contributes to creating cutting-edge solutions in the physical security industry. His expertise has been instrumental in driving product innovation and enhancing Evolon’s suite of security offerings, including the launch of Evolon's new Professional Monitoring Service. Outside of his work in software development, Mulligan is an avid musician with a particular love for playing the drums. He continues to perform with groups around the Dallas area, playing various music. The discipline and timing he brings to music often complement his problem-solving approach in coding, helping him stay sharp both in and out of the office.
Anastasie-Najem

Anastasie Najem

Product Marketing Manager, Security Center SaaS
Genetec

Category: Innovation
Read BioAs a product marketing manager at Genetec, Anastasie Najem works to develop and execute product go-to-market strategies and orchestrate successful product launches. As a bridge between marketing and product management, she leverages market insights to craft compelling messaging, drive awareness and ensure seamless adoption of innovative software solutions within targeted business environments. Before joining Genetec in 2022, Najem worked in software companies that focus on enterprise B2B SaaS solutions in finance and HR, where she developed a keen understanding of the intricacies of the enterprise SaaS landscape. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce from McGill University in international business.
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Lara Orbán-Davis

Senior Operations Security Manager
Securitas

Category: Culture
Read BioLara Orbán-Davis, B.A., M.A., MSc, APP, is a British/Dutch security professional with a master’s in international security, intelligence and strategic studies and a side occupation as a yoga teacher. She started her professional career for Securitas as a security team manager on the Microsoft data center physical security account 3.5 years ago after a long history in hospitality. Currently as the senior operations support manager and soon to progress further to the role of operations intervention manager for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Orbán-Davis has a multidisciplinary role in liaising with the client, identifying operational performance gaps, generating both innovative and simple solutions, connecting people and maintaining oversight of the entire region. She was appointed the global diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) ambassador for the account almost one year ago and has just rolled out women in security employee resource groups for the Americas, the Asia-Pacific region and EMEA. This is just the maiden initiative on the DE&I roadmap for this financial year. In her free time, Orbán-Davis enjoys running, bouldering, singing, cooking for friends and family and spending time with her husband in her hometown of 's-Hertogenbosch.
Olivia-Renaud

Olivia Renaud

Software Product Leader, Credentials
Allegion

Category: Leadership
Read BioOlivia Renaud is a passionate product leader focused on mobile credentials. With degrees in marketing and entrepreneurship from Boston University's Questrom School of Business, she has gained valuable experience in product and business development. Renaud spent four years at Apple, where she led the development of innovative products such as the Student ID, Employee Badge, Hotel Key and Resident Key in multifamily housing in Apple Wallet. She has also spent time at various startups focused in ecommerce and health care sectors as the head of product. Driven by her passion for product management, Renaud continues to make a mark in the industry, delivering innovative solutions and driving growth.
Christine-Schubert

Christine Schubert

Regional Sales Manager, Northeast U.S. and Southeast Canada, Secure Issuance
HID

Category: Frontline
Read BioChristine Schubert serves as the northeast U.S. and eastern Canada regional sales manager at HID Global, overseeing the market-leading FARGO printer portfolio and the cloud-based HID FARGO Connect solution. Her work involves daily touch points with her customers, frequent travel to meet her accounts on-site within her designated territory, as well as hitting her monthly sales targets, and with six years of sales experience, she has consistently delivered outstanding results by exceeding sales quotas and building strong, lasting relationships with both customers and industry partners. Schubert is also an active volunteer in her community. She has served as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, as an assistant golf coach, as a student mentor at Bethel University and as a volunteer at Warrior Rescue Dogs. Schubert resides in Prior Lake, Minnesota, with her husband of almost three years. Her hobbies include golfing, fishing and spending time with her family and friends.
Lauren-Schultz

Lauren Schultz

Director, National Sales and Enterprise Solutions
Robotic Assistance Devices

Category: Leadership
Read BioLauren Schultz serves as the national director of enterprise solutions at Robotic Assistance Devices (RAD). With a strong background in sales and client service, she is a seasoned security professional and an active member of both the Security Industry Association (SIA) and ASIS International. Schultz expertly manages large-scale enterprise clients, leveraging her extensive experience to implement innovative security solutions. She is also a member of the SIA Women in Security Forum PropelHER subcommittee, dedicated to supporting and empowering women athletes within the security industry. Based in Detroit, Michigan, Schultz is committed to advancing RAD’s mission of delivering cutting-edge, artificial intelligence-powered security technology to a variety of clients.
Maya-Sears

Maya Sears

Mechanical Engineer II
dormakaba Americas

Category: Culture
Read BioMaya Sears works as a mechanical engineer II in product development at dormakaba and is the chair of the events committee for the dormakaba women’s network. She received a SIA RISE scholarship in 2023 to further her education, including receiving a CORe Credential from Harvard Business School. Sears graduated from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in 2022 with a degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering.
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Evan Stokes

Global Program Manager
Boon Edam

Category: Growth
Read BioEvan Stokes is a seasoned enterprise accounts program manager at Boon Edam, with almost a decade of experience in the security industry. Beginning his career in sales with a focus on government markets, Stokes has honed his skills in building strong relationships and delivering tailored security solutions. His transition to program management has allowed him to leverage his expertise to work closely with Fortune 100 companies, creating lasting partnerships. Stokes’ commitment to the industry extends beyond his day-to-day role. As an active member of the Security Industry Association for seven years, he has contributed significantly to industry growth and development.
Christina-Strawther

Christina Strawther

Production Manager
Security By Design

Category: Innovation
Read BioChristina Strawther is an accomplished production manager with nearly a decade of experience in the security industry. She joined Security By Design, Inc. (SBD) in January 2015 as a support staff member and quickly became an indispensable part of the team. Drawing on her prior experience in customer support and bookkeeping, Strawther demonstrated a natural aptitude for organization and problem-solving, which led to a series of promotions within the company. In 2021, Strawther became an Autodesk-certified CAD technician, expanding her skill set in drafting and security plans. Her keen interest in security systems technology prompted her to pursue additional certifications, including the Software House C-CURE 9000 System Installer/Maintainer credential and a training certificate for Acre’s Access It! software. By 2023, Strawther’s expertise and leadership earned her the role of production manager at SBD, where she now manages a team of drafters. Strawther earned her Associate of Arts in math and science from Los Medanos College in 2023. Her drive for continuous learning and professional development makes her a valuable asset in the security industry. In addition to her technical expertise, Strawther is a proud recipient of the Girl Scouts Silver Award, underscoring her commitment to excellence and leadership from a young age.
Rhomanie-Taylor

Rhomanie Taylor

Triage Specialist
BlackCloak

Category: Frontline
Read BioRhomanie Taylor has been passionate about making a stake in technology ever since he picked up a controller. He originally wanted to be a game developer to bring joy to those around him as he felt as a kid. Things changed when Taylor figured out what “pirating,” “hacking” and “Kali Linux” was. He fell down a deep rabbit hole that he never wanted to climb out of. Taylor’s interest changed drastically, and in middle school, he found something that he truly wanted to make a career out of. It allows him to keep on learning and stay on his toes. Taylor can never be complacent, bored or useless when there is so much to learn, do and explore. Taylor will continue his trek in technology and keep on moving forward to help pave the way for young children just as he was – children with interests they can freely explore with no repercussions. That is what he’s all about and what his passion stems from. At 21 years old, with a little over two years of experience, Taylor has the unique opportunity to show early in career graduates and high school students that it is possible. It's possible to "not know" and be comfortable "not knowing." Taylor shows students that "imposter syndrome" is a flawed thought process. You don't know what you don't know, and getting a new role, taking a new class or speaking to a new person should make you confident in your own abilities and excited to learn about new concepts. Taylor siphons value out of his certifications, AAS in Cybersecurity and his unending passion to learn and teach. Without it, he wouldn't be where he is today. It's beyond getting education or proving what he knows – it allows him to be confident in the concepts and information he worked hard to understand, validates his understanding and shows others he understands what he is talking about. Taylor can take this confidence with him to show people he belongs in the rooms he’s invited to and his thoughts provide value. Taylor works as a triage specialist at a startup based out of Florida. Very early in his career he has had an opportunity to teach, learn, explore and make mistakes. Taylor has gained the aptitude to not only learn quickly, but also reciprocate what he has learned to better enhance the overall team's goal. There is so much to learn putting yourself through the wringer and drinking through the fire hose. Taylor is privileged to have a supportive and knowledgeable team to exponentially increase his growth and introduce him to so many technologies and products.
Natacha-Torres

Natacha Torres

Marketing Communications Manager – PACS Europe
HID

Category: Growth
Read BioNatacha Torres brings a wealth of experience from leading marketing agencies, where she managed campaigns for top-tier technology giants like Microsoft and Dell. She is currently the marketing communications manager for Europe for HID’s physical access control solutions (PACS) business. In this role, Torres oversees the development and execution of marketing strategies tailored to diverse European markets, driving brand recognition and supporting sales growth. During her time at HID, she has launched transformative initiatives that have elevated HID’s market presence. Torres' innovative work has also been recognized internally, earning her the HID 'Newcomer of the Year 2023' award. She is passionate about fostering collaboration within her team and known for her inclusive leadership style.
Jon-Uren

Jon Uren

Vice President and Chief Operations Officer
Cypress Integration Solutions

Category: Leadership
Read BioJon Uren was 31 when he became the vice president and chief operations officer of Cypress Integration Solutions, surpassing the average age of C-suite members by more than two decades. While new to an executive role, Uren had a wealth of leadership experience and plenty of practice in problem solving and had immersed himself in a range of roles at Cypress. At 33, Uren has now worked half his life at Cypress in roles ranging from manufacturing and tech support to engineering and management. He also coaches Lapeer Chimeras Team 1684. Cypress considers the high school FIRST robotics team an innovation-fueling lab where students, regardless of gender or economic factors, develop skills, friendships and a work ethic second to none. Along with impacting Cypress and robotics teams, Uren is an emerging leader within the Lapeer, Michigan, community. He is now the youngest member of Lapeer's chapter of Rotary International, a service organization.
Jake-Voll-2024

Jake Voll

Founder and CEO
SS&Si Dealer Network

Category: Growth
Read BioJake Voll is the founder and CEO of SS&Si Dealer Network, an independent distribution company that offers competitive pricing, private labeling, fast shipping, marketing support, vendor programs and funding options. He also serves as a voting member of the Security Industry Standards Council, as the associate director for the Integrators Association of Florida and on the Marketing and Communications Committee for The Monitoring Association. Voll holds a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Rollins College.
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James Wilkins

Technology Solutions and Innovation Manager
Capital One

Category: Leadership
Read BioJames Wilkins is an IT leader with over a decade of experience in the physical security industry. While finishing up his bachelor's degree in computer and information science specializing in network security, he began his career managing security operations center (SOC) teams where he quickly gained recognition for developing and sustaining innovative solutions that significantly enhanced the SOCs’ responses to critical life safety incidents. Recognizing the need for a dedicated approach to managing physical security technologies, Wilkins established an engineering program that directly supports and optimizes physical security systems within Capital One. As the architect and leader of this program, he assembled and mentored a high-performing team of engineers, adopting modern technology methodologies to drive operational excellence. Wilkins is a subject matter expert in IT strategy, cloud solutions, product development, physical security technology and technology forecasting. His leadership and business acumen ensure that customers achieve their desired results through cutting-edge security solutions and strategic innovation. Known for transforming complex challenges into strategic opportunities, Wilkins continues to advance security technology and lead teams to success.

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