Vertical Insights: K–12 School Security Symposium
About the Event
Vertical Insights is a series of virtual events presented by the Security Industry Association (SIA) and focused on top vertical markets. This series is designed to bring together practitioners, security integrators, solution providers, consultants and others involved in protecting key sectors.
Ensuring the safety and security of K–12 schools requires thoughtful planning, collaboration and the use of proven frameworks and technologies. Join us for a discussion on key standards and guidance shaping school security today, featuring representatives from ASIS International and the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS).
This symposium will explore widely used resources such as the ASIS School Security Standard and the PASS School Safety and Security Guidelines, along with broader approaches and technologies used to strengthen security programs in school environments. Panelists will share insights on how these frameworks and technologies support effective planning, risk management and implementation of security measures across schools.
Whether you are a security practitioner, school leader or industry professional, this session will provide valuable perspectives on the evolving landscape of school safety and the role of standards, guidance and cross-industry collaboration in helping schools build safer, more resilient environments.
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Speakers
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Cameron Walker-Miller (Moderator)Director of Standards and Technology, Security Industry AssociationCameron Walker-Miller is the director of standards and technology for the Security Industry Association. He leads industry projects that align security technologies with industry best practices, standards and guidelines.
Prior to joining SIA, Walker-Miller led public safety and physical security related systems administration and physical integration teams at Columbia University in New York City. His previous background includes education technology in distance learning innovation for the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Columbia University, and he has also held multiple technically focused roles in media and entertainment, including theater sound design, television and film post-production and a role as the assistant director of team video operations for the NFL, with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Walker-Miller holds a master’s degree in instructional technology and media from Columbia University in the City of New York’s Teachers College, as well as a bachelor’s degree in film studies from the University of Pittsburgh.
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Drew NeckarPrincipal Consultant, COSECURE Enterprise Risk SolutionsDrew Neckar has served in senior security executive roles in the night club, health care and education industries, including serving as a regional director of security for Mayo Clinic and the chief security officer for ECMC Group, a company operating subsidiaries in multiple sectors, including 68 career college and charter school campuses throughout the United States. He now serves as a principal consultant for COSECURE Enterprise Risk Solutions guiding schools and other clients through optimization of their security and violence prevention programs. Additionally, Neckar serves as a director on ASIS International’s Professional Standards Board and co-chaired the development of ASIS’ American National Standard for School Security.
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Jeffrey A. Slotnick, CPP, PSPPresident, SetraconJeffrey A. Slotnick, CPP, PSP, is an internationally recognized enterprise security risk consultant with over 28 years of experience in the field. He is peer recognized as a thought leader and change agent.
Slotnick focuses on all facets of enterprise security risk management, including quality management programs, risk, vulnerability and threat assessments, as well as emergency response planning, business continuity planning and physical security system master planning, design and integration. As a curriculum developer and master trainer, he advocates for quality professional development and training of security, law enforcement and military personnel.
Slotnick is a former member of the North American Board for ASIS International and currently serves as a community vice president. He is a faculty advisor for the University of Phoenix’s Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Security Management degree program.
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Chuck WilsonBoard Chair, Partner Alliance for Safer SchoolsChuck Wilson is an accomplished professional with over 40 years of experience in the communications, security and life safety industry. He is the former CEO and current CEO emeritus of the National Systems Contractors Association.
Wilson’s school safety technology expertise and role in his local school board inspired him to co-found the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS) in 2014 with security experts and school and public safety officials. This organization, of which Wilson serves as board chair, establishes better guidelines and metrics for school security to address the challenges and vulnerabilities schools face.
Wilson is a recognized leader in school safety, with notable industry contributions and accomplishments. He is a published author and recipient of the Construction Specifications Institute Technical Commendation Award and industry awards for his volunteer work. Wilson’s influential leadership and dedication to enhancing school safety make him an outstanding advocate for secure schools.
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Michael GarciaK–12 Safe Schools Evangelist, Vertical Director, HID Global; Member, Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS) Advisory BoardMichael Garcia is the K–12 safe schools evangelist and national K–12 business development director for HID Global and Mercury Security. He serves as a contributing board member and advisor to the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS), ZeroNow, the National Council for School Security Directors, the National Council on School Facilities and the South Texas School Board Association.
Over the past 25 years, Garcia has held executive leadership roles with leading cyber and physical security organizations serving K–12 school districts, homeland security, federal agencies and the U.S. Department of Defense. His career includes notable accomplishments such as helping establish the local FBI InfraGard program and co-founding the Center for Information Assurance and Security at The University of Texas at San Antonio.Garcia is a trauma-informed, resiliency-oriented, and equity-focused professional who has supported hundreds of K–12 districts nationwide. His work centers on implementing unified physical security command centers, comprehensive life safety programs, and multi-tiered systems of support that integrate mental health, school hardening, emergency operations planning and reunification strategies.
In recognition of his impact on school safety, Garcia was named one of the Most Influential People in the Security Industry by Security Magazine in 2022. In July 2023, he received Security Executive Magazine’s Security Innovators Award for his holistic, full-spectrum, layered approach to school risk management, including a focus on human error and practical drift.
Garcia currently serves on the board of the Institute for Rural Mental Health Initiatives at Texas A&M University–Kingsville’s College of Education and Human Performance. He is a strong advocate for expanded access to mental health resources and for policy reform at both the state and federal levels, with an emphasis on prevention programs and community support before, during and after critical incidents.
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