Security Industry Association Launches Retail Security Advisory Board

The Security Industry Association (SIA) has announced the creation of a new Retail Security Advisory Board and opened a call for SIA member volunteers to join. The expert-led group will advise the association and the SIA Board of Directors on key retail security topics, work to expand SIA’s influence and expertise in this area and advance members’ learning.

Planned initiatives for the Retail Security Advisory Board include:

  • Developing retail security resources and best practices
  • Fostering collaboration between suppliers and retail security practitioners
  • Providing end-user thought leadership feedback on emerging technologies and related education and use cases
  • Supporting interoperability and the development of open security standards
  • Developing webinars, white papers, fact sheets and conference content
  • Partnering with key retail and security stakeholders
  • The advisory board will be led by chair Mike Dunn of Wachter and vice chair Brit Hehn of Gap.

Mike Dunn, strategic innovation and business development at Wachter, is an expert in physical security, with a career spanning over 20 years in computer technology, networking, IP video and access control. He is a valued leader at Wachter and part of the business development team. Prior to joining Wachter, Dunn was the chief technology officer at Prosegur, where he was instrumental in driving and executing innovative solutions that cultivated revenue through customer success. A contributor to his success is an open-platform approach to technology and partnering with best-in-class solution providers to maximize the best options for customer outcomes. As a trusted resource, Dunn leverages his expertise to prioritize customized technology solutions that are transformative to meet each client’s unique needs.

“This new advisory board provides a vital platform to unite retailers, integrators and technology providers around common goals. By fostering collaboration across the retail and security industries, we can advance best practices, explore emerging technologies and build partnerships with leading retail organizations that will help us create lasting impact for retailers everywhere,” said Dunn. “I’m honored to serve as chair and look forward to working with this group to drive practical solutions that strengthen retail security today and in the years ahead.”

Brit Hehn, vice chair, SIA Retail Security Advisory Board

Brit Hehn, asset protection director, stores protection, West Zone, at Gap, works with her team to support the 750 most west Gap Inc. stores (Old Navy, Gap, Banana Repulic and Athleta) and serves as the asset protection brand leader for Athleta. She has been with Gap for 23 years, with 10 spent leading asset protection operations for the Old Navy brand, where she led AP technology, budgets, AP reporting, AP programs, communication and awareness and strategy, supported Old Navy’s entrance into Mexico in 2015 and led AP field efforts until the business was franchised in 2022. Hehn is a results-driven leader who loves to collaborate to solve challenging business problems, and she and her team are committed to protecting people, assets and experiences and ensuring Gap is the safest place to work and shop.

SIA is looking for members and industry leaders to join the Retail Security Advisory Board. Eligible participants include retail members of SIA’s SPARC community, retail loss prevention and asset protection professionals, security technology manufacturers and integrators, video surveillance and analytics providers, access control and RFID solution companies and retail operations and facility managers. If you are interested in participating, please contact SIA CEO Don Erickson at [email protected].

Featured

  • The Future of Access Control: Cloud-Based Solutions for Safer Workplaces

    Access controls have revolutionized the way we protect our people, assets and operations. Gone are the days of cumbersome keychains and the security liabilities they introduced, but it’s a mistake to think that their evolution has reached its peak. Read Now

  • A Look at AI

    Large language models (LLMs) have taken the world by storm. Within months of OpenAI launching its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, it amassed more than 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Read Now

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

  • Security Today Announces 2025 CyberSecured Award Winners

    Security Today is pleased to announce the 2025 CyberSecured Awards winners. Sixteen companies are being recognized this year for their network products and other cybersecurity initiatives that secure our world today. Read Now

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.