American ports, terminals, ships, refineries and their support systems are vital components of our nation’s critical infrastructure, national security and economy.

During the course of my executive recruitment work, I have had the opportunity to observe and review a large number of corporate security organizations globally.

This month’s column will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), one of the reporting structures that appears to be gaining significant ground across industry sectors.

Every year, Security magazine is pleased to honor top security executives and leaders who positively impact the security industry, their organization, their colleagues and peers, as well as the national and global security landscape.

During the course of the recruitment process, you will inevitably be asked to provide contact details for, on average, four to six references.

Last month’s column addressed the security organization reporting to the Chief Financial Officer.

I’m pleased to offer an excerpt from the book Becoming a Global Chief Security Executive Officer: A How to Guide for Next Generation Security Leaders, by author Roland Cloutier and published by Syngress.

We have lost a dear friend and valued colleague: Bill Zalud, who passed away last month in Chicago.

William J. Bratton will step down from his position as the commissioner of the New York Police Department next month to take a job in the private sector. This move will mark the end of Bratton’s 45-year career in public life.