Dr. Kathleen Kiernan Recognized as Part of the Security Industry Association’s 2024 Women in Security Power 100
NEC NSS president honored by leading advocacy group as one of 100 distinguished women who are role models, leaders, innovators and influencers in the global security industry
IRVING, TX (USA) – March 13, 2024 - Dr. Kathleen Kiernan, President of NEC National Security Systems, has been selected by the Security Industry Association as a premier leader in the security industry as part of the organization’s Women in Security Forum (WISF) Power 100. The program recognizes 100 female leaders whose leadership and professional contributions are shaping the future of security.
NEC National Security Systems (NSS) is a leading provider of biometric identity and artificial intelligence (AI) technology for federal government agencies in defense, intelligence, law enforcement, and homeland security. NEC NSS is a subsidiary of NEC Corporation of America, and Dr. Kiernan has served as the head of NEC NSS since 2021.
Dr. Kiernan brings a wealth of security experience to her role, leading a diverse team in implementing cutting-edge biometric, AI, and machine learning applications for the U.S. Government and federal law enforcement. Throughout her career, she has championed innovation and diversity in the industry while advocating for high-tech solutions to solving societal challenges such as human trafficking and child sexual exploitation.
"As a lifelong champion for empowering women in security and law enforcement, it is truly an honor to be recognized by SIA as part of the Women in Security Power 100," said Dr. Kiernan. “This acknowledgment, particularly following International Women's Day, reflects the remarkable strides taken by NEC, underscoring the collective dedication of our exceptional female leaders. It is a testament to their unwavering commitment to excellence and their instrumental role in shaping a more radiant and inclusive world,” she added.
In addition to her work addressing critical security challenges with advanced technology, Dr. Kiernan has led the way in building a security industry that is more inclusive for women. She founded the Lipstick Mafia organization, which is dedicated to fostering collaboration among women from intelligence, law enforcement, and defense backgrounds.
Don Erickson, SIA CEO, praised all honorees as trailblazers in the security industry. “The WISF Power 100 celebrates the extraordinary women security leaders who are changing expectations, having an impact, changing perceptions and driving our industry forward. We are honored to mark International Women’s Day by recognizing the impressive accomplishments of this year’s outstanding class of honorees and commending them for their vision, advocacy and impact.”
The Power 100 announcement comes amid broad celebrations of International Women’s Day, a global recognition of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. SIA supports originally launched the SIA Women in Security Forum on International Women’s Day in 2018.
The SIA Women in Security Forum will recognize the Power 100 honorees at ISC West 2024 on April 12 as part of its WISF Keynote event, where attendees will connect with other leaders and innovators in the security industry and celebrate the WISF Power 100 honorees.
About NEC National Security Systems
NEC National Security Systems, Inc. (NSS), is a subsidiary of NEC Corporation of America and a leading provider of biometric identity and AI technology for federal government agencies in defense, intelligence, law enforcement, and homeland security agencies. Based in Arlington, Va., NSS deploys proven groundbreaking technology for access control, identity verification, scene processing, advanced analytics, fiber optic sensing, border control, and transportation security, among other applications. For more information, please visit www.necnss.com.
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About SIA
SIA is the leading trade association for global security solution providers, with over 1,400 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.
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