Security Industry Association Launches New Community for Veterans in Security

With leadership from chair Jeff Huggins of ASSA ABLOY Door Security Solutions, the new community will provide resources, programs and events for veterans in the industry and actively serving military planning transitions to the civilian workforce.

SILVER SPRING, Md. – The Security Industry Association (SIA) has launched the SIA Veterans in Security Forum, an all-new community focused on the issues and concerns of veterans and active military members who are in, or are interested in joining, the security industry. SIA has appointed Jeff Huggins of ASSA ABLOY Door Security Solutions as chair of the new group.

The SIA Veterans in Security Forum is the newest SIA community and will focus on providing resources, programs and events for both veterans – as well as Guard and Reserve members – who work in the sector and actively serving military members who are planning their transition to the civilian world. Membership in the community is open to veterans, members of the Armed Forces and supporters both with and without direct military affiliations.

Huggins is the vice president for government programs and national accounts at ASSA ABLOY Door Security Solutions and is a retired U.S. Marine Corps gunnery sergeant. He serves as a member of the USO of North Carolina Advisory Board and a member of the Carolinas Freedom Foundation Board of Directors.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the SIA Veterans in Security Forum,” said Huggins. “The security industry offers outstanding opportunities for veterans to continue to serve in a protective capacity, and people with military experience bring vital skills and commitment to their community to the sector. We have ambitious plans for this new group, and I’m excited to get started.”

SIA CEO Don Erickson lauded Huggins’s commitment to serving veterans and the security industry.

“Jeff inspires our membership community with his sincere commitment to our nation’s service members and support for SIA’s mission,” said Erickson. “As an active SIA member, Jeff recognizes the potential high impact of the association to connect our nation’s heroes with compelling and rewarding career opportunities in our industry. We greatly appreciate Jeff’s willingness to share his passion for the military community and the industry through this important SIA leadership role. We are fortunate to have Jeff’s vision guide the future of this new community within SIA.”

The SIA Veterans in Security Forum will hold a kickoff reception at Tom’s Watch Bar in Washington, D.C., on May 20 (the night before the 2024 SIA GovSummit conference). The event will feature special guest speakers and will include complimentary food and drinks and free use of the establishment’s Topgolf Swing Suites. Attendance is free and open to all who are interested in supporting the group’s mission. No current or prior military service is required. RSVP here.

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. SIA also enhances the position of its members in the security marketplace through SIA GovSummit, which brings together private industry with government decision makers, and Securing New Ground, the security industry’s top executive conference for peer-to-peer networking.