Volunteers Requested for SIA’s VOI Steering Committee to Aid SPARC

We are proud to share that our Founder, Mark Schreiber, along with our firm, is honored to support the collaborative partnership between the International Association of Professional Security Consultants (IAPSC) and the Security Industry Association (SIA).  

SIA Creates the Voice of Industry (VOI) Steering Committee 

One key function related to this partnership is Schreiber’s participation in the SIA Voice of Industry (VOI) steering committee supporting the SIA Security Practitioners Advancing Real Conversations (SPARC) community, which is designed to better serve and support their end-user and security practitioner members. 

Who Makes Up the Security Practitioners Advancing Real Conversations (SPARC) Community? 

Also known as the SIA Technical End User Forum, this community brings together large end users and security practitioners.  

Its mission is to empower technical professionals by fostering a diverse support network that advances the security technology industry while actively participating in technology standards and compliance. Their members also benefit from vendor-neutral guidance, the latest research insights, and access to a wide range of training and networking opportunities.  

Their Technical End User Forum is also founded upon 3 bodies/committees: 

Membership: Offers opportunities for networking, group benchmarking sessions, personalized benchmarking, and engaging in face-to-face meetings. 

Voice of the Industry: Facilitates discussions with manufacturers, integrators, and specifiers to address industry needs, challenges, and expectations. You can learn more about this committee in the section below...  

Support Services: Delivers subject matter expert assistance for key industry products and actively participates in standards development and technical compliance initiatives. 

Some of the big names that are volunteer leaders within the SPARC committee are: + Jonathan Aguila, Meta (Executive Sponsor; Member, SIA Board of Directors and Executive Committee) 

+ Bobby Louissaint, Meta (Chair, SPARC) 

+ King Lam, Apple (Vice Chair, SPARC) 

+ Ruben Aceves, Microsoft 

+ Joe Gittens, Meta 

+ Dan Glick, Twillio 

+ Josh Heisler, Amazon 

+ David Hernandez, Disney 

+ Derik Hernandez, Meta 

+Philip Jang, TikTok USDS 

To explore SPARC in greater detail or if you would like to join, visit to learn more:  

SPARC: SIA's Technical End User Forum - Security Industry Association 

What is the Voice of Industry (VOI) Steering Committee, and What Do Their Members Do?  

The committee’s role is to offer industry insights to the Security Practitioners Advancing Real Conversations (SPARC) community upon their request, delivering supplier, vendor, and solution provider expertise in an unbiased, vendor-neutral way. Additionally, the committee contributes by creating white papers to further support and enrich the SPARC community. 

To learn more about VOI in detail, visit:  

VOI-Structure.pdf 

Why and How to Sign Up to Volunteer? 

You may be curious about the significance of volunteering and participating in an industry committee, not just for the benefit of the industry, but also for your personal career growth. To shed light on this, Schreiber offered the following insight from his own experience: “End Users do not have many forums to discuss their technology operations challenges, and the SPARC group provides a trusted venue for these discussions.  Being a volunteer for the SIA VOI allows industry suppliers to hear about these challenges that are amplified by SPARC and assist in advancing the industry to meet the needs of the end users.” 

Volunteer and Further the Industry  

We hope you will join us in supporting their efforts by volunteering on a committee with us or by sharing their volunteer opportunities with your network!  

To learn more about the volunteer opportunities or to sign up, visit:  

Volunteers Wanted! Join SPARC's Voice of the Industry Community - Security Industry Association 

Release of the April 2025 Safeguards Consulting Chronicle

Our team is proud to share that we recently released the April issue of our firm's monthly newsletter, The Safeguards Consulting Chronicle, and we would love to invite you to subscribe for free. This year, we are also proudly celebrating its second anniversary, and in June, we will publish our 30th newsletter! 

Our newsletter covers numerous industry events, news, and updates.  

Some of the items we included in our April issue was:    

+ A featured friend spotlight piece on Pattern Energy.    

+ An exclusive article written by our Founder, Mark Schreiber, “1 False Hope of Artificial Intelligence?”.  

+ A list of beneficial industry events, which includes events we are supporting/speaking at, as well as other events we recommend attending.    

+ Our list of useful blog articles.     

+ A selection of key industry news and updates.     

+ A quick industry tip as provided by our experts.    

This month’s “Featured Friend” will also be our client, Scout Motors! 

If interested, please subscribe using the hyperlink included below.    

Newsletter Signup — Safeguards Consulting, Inc.    

If you subscribe to our free newsletter, you gain access to all the exclusive security content mentioned above as well as additional content we hope will help you in your role as a security professional. It is also a wonderful way for my firm to stay in contact with you regarding company news, updates, or events, so please consider subscribing in time for our May issue!    

The Value of Being on the Board of Directors for IAPSC: The Privilege to Serve and Make an Impact

Over the past year, our team has been proud to have our Founder, Mark Schreiber, serve on the Board of Directors for the International Association of Professional Security Consultants (IAPSC). This has not only been a transformational experience for him but also for our firm as we have been able to fully enrich ourselves with new opportunities, community, prospects, and knowledge through this great organization.  

The Compelling Value of Joining IAPSC  

When we asked Schreiber what he felt were the most valuable aspects of serving on the board and being a member of IAPSC he answered, “Serving on the Board of Directors for the International Association of Professional Security Consultants (IAPSC) is not just a prestigious title; it is a privilege to shape the future of the security consulting industry. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a rising star in the field, being a member of the IAPSC can offer unparalleled benefits that extend far beyond your individual practice. I am proud to serve on the board and to be able to further commit to expanding the industry. As we prepare for 2025, I hope that many more individuals will join our organization so they too can take part in the abundance of benefits that we have to offer to both them and their firms”.  

Afterward, he went on to add several compelling reasons as to why joining IAPSC is a valuable investment in your career, firm, and the industry at large:  

1. Influence Industry Standards 

As a member, you will have the unique opportunity to shape the direction and standards of the security consulting profession. Your input will help to shape policy, guidelines, and best practices that will set industry standards for quality and professional conduct. This level of influence can also help elevate the profession and ensure that it meets the ever-changing needs of clients all over the world. As a result, the industry's growth will also be boosted. 
 
2. Network Expansion Opportunities 

Joining the organization also provides access to a varied network of industry leaders, experts, and professionals. By becoming a member, you will have the opportunity to interact with a diverse group of industry professionals who can provide insights, collaboration opportunities, support, and more. This network can also help you improve your own practice and form valuable partnerships that would not have been possible otherwise. Another benefit to becoming a member is the access to our member directory which allows you to search, find and connect with other members.  
 
3. Professional Development 

You can also use your membership to help the organization grow and improve by joining various committees or applying for the Board of Directors. These volunteer opportunities are also an excellent way to hone your leadership skills and gain experience in governance. These positions allow you to engage in strategic planning, financial oversight, committee leadership and other areas, all of which are valuable skills in any professional setting. This is also an opportunity to expand your resume and LinkedIn profile. 

4. Advocate for Clients and Communities 

As a member, you will have the ability to advocate for client interests and contribute to community safety. By addressing critical security issues, you can help shape initiatives that protect people and property. Your efforts can also result in improved security solutions and practices that benefit both clients and communities. 
 
5. Access to an Abundance of Resources and Knowledge 

Members also gain access to exclusive resources, research, and training materials. This wealth of information will help you stay current on industry trends, technological advancements, best practices, and more. The knowledge you gain can also be used to enhance your consulting services and add even more value to your clients. Additionally, having extra knowledge under your belt will also help to enhance your networking skills as you will have more industry topics you can address.  

6. A Lasting Impact

One of the most rewarding aspects of becoming a member of IAPSC is the knowledge that you are making a difference. Your contributions can lead to transformative changes in the industry, enhancing the reputation of security consultants and promoting ethical practices. This sense of purpose can be deeply fulfilling, knowing that your efforts contribute to a safer world. 

Taking Action

Being a member of IAPSC is more than just a CV title; it represents a commitment to leadership, advocacy, and excellence in the security consulting industry. Whether you want to expand your network, influence industry standards, or improve your professional skills, the organization and IAPSC community provide a unique platform to accomplish these objectives. If you are passionate about making a difference and want to advance your career, join today and later consider applying for a position on the IAPSC Board or one of our many committees. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient security consulting community. 

To learn more, visit:  

International Association of Professional Security Consultants: Home 

To become a member, visit:  

International Association of Professional Security Consultants: IAPSC Membership