Dave Komendat concluded his Boeing career as the vice president and chief security officer for The Boeing Company in 2022, a role he held for 14 years of his 39 years within the security profession. Komendat was responsible for the company’s global security and fire protection policy and procedures, site security, executive protection, supply chain and aviation security, structural and aircraft fire protection, government and proprietary information security, classified cyber security, strategic intelligence, international security, business continuity and disaster preparedness, Global Security Operations Center, and security background investigations.
Komendat was also the lead Boeing interface for both national and international security policy engagement with government and industry advisory groups. He represented Boeing and the US private sector as past co-chairman and current Senior Advisory Group committee member for the Domestic Security Alliance Council, past president and board member for the International Security Management Association and served as a member of the Threats and Information Committee for the Overseas Security Advisory Council.
Dave Komendat is now a partner and the Chief Security Officer for Corporate Security Advisors (CSA), a security risk management consultancy.
Dave also holds board leadership roles with non-profit organizations whose missions are to protect people globally, including The Security Foundation and Hostage US. In 2018, Dave received the Director’s Award for Exceptional Public Service by FBI Director Christopher Wray and supports the FBI as a Special Engagement Advisor.
Komendat graduated from California State University at Long Beach with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice specializing in industrial security and is a graduate of the executive development program at Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

Kirsten has over 20 years’ experience in corporate security preceded by service in the US Army. She previously led the corporate security programs at Bed Bath & Beyond, BASF Corporation, Kraft Foods &nmp; Mondelez International, and served with the Philip Morris and Altria security departments.

Scott Whelchel is the Chief Security Officer &nmp; Global Director for Emergency Services and Security (ES&S) at Dow, a position he assumed in May 2017. Scott leads the Corporate Crisis Management System and crisis prevention efforts. He serves on the Dow Operations Leadership Team, Manufacturing Cybersecurity Steering Committee, Enterprise Architecture Review Board, is managing sponsor of Dow Veterans' Network, sponsor of the Global Site Leader Network, Past-Chair of the Chemical Sector Coordinating Council and Vice Chair of the Critical Infrastructure Cross-Sector Council.
Whelchel joined Dow in 2012 as the site ES&S leader at St Charles Operations and joined Dow’s ES&S expertise team to focus on corporate crisis management team support and planning, key personnel and special event security, and Dow compliance with regulations established by the US Department of Homeland Security and US Coast Guard Maritime Transportation Security Act.
Prior to joining Dow, Whelchel was the Director for St. Charles Parish Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. Whelchel worked in the U.S. Intelligence Community for over 24 years in both a military and civilian service capacity. During his intelligence career, Whelchel served as Senior Intelligence Officer for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and Counterintelligence Officer for the Department of Defense in the Federal Civilian Service in Washington, DC. Whelchel's military service assignments included Counterintelligence Operations Officer and Special Agent-in-Charge during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, High-Yield Explosive (CBRNE) Operations Officer and Intelligence Officer/Analyst.
Whelchel is a member of the International Security Manager's Association, the FBI/DHS Domestic Security Alliance Council, and ASIS. He is Past-President of the Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Association and member of the National Guard Association of the United States. He holds a bachelors’ degree in anthropology from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and has completed The Wharton School/ASIS Security Executive Development Program at the University of Pennsylvania and the FBI Domestic Security Executive Academy.

Dr. William Wilkins began his security career as a USAF K-9 law enforcement officer, assigned to U.S. Secret Service Presidential support missions and U.S. Customs counternarcotic operations. He later served as NCOIC of Investigations and supported Air Intelligence operations – specializing in threat analysis and security vulnerability assessment modeling. A decorated serviceman, he received multiple commendations to include an Air Force Achievement Medal for heroism.
Dr. Wilkins has worked at Valero Energy for over two decades and served in virtually every security role. Starting his career as a Security Services Officer, he was promoted throughout the organization – working in business intelligence, technical projects, regional security operations, commercial construction, and international security before assuming the role of Executive Director, Global Security &nmp; Construction Management. Today, as the head of Project Execution &nmp; Maintenance Dr. Wilkins is responsible for establishing, promoting, and directing project/program initiatives representing over $60MM in annual capital. With over 30 years in the security field, Dr. Wilkins is a court-certified subject matter expert in security policy development, technology deployment, and regulatory compliance. Dr. Wilkins graduated with honors with a B.A. in Justice Administration, followed by an MBA in Project Management, and completed his Doctorate in Organizational Management at Wayland Baptist University, where he continues to serve on the Advancement Council Board. A prolific international speaker and writer, Dr. Wilkins has provided industry and university lectures on subjects ranging from security technologies, international supply chain risks, and project management. William currently serves as the Chair Emeritus of the U.S. State Department’s Overseas Advisory Council Energy Security Committee and supports several non-profits throughout San Antonio focused on the arts and education.

Jerome Pickett is a renowned executive with a proven track record in global security and technology innovation. With over 25 years of experience, he honed his skills with the United States Secret Service and the National Basketball Association. As a tech executive, he led the biometric identity business in Sports and Entertainment at CLEAR and served as a Board Director for Magnet Forensics, where he negotiated a ~$2B sale of the company. In 2023, he joined McDonald's. Jerome is a US Secret Service Medal of Valor awardee, having survived the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center and served as a key leader during the subsequent search and rescue operations. He has managed presidential security operations in over 100 countries and developed industry best practices for fan and venue security operations for professional sports leagues. Residing in Chicago, he leads McDonald's Global Security function, which includes Executive and Events protection, Crisis Management, Global Intelligence, Corporate Security, International Security, and global law enforcement partnerships. Jerome holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Marist University, a Master’s degree in Homeland Security with a concentration in Terrorism from American Military University, and an MBA with a concentration in Ethical Leadership from Marist University.

Jim Hutton has enjoyed a 40-year career in the security, risk management and intelligence fields.
His past corporate experience included responsibility for the Global Security and Aviation functions at both The Gillette Company and Procter & Gamble, and he was invited to lead the combined team following their 2006 merger. He is a founding member of the firm’s Enterprise Risk Management Team.
Jim’s additional advisory experience included a Board Member role at On Call International, a leading travel risk management provider, as well as significant client engagement on behalf of the Security Executive Council, a research and advisory firm.
Earlier in his career, Jim was a member of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service. During his tenure there, he served as a decorated Special Agent, Watch Officer and Intelligence Analyst.
Jim has also held instructor roles at Northeastern University and within the U.S. Intelligence Community.
Among his multiple career recognitions, Jim was named as One of the 25 Most Influential People in Security.
A native of Philadelphia, Jim is a graduate of West Chester University of Pennsylvania and has completed professional development programs at the business schools of both Georgetown University and the University of Notre Dame.
He currently resides in the Boston area and spends his summers in Maine.