Identity Week America was opened by Mr. John Mears, Chairman of the Board of International Biometrics + Identity Association (IBIA), and a Vice President and Tech Fellow specializing in biometrics, identity management, and forensics at Leidos, on Tuesday, October 4th, welcoming over 1000 industry leaders in Identification Technology to the Nation’s capital.
Mr. Mears gave an impassioned talk about the road map ahead in the area of biometrics and identity, and presented and detailed the rationals behind the organization’s Platform for Progress as follows:
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Biometrics: Fostering a truthful, secure, convenient, and healthy world
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Privacy is a good thing, but privacy ≠ anonymity
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Blanket bans are undisciplined blunt instruments, being rolled back
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Biometrics are better than humans and biographics
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Humans have bias, machines have differentials
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In “NIST” we trust
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We should have a viable national identity strategy beyond mDL
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We don’t support oppressive uses of biometrics
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Advocate for STEM and inclusion and fair ML training data represents
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Support education and outreach, Identity Week America
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Join the IBIA, fight for the truth, and fight for what’s right
Mr. Mears introduced the opening day’s keynote speaker, David Pekoske, Administrator for the Transportation Security Administration, and the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Extraordinary Government Leadership & Innovation Person of the Year Award Winner, which is outlined here, followed by Kenneth Gantt, Deputy Director, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Biometric Identity Management.
Deputy Director Gantt, a respected government leader who figured prominently in ‘the Trifecta,’ (Identity Week Europe, Identity Week Asia, and Identity Week America), shared his high-level view of the changes coming our way in the future of global identity, which he presented in an easy to follow series of visual slides.
Beginning on the micro level of the individual, from the documents a person acquires over the course of their lifetime, (i.e. birth certificate, social security number, vaccinations, and school id records, to driver’s license, selective service, health care, credit records, marital documents, social security and death certificates) which together form a building block for the foundation of our identities.
And as those blocks begin to connect us to one another and build layer upon layer, together form the establishment of a building, which then holds the promise of expanding into a city of identities.
Over time and continued efforts elevating those identities and linking them with others to rise to the status of a modern city, continually progressing into the macro level of the ideal – realizing global identities.
Yet, for the promise of this global identity progression to be realized, it is absolutely critical that we reach beyond the experts within the walls of identity management, academia, and the government – to reach the people of our great nation.
We must be able to communicate what this information will be used for, outline the benefits of this data collection, determine who will be charged with maintaining this information, and be able to clearly and confidently explain ‘how’ this information will be protected, for citizens to reach a level where they are comfortable buying in.
DYNAMIC, INTERCONNECTED, IDENTITY MULTIVERSE
Deputy Director Gantt, next spoke about many of the beneficial applications for attaining global identities, from border security and travel, digital and decentralized identity, identity and access management, identity threats and spoofing, laws, privacy and policy, national security and interoperability, and information sharing.
However, privacy and the public’s opinion are vital to these efforts, so we must be able to assuredly communicate the many varied benefits of digital services, develop appropriate standards, and best practices, and ensure they remain up to date with current and emerging technologies over time.
OBIM is the lead entity in DHS for biometric identity management services across Government, and Mr. Gantt’s responsibilities include working with OBIM’s customers, stakeholders, and DHS mission partners to expand the program’s services to ensure a safe, secure, and resilient homeland.
Previously, Mr. Gantt served as Assistant Director of US-VISIT’s Program Integration and Mission Services Division, where he led the delivery of all projects, policy development, information sharing, and biometric and biographic services.
This included coordination and management of the exchange of biometric, biographic, and immigration data between Government agencies.
Before joining US-VISIT, Mr. Gantt was the Deputy Director of Operations for the U.S. Army Biometrics Identity Management Agency (BIMA) and the Site Manager for Clarksburg, WV, and surrounding area facilities.
He managed the Department of Defense Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) to support U.S. military operations. He also oversaw the development of a system to support business processes and functions across multiple disciplines in support of force protection, and the coordination of support to military operations.
Before this, he served as BIMA’s Chief for the Strategic Integration and Operations Support Divisions.
A retired lieutenant colonel, Mr. Gantt commanded a field artillery battalion with the Third Infantry Division during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and he has held command and staff positions at varying levels during his career.
His assignments have included the positions of Strategic Planner, Office of the Chief of Staff of the Army; Chief, Operations Center, NATO Southeast Regional Command Headquarters; Chief, Combat Plans Branch, U.S. Forces in Japan; Battalion Executive Officer and Operations Officer, First Cavalry Division; Middle East Political-Military Analyst, Defense Intelligence Agency; and U.N. Military Observer, U.N. Truce Supervision Organization, in the Middle East.
Over the course of his military career, he was awarded the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with “Valor” Device, Defense Meritorious Service Medal with Three Oak Leaf Clusters, Meritorious Service Medal with Three Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Joint Service Commendation Medal.
In addition, Mr. Gantt received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from John Carroll University in 1983 and a master’s degree in Near Eastern studies from Princeton University in 1994.
(Have you thought about how the government can change your travel experience by reducing wait times and enhancing security? DHS S&T has, and it is executing this vision. Advances in biometrics and digital identity provide fast-forward capabilities that will change how you fly within the decade. S&T is building new capabilities to keep pace with the volume of the traveling public and the presence of complex threats. Take an inside look at how S&T technology investments are improving the passenger experience and flow of commerce as well as getting the country moving again and protecting the frontline workforce. Courtesy of DHS Science & Technology Directorate, and YouTube.)
DHS Office of Biometric Identity Management Nominated in 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program
American Security Today’s Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program, and now in its Seventh Year, recognizes industry leaders of Physical and Border Security, Cybersecurity, Emergency Preparedness – Management and Response, Law Enforcement, First Responders, as well as federal, state and municipal government agencies in the acknowledgment of their outstanding efforts to Keep our Nation Secure.
Homeland Security remains at the forefront of our national conversation as we experience an immigration crisis along our southern border, and crime rates that are dramatically higher than before the Pandemic across the United States.
These challenges have become a national priority with an influx of investments in innovative new technologies and systems.
The pinnacle of the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program is the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon, an exclusive, affordable, gourmet, full-course plated meal event, in the heart of New York City, held at the International Security Conference & Exposition (ISC East) since it’s inception in 2017.
And who better to address the aforementioned challenges, and initiatives to meet today’s threat landscape than Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner (DEAC) Diane J. Sabatino of the Office of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the opening keynote speaker at the much-anticipated 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon, on Wednesday, November 16th, 2022.
As the DEAC of the Office of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Mrs. Sabatino leads more than 31,000 employees and oversees an annual operating budget of $6.5 billion.
Register for the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Luncheon Today
(Hear a recent interview with Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner (DEAC) Diane J. Sabatino held at Identity Week Europe on leveraging biometric comparison technology in U.S. air, maritime, and land border environments for the security of passengers, enhancing the customer experience and limiting the transmission of biological pathogens while respecting personal privacies and educating the public as the CBP further expands the implementation of biometrics to keep up with threats to the aviation and other border sectors. These new technological tools are there to automate administrative functions so that the most valuable component of the process, the officers, are able to focus on critical issues as they arise. Courtesy of evie kim sing and YouTube. Posted on Jul 13, 2022.)
Enter, American Security Today, the #1 publication and media platform in the Government Security and Homeland Security fields with a circulation of over 75,000 readers and many tens of thousands more visiting our AST Website at www.americansecuritytoday.com each month.
The continually evolving ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program will emphasize the trail of Accomplished Women in Leadership in 2022, as well as the Significance and Positive Impact of Advancing Diversity and Inclusion in our Next Generation of Government and Industry Leaders. #MentorshipMatters
So be on the lookout for Special Guests, Presenters, Book Opportunities, and Attendees at the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon in November of 2022 in NYC!
AST Honors Thomas Richardson, FDNY Chief of Department; Dr. Kathleen Kiernan, President of NEC National Security Systems; and Richard Blatus, FDNY Assistant Chief of Operations, at the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon at ISC East.
The United States forever changed on September 11th, 2001, and we were fortunate to have many of those who responded to those horrific tragedies join us at our 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon.
In the days that followed 9/11, the critical need to protect our country catapulted us into new and innovative ways to secure our homeland – which is how many of the agencies and enterprise organizations that are today ‘ASTORS’ Awards Champions, came into being.
Our 2021 keynote speaker featured a moving and informative address from TSA Administrator and Vice-Admiral of the United States Coast Guard (Ret), David Pekoske; to our attendees who traveled from across the United States and abroad, on the strategic priorities of the 64,000-member TSA workforce in securing the transportation system, enabling safe, and in many cases, contactless travel.
Legendary Police Commissioner William Bratton of the New York Police Department, the Boston Police Department, and former Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department was also live at the event, meeting with attendees and signing copies of his latest work ‘The Profession: A Memoir of Community, Race, and the Arc of Policing in America,’ courtesy of the generosity of our 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Premier Sponsors.
The 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program is Proudly Sponsored by New PLATINUM SPONSOR: NEC National Security Systems (NSS),
New Premier Sponsors Rajant Corporation, guardDog AI, and IPVideo Corporation, and
Returning Premier Sponsors ATI Systems, Automatic Systems, RX Global, and SIMS Software!
In 2021 over 200 distinguished guests representing Federal, State, and Local Governments, and Industry Leading Corporate Firms gathered from across North America, Europe, and the Middle East to be honored among their peers in their respective fields, which included:
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The Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
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ICE Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI)
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Customs & Border Protection (CBP)
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The Federal Protective Service (FPS)
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Argonne National Laboratory (ANL)
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DHS Science & Technology (S&T)
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The National Center for Disaster Medicine & Public Health (NCDMPH)
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The American Red Cross
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The InfraGard National Alliance
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The Metropolitan Police (MPD)
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The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA)
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Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS)
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The Federal Air Marshals Service
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The San Diego Harbor Police Foundation, and Many More!
Register Today for the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Luncheon
ISC East is the Northeast’s leading security & public safety event, hosted in collaboration with premier sponsor Security Industry Association (SIA) and in partnership with ASIS NYC.
Each year, to keep our communities safe and secure, security dealers, installers, integrators, and consultants, along with corporate, government, and law enforcement/first responder practitioners, convene in New York City to network, learn and evaluate the latest technologies and solutions from premier exhibiting brands.
This combination of one-on-one conversations with top innovators, high-quality special events, and cutting-edge education and training, makes ISC East the most comprehensive East Coast event to guide the industry in getting back to business.
Taking place November 15-17 at the Javits Center in NYC (SIA Education@ISC: November 15-17 | Exhibit Hall: November 16-17), ISC East will be co-located with the Natural Disaster & Emergency Management Expo (NDEM EXPO), a comprehensive trade event and online resource dedicated to the preparation, response, and recovery of physical and human assets of public and private organizations, and the 33rd ASIS NYC Expo.
Qualified professionals who register for the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Banquet Luncheon, will receive complimentary access to all three events.
Corporate firms, the majority of which return year to year to build upon their Legacy of Wins include:
AlertMedia, Allied Universal, AMAROK, ATI Systems, Attivo Networks, Axis Communications, Automatic Systems of America, BriefCam, Canon U.S.A., Fortior Solutions, guardDog.ai, Hanwha Techwin of America, HID Global, Mark43, IPVideo Corporation, Konica Minolta Business Solutions, Lumina Analytics, NEC National Security Systems, NICE Public Safety, OnSolve, PureTech Systems, Quantum Corporation, Rave Mobile Safety, Regroup Mass Notification, Robotic Assistance Devices, Rajant Corporation, SafeLogic, Senstar Corporation, ShotSpotter, Singlewire Software, SolarWinds Worldwide, Teledyne FLIR, Valor Systems, and Wiresecure, just to name a few!
Why American Security Today?
The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old-school basics to what is Today – a fast-changing security landscape.
American Security Today is uniquely focused on the broader Homeland Security & Public Safety marketplace with over 75,000 readers at the Federal, State, and local levels of government as well as firms allied to the government.
American Security Today brings forward a fresh compelling look and read with our customized digital publications that hold readers’ eyes throughout the story with cutting-edge editorial that provides solutions to their challenges.
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AST Digital Publications are distributed to over 75,000 qualified government and homeland security professionals, in federal, state, local, and private security sectors.
‘PROTECTING OUR NATION, ONE CITY AT A TIME’
AST Reaches both Private & Public Experts, essential to meeting these new challenges.
Today’s new generation of public safety and security experts need real-time knowledge to deal with domestic and international terrorism, lone wolf attacks, unprecedented urban violence, shifts in society, culture, and media bias – making it increasingly difficult for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Military and Private Security Professionals to implement coordinated security measures to ensure national security and improve public safety.
These experts are from Government at the federal, state, and local levels as well as from private firms allied to the government.
AST provides a full plate of topics in our AST Monthly Magazine Editions, AST Website, and AST Daily News Alerts, covering 23 Vital Sectors such as Access Control, Perimeter Protection, Video Surveillance/Analytics, Airport Security, Border Security, CBRNE Detection, Border Security, Ports, Cybersecurity, Networking Security, Encryption, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Campus Security, Security Services, Corporate Facilities, and Emergency Response among others.
AST has Expanded readership into integral Critical Infrastructure audiences such as Protection of Nuclear Facilities, Water Plants & Dams, Bridges & Tunnels, and other potential targets of terrorism.
Other areas of concern include Transportation Hubs, Public Assemblies, Government Facilities, Sporting & Concert Stadiums, our Nation’s Schools & Universities, and Commercial Business Destinations – all enticing targets due to the large number of persons and resources clustered together.
(See just a few highlights of American Security Today’s 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon at ISC East. Courtesy of My Pristine Images and Vimeo.)
To learn more about ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award Winners solutions, please see the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2021 ‘A Year in Review’.
The Annual CHAMPIONS edition includes a review of Annual ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning products and programs, highlighting key details on many of the winning firm’s products and services, including video interviews and more.
It serves as your Go-To Source throughout the year for ‘The Best of 2021 Products and Services‘ endorsed by American Security Today, and can satisfy your agency’s and/or organization’s most pressing Homeland Security and Public Safety needs.
From Physical Security (Access Control, Critical Infrastructure, Perimeter Protection, and Video Surveillance Cameras and Video Management Systems), to IT Security (Cybersecurity, Encryption, Data Storage, Anti-Malware, and Networking Security – Just to name a few), the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS EDITION has what you need to Detect, Delay, Respond to, and Mitigate today’s real-time threats in our constantly evolving security landscape.
It also includes featured guest editorial pieces from some of the security industry’s most respected leaders, and recognized firms in the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.
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For a complete list of 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Award Winners, begin HERE.
For more information on All Things American Security Today, as well as the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, please contact Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
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