Laura Thomas
Security Leadership
Mason City,IA
Summary
Director of Security with 22 years of experience managing investigations, personnel matters and sensitive information and intelligence. Leads, maintains and improves operations and functions of security department while effectively managing crises in fast-paced environment. Thorough knowledge of advanced security systems, computerized access control, and security-related legislation and regulation.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Security Director
Hy-Vee Inc
West Des Moines, IA
11.2021 - 04.2024
- Position was eliminated due to budget cuts
- Within Enterprise Security, this is a highly responsible and visible role within an expanding retail company
- This position supervises a team of Uniformed Retail Security Officers currently deployed throughout the organization
- Additionally, this position provides support to the larger organization through assistance with investigations of theft, fraud and organized retail crime impacting the company
- Recruit, interview, and hire suitable candidates for Security Officer positions
- Assist with the hiring process, backgrounding and on-boarding new employees within Enterprise Security
- Coordination of training processes within the Retail Security Department
- Investigate criminal activity within the organization, from initial report to identification of suspects to testifying in criminal prosecution trials
- Develop and conduct risk assessments of all company property to determine areas of vulnerability and offer solutions to improve security posture
- Function as a leader to develop, communicate, implement and monitor solutions within retail locations support and provide the safest customer experience possible
- Network with law enforcement to insure effective and timely prosecution of cases referred for criminal charges.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Cultivated interpersonal skills by building positive relationships with others.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
Safety & Security Manager
MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center
Mason City, IA
06.2019 - 11.2021
- Within the Security Department, provide oversight of programs and initiatives, resulting in maximum protection of staff, customers, and supplementary assets
- Assess the safety and security needs of the medical center and put in place corresponding goals, guidelines, and strategies that lead to optimal success
- Build a high-achieving team by identifying qualified staff, spearheading training, and facilitating ongoing development, with newly acquired and refined skills increasing the effectiveness of the department
- Monitor and patrol the premises, recognizing, responding, and resolving existing or potential threats
- Continuously evaluating policies and protocols, integrating changes that benefit internal and external parties
- In the wake of COVID19, developed and launched updated security measures that are presently in effect and have been vital to maintaining the high standards of the safety department and medical center
- Carry out life safety actions and assist the Emergency Operations Center with appropriate responses to incidents.
Physical Security Lead
Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Des Moines, IA
12.2015 - 06.2019
- Analyzed the performance of previous safety and security programs and introduced innovative measures that mitigated risks to the workforce and increased the well-being of company assets
- In partnership with Legal and HR departments / personnel, investigated violations, incidents, and vulnerabilities, having complied all available information and determined parties at fault
- With the team of security guards having been primarily contract staff, consistently established a collaborative and supportive environment that allowed for personnel to adequately respond to issues
- Functioned as a Subject Matter Expert on access and tracking systems, key management, emergency drills, daily access procedures and processes, and electronic physical security and safety systems / procedures
- Often collaborated with the Business Continuity and Crisis Management teams and supported operations which ensured that overall functionality was not severely impacted by unplanned incidents
- Build rapport and network with local and federal law enforcement agencies to facilitate collaboration with any needs
- Investigate any criminal activity within the organization
- Worked with HR when necessary to address employee misconduct.
Investigator
Target Corporation
Des Moines, IA
03.2012 - 12.2015
- Across two districts in the state of Iowa, initiated and / or supported incidents of theft and fraud, in addition to aiding safety and security efforts
- Crucial to the procurement of information, primarily via interviews and leveraged law enforcement background to determine which individuals / parties were guilty and recommended follow-up actions
- As a result of thorough investigations and having established a presence in 20 stores, shortage was decreased and met or often exceeded expectations
- Essential to Assets Protection Leaders being prepared to execute daily tasks having provided training related to internal interviews, external apprehension techniques, and non-violent intervention.
Detective
Story County Sheriff’s Office
, Nevada, IA
02.2002 - 02.2012
- As part of a multijurisdictional task force, investigated narcotics crimes, with efforts supporting overall strategies to reduce criminal activities within Story County and neighboring areas
- Maintained case records and prepared documents for legal proceedings, which influenced rulings
- During ongoing investigations, regularly served in an undercover capacity to further the validity and thoroughness of the evidence gathered
- Offered testimony during criminal trials having remained unbiased and upholding the integrity of the sheriff’s office
- Expert in interview and interrogation tactics and techniques as part of the investigative requirements of the role.
- Cultivated interpersonal skills by building positive relationships with others.
- Demonstrated leadership skills in managing projects from concept to completion.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
Education
Master of Business Administration - undefined
University of Iowa – Henry B. Tippie School of Business
Master of Science - Criminal Justice
University of Cincinnati
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Iowa State University
CPP -
Certified Protection Professional
Skills
Crisis PlanningCollaborationRisk AssessmentLaw EnforcementInnovationPresentation SkillsConflict ResolutionStrategic ThinkingCross-functional LeadershipPhysical Security Subject Matter Expert (SME)Professional Communication
Continuous Improvement
Safety and security regulations
Team Collaboration
Policy Development
Threat and Vulnerability Analysis
Self Motivation
Time management abilities
Problem-solving aptitude
Relationship Building
Timeline
Security Director
Hy-Vee Inc
11.2021 - 04.2024
Safety & Security Manager
MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center
06.2019 - 11.2021
Physical Security Lead
Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield
12.2015 - 06.2019
Investigator
Target Corporation
03.2012 - 12.2015
Detective
Story County Sheriff’s Office
02.2002 - 02.2012
Master of Business Administration - undefined
University of Iowa – Henry B. Tippie School of Business
Master of Science - Criminal Justice
University of Cincinnati
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Iowa State University
CPP -
Certified Protection Professional