SPARCing Real Conversations: Security Practitioners Speak!
They’re still talking about 2025 panel of technical security practitioners from SIA’s SPARC community of end users. Maybe it was the honest feedback to the manufacturer and integrator community or the openness on what they shared about how they evaluate security solutions and vendors to match their needs. Whatever it was, it was clear this is the type of conversation that executives in the industry want to hear, and so this session returns for 2025. Expect candid perspective as always from top corporate security team members who are directly responsible for guiding and managing security solutions at their firms.
Speakers
-
Jedidiah AbramsDirector, Global Security, Aviation and InvestigationsJedidiah Abrams, CPP, CFI, is a security expert at Walmart, Inc. He supports overall non-retail safety and security posture through risk assessments, customized solutions to address risks, physical security technology implementation, and leadership through critical incidents. His career has included highly sensitive international details and large scale events. He has led security planning for complex security issues, including events, reductions in force, renovations, and new-build security design. He currently leads a team that supports business operations support across more than 4.5 million square feet of office space (plus an airport, data centers, and a museum) and provides security services to over 200 corporate and supply chain locations across the United States. Working alongside the team at Walmart, Jedidiah supports local communities during disaster activations as part of the Global Emergency Management function within Walmart’s Global Security Operations Center. Jedidiah encourages industry collaboration to enhance safety and security. Formerly a detective assigned to a special victims unit in Colorado Springs, Colorado, he currently volunteers as the reserve Sergeant at the Bentonville Police Department in Bentonville, Arkansas.
-
Sobie VelasquezVice President, Physical Security TechnologySobie Velasquez has has had a distinguished career in the security technology industry, focusing on physical security systems, crisis management, and business continuity. With over two decades of experience, he has been instrumental in managing complex security systems initiatives, enhancing the security infrastructure of major organizations. Before joining Morgan Stanley, Velasquez served as the senior director of physical security systems at NBCUniversal, where he modernized and integrated global security systems. His expertise in security technology solutions has been crucial in developing advanced measures to protect critical assets and information.
In addition to his corporate roles, Velasquez has contributed to academia as an adjunct professor at the Long Island Business Institute, teaching courses in security technology and emergency management. He holds a Doctor of Science in civil security leadership, management and policy from New Jersey City University, and degrees in protection and security management from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. His career highlights include managing large-scale multimillion-dollar security system deployments and integrating systems across regional boundaries. With a strong focus on operational risk and project management, Velasquez continues to drive innovation and excellence in physical security technology.
