Regional Vice President's Message
August 2005

Dear Region 1 ASIS International Members:

I recently traveled to Alaska to visit our Alaskan Chapter. I found that there is still “gold” hidden away in Alaska, one who is truly worthy of recognition by ASIS International. This “gold” is Charlene Y. Derry, CPP. It is with great pleasure that I announce this years E. J. Criscuoli, Jr., CPP Volunteer Leadership Award for ASIS International goes to Charlene Y. Derry, CPP an ARVP and member of Region 1.

Charlene’s story is about 35 years of service protecting the nation’s security as well as the people and assets of our industry. It is also a story of furthering that vocational commitment to our professional society (ASIS International) and local community organizations through numerous volunteer activities and leadership.

Charlene’s participation in these roles is well documented:

· Member of ASIS International since 1979, joining ASIS International within the first month the Alaskan Chapter was established.

· Served 6 consecutive years on the Board of Directors from 1985-1990

· During her tenure on the ASIS International Board of Directors, chaired the International Committee for three years, spearheading increased emphasis on meeting the needs of members in countries outside the U.S., as well as successfully promoting administration of the CPP Exam in other countries.

· In 1983, established a CPP chapter study group. Thirteen ASIS members participated in this study group and all thirteen passed the CPP Exam on the first try with scores higher than the national average.

· Charlene established multiple CPP study groups and personally assisted/mentored Chapter members with preparation for the CPP exam.

· In 1999, she led the Alaskan Chapter in organization and presentation of a Y2K seminar to educate and alleviate public and private concerns over Y2K impact. This effort drew more than 300 attendees, numerous industry sponsors. She obtained a federal grant for the Chapter, associated with the public service, and raised $15,000 for the Chapter Budget.

· Following the tragic events of 9/11, Charlene arranged for the ASIS International Alaskan Chapter to partner with the Federal Executive Association in bringing military, national security, law enforcement and government leaders together to promote and address positive steps being taken in securing our nation and rebuild public confidence. A similar community service event was presented in 2002 under her leadership

· In 2002, she established a scholarship committee which informed and generated university and student interest in ASIS International. As a result the Chapter identified an outstanding student who was awarded an ASIS International Foundation and Region 1 Scholarship.

· During one of her three terms as Chapter Chair, she established a Membership Committee, which increased membership of the Alaskan Chapter that year by over 20%.

Non-ASIS International Contributions

· Charlene is most known for mentoring individuals interested in moving into leadership and management positions. She has mentored more than 40 individuals over the past 10 years, several who have moved into leadership positions in the public and private sector of security, law enforcement and public service.

· For the past several years, Charlene routinely dedicates 3-4 nights a week instructing for the University of Alaska. As the only female instructor in the institution, she is touted as an outstanding role model for students, especially for females trying to break into a challenging professional aviation career. Charlene is a private pilot, an advanced aviation ground instructor, and teaches many other upper level courses for aviation management majors.

· Charlene has voluntarily served for over the past five years as the U.S. Co-Chair of the Transportation Sector of the Russian-American Pacific Partnership, bringing government, academia, and business leaders together to establish transportation links to support trade and commerce, while securing our borders.

· Charlene established an Interagency Working Group with border and security agencies to facilitate more effective communication, collaboration, and operations involving the flights across the US/Russian border.

· Charlene volunteers her service as a trained facilitator to assist groups in more effective problem solving. She is currently facilitating a US/Canada working group planning an emergency preparedness exercise involving a bio-terrorism scenario.

· In 1998, Charlene volunteered, organized and presented a seminar on Safety and Security in Foreign Travel for the members of the International Association of Women Police during their annual conference.

· In 1987, Charlene wrote the new Personnel Security Handbook for the US. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration.

Charlene Y. Derry, CPP is “Ms. ASIS.” Whether at work for the FAA as their International Security Officer, conducting chapter business, serving in the community on various security-related volunteer boards or teaching security/safety and aviation at the University of Alaska, she is the consummate representative of ASIS International and the security profession. She is not only a Quarter Century Member, but she is our Society’s ambassador to the public and our colleagues in this region. Charlene exemplifies the spirit and traits in volunteer leadership that this prestigious award seeks to recognize. Her mentoring of aspiring chapter leaders has motivated and guided others in continuing the tradition of volunteer service and leadership for the “The Great Northwest.”

Speaking for the entire membership of Region 1 ASIS International, we are extremely proud of this year’s winner of the 2005 E. J. Criscuoli Volunteer Leadership Award, Charlene Y. Derry, CPP.

Congratulations Char!

Most Sincerely,

Cy A. Oatridge, CPP

Region 1 Vice President

ASIS International