For this edition of SECURE Perspectives, the Security Industry Association spoke with Katie Krug, senior account executive at SAGE Integration and a member of the SIA WISF Steering Committee.
Security Industry Association: How did you get into the security industry?
Katie Krug: Like many people, I found my way into the security industry by accident. After spending 13 years in the technology sector, I found myself looking for a new challenge — something that combined innovation with real-world impact.
About four years ago, I came across a startup company doing artificial intelligence-powered video analytics. I was fascinated by the technology and its potential, and I decided to take the leap.
The decision proved to be a great one. Since then, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the security industry and the important role it plays. It’s been a rewarding journey, and I’m grateful to be part of a field that continues to evolve and make a difference.
SIA: How does your organization serve the security industry?
Krug: SAGE is deeply committed to supporting and giving back to the security industry in a variety of ways. We actively participate in charitable initiatives like Mission 500, where we help pack backpacks every year for students returning to school and take part in fundraising activities, including golf outings.
We are currently participating in the ASIS Fitness Challenge. Our team members serve on multiple committees across SIA and PSA, contributing our time, knowledge and expertise to help shape the future of the industry.
Additionally, we partner with organizations like the Foundation for Advancing Security Talent to help promote workforce development and attract new talent to the industry.
Every year, we host our own charity golf tournament and last year’s event was a notable one. We raised approximately $25,000, which directly supported K9 For Heroes, a program that provides service dogs to veterans. This contribution helped fund one of the dogs, which we got to name, Sage. She is almost ready to be placed with her new owner.
SIA: What is your current position?
Krug: I serve as a senior account executive at SAGE Integration, where I specialize in delivering a world-class customer experience to Fortune 500 clients. My role extends beyond integration; I am dedicated to introducing innovative technologies that help these organizations stay ahead in an ever-evolving security landscape.
SIA: What types of job functions do women fill in your company? Is there diversity of roles in your company, or do women gravitate toward certain job functions?
Krug: One of the things I truly love about working at SAGE Integration is our commitment to building a diverse organization. SAGE has done an outstanding job not only in hiring women but also in creating real pathways for growth and advancement.
It’s inspiring to see women being empowered in several roles and advancing in their careers. We currently have one woman on our executive team and another in a director role.
SIA: With more and more data that shows diversity makes a better workforce, what opportunities do you see for women in the security industry?
Krug: Diverse teams perform better, make smarter decisions, and drive more innovation. As the security industry continues to evolve, we need a broader range of perspectives at the table. That’s where women can come in as leaders, innovators and change makers.
I see more doors opening for women in security across all areas from leadership and operations to technology and integration. With the support of organizations like WISF, the path is becoming more visible and accessible.
SIA: What impediments do you see for achieving this? What could remedy some of these impediments?
Krug: One of the biggest challenges is visibility. Women still aren’t widely represented in many areas of the industry, especially in leadership and technical roles, which can make it harder for others to envision themselves in those positions.
Organizations like SIA and the Women in Security Forum play a key role in helping to change that. By offering mentorship opportunities, highlighting role models, creating platforms for women to share their expertise and hosting events like the Security LeadHER conference, we can continue to elevate women’s presence and make those paths more visible.
SIA: What do you see as important trends in the security industry?
Krug: One of the most important trends right now is AI. It is transforming how we approach everything from video analytics and threat detection to operational efficiency. Coming from the technology side of the industry, I’ve seen this evolution firsthand.
AI is helping security teams to do more with less, make smarter decisions more quickly and create safer environments. It is becoming a core part of modern security strategy.
SIA: More specifically, what trends are you seeing in SAGE’s space as a security integrator?
Krug: We are seeing a few major shifts. AI continues to be a big one, as it’s evolving quickly and becoming more common in solutions like video analytics and threat detection. Some AI vendors are trying to sell directly to end users, which is changing the traditional channel model and can be challenging for integrators like SAGE.
There’s also a steady move from on-premises to cloud-based platforms, which gives customers more scalability and flexibility. This leads to a stronger emphasis on cybersecurity. Today, more than ever, it’s important for integrators to be certified and well versed in cybersecurity best practices to meet customer expectations.
Consolidation continues to be ongoing with larger companies acquiring smaller ones; this is reshaping the competitive landscape and pushing everyone to be innovative and customer focused.
SIA: What are the top challenges your company has faced in the last year?
Krug: Our number one challenge has been workforce development. We are in a period of hypergrowth here at SAGE, which has been very exciting. This also means that we’re constantly looking for new, skilled talent to support that growth — and they can be difficult to find.
It’s important for us to find and attract diverse candidates who are not only qualified but also passionate about the security industry. Like many in the industry, we are focused on building a pipeline of talent that reflects the core values of our workplace.
SIA: What are the most significant opportunities your company and the security industry are seeing?
Krug: One of the biggest opportunities lies in addressing workforce safety concerns. Many organizations are facing real challenges around employee security, especially as incidents of workplace violence continue to rise. Our role is to help clients create environments where employees feel safe, protected and supported.
Another opportunity is guiding customers through the transition from on-premises systems to cloud-based systems. Along with that shift, there’s a growing demand for building cyber-resilient networks. As security integrators, we play a critical role in helping organizations modernize their infrastructure to be more cyber-secure and future-proof operations.
SIA: What do you hope the SIA Women in Security Forum can achieve for the security industry?
Krug: I hope the SIA Women in Security Forum continues to be a supportive space where women in the industry can come together, connect and lift each other up. It’s such a valuable community for building relationships, sharing ideas and helping to grow our presence in the security space.
For those of us in more remote areas, like me, where there aren’t many other women in the industry, having this kind of virtual network truly matters. I would love to see WISF keep growing and reaching more people, so no matter where you are, you feel connected and part of something bigger.
SIA: What is your best advice for women in the security industry?
Krug: My biggest advice to women in the industry is simple: Grow your network! This industry is full of incredibly smart, talented, driven people. Connecting with others is one of the best ways you can learn, grow and open new doors.
Get involved with organizations like SIA, ASIS and WISF, and be sure to attend events. The most valuable opportunities in my security industry career have come through building relationships and connections I built by networking and staying engaged.
SIA: Who or what was the strongest influence in your career?
Krug: One of the strongest influences in my career has been my mentor, Tracy Larson. She’s played a pivotal role in helping me grow and succeed in the security industry. Tracy has not only shared her extensive knowledge and experience but also been my biggest cheerleader.
She has always believed in me, challenged me and supported me every step of the way both personally and professionally.
I truly believe we all need that one person who sees your potential, even before you fully see it yourself. Tracy has been that person for me. Her mentorship has shaped the way I lead, build relationships and approach my work with confidence.
SIA: How do you define success?
Krug: To me, success is about finding fulfillment both at work and in my personal life. As a senior account executive, that means working hard, building trusted client relationships and delivering innovative solutions that truly make a difference for my clients and their employees.
From a personal perspective, it’s about making time for my family and friends and things I love to do outside of work. It’s all about balance, doing work that matters while living a life that’s meaningful and aligned with who I am.
SIA: What would you say to new upcoming women in the security industry?
Krug: To women just starting in the security industry, welcome! You are stepping into an incredibly exciting and evolving field, one that offers endless opportunities to grow, lead and make a real impact.
What makes the industry so special is the people. Organizations like SIA’s Women in Security Forum provide amazing opportunities to network, learn and connect with other women.
My biggest piece of advice is to get involved! Say yes to the events, forums, reach out to others and network. There’s room for you here and so many opportunities to build a successful and meaningful career.
SECURE Perspectives is a column by the Security Industry Association (SIA), profiling women in the security industry. This column is part of SIA’s Women in Security Forum (WISF), a community created to support the participation and advancement of women in the security industry, which fosters growth and advancement through programs, professional development and networking opportunities.
