Women in Security: Katie Greatti, Security Industry Association

 SILVER SPRING, Md. — Katie Greatti was looking for a new career challenge when she joined the Security Industry Association (SIA) in March 2018. Now, seven years later, Greatti is thriving as SIA’s associate director of member services.

Here’s more from Greatti, in her own words, as our celebration of International Women’s History month stretches into April.

Security Sales & Integration: How did you get into the security industry?

Katie Greatti: I graduated from my master’s program and was working at another association. I was not in love with where I was and wanted something different. I ended up getting a LinkedIn message from a recruiter asking about a potential role with the Security Industry Association and I took a chance. Seven years later, I am still here, and, hopefully, helping others see the value in joining the industry as well.

SSI: Have you encountered any difficulties or obstacles in your security industry career?

Greatti: My initial obstacle was technology and terminology. I did not come into my role with a background in security and found the expansive nuances intimidating. As a female young professional, I also felt that I wasn’t taken seriously for the first few years. I needed to prove myself a few times over a few years to feel that I could be a resource for the industry.

I do believe that this industry welcomes those who keep trying to push the envelope and explore different avenues to success. Trial and error are such a large part of an industry where technology advances each day.

SSI: Whom would you point to as the most influential and helpful mentors in your career? What did they do to help you?

Greatti: Tracy Larson and Rodger Schmidt have shown me the meaning of support and guidance through the years. They are both wise, patient and kind, which are qualities I continue to work on. I have learned and grown the most through being a liaison to a community.

The SIA RISE community has tested me and shown me what energy, passion, and joy to the security industry. They make me second guess my decisions and motivation in the best possible way. Since being involved with the group, I want to do better for them and on behalf of them every day. I would also like to acknowledge my current director, Kevin Murphy. He welcomed me into member services and has shown such positive leadership.

SSI: What is your proudest career accomplishment?

Greatti: The SIA RISE programs are my proudest accomplishment. We have a mentorship program that is thriving after five years. Our scholarship program has grown from three awardees to 24 and counting, we have a conference of nearly 200 every year in August, we have introduced an awards program just for young professionals and we provide entry level resources monthly. The community makes me proud and humble.

I am also proud of the relationships I have built within the security industry. There are incredible and passionate people here who want to make this industry better every day.

SSI: What do you love most about working in the security industry?

Greatti: The individuals within the industry and the humility of being surrounded by technology I must research to understand. I love challenges, and the security industry continues to provide those for me.

SSI: How can the security industry become even better?

Greatti: I would love to see the industry become more open to startups and new ideas that seem out of the box or too progressive. I don’t want industry staples to go anywhere but would love to see adjustments made to be open to what is new and could drive the industry forward! I hope we always push ingenuity and creativity.