SIA expands government relations team to better serve members

SILVER SPRINGS, Md. –The Security Industry Association (SIA) has expanded its government relations team with two new members to support the development and execution of the SIA’s legislative and regulatory initiatives.

SIA announced that Patrick Russell will serve as the new associate director of government relations and Colby Williams will take the title of senior manager of government relations. They both join SIA Senior Director of Government Relations Jack Parker to better serve the association and it’s members.

Russell brings 15 years of experience in politics and policy at both the state and federal level in advocacy. “SIA and its 1,300 member companies really cover the gamut when it comes to security, and I am excited to help guide the industry’s future at the federal level,” said Russell. “I look forward to bringing value to our members through safeguarding critical standards and guidelines and promoting new strategies, solutions and technologies that will move the industry forward.” Most recently Russel was responsible for the management of federal advocacy efforts for ACA International.  He holds a BA in international studies from Indiana University.

Williams is a seven-year veteran of public policy and government affairs for several state officials, nonprofits and campaigns, and spent several years teaching high school government and history. “I’m excited about joining the SIA team and am looking forward to applying my experience in public policy and government affairs to best represent SIA and its member companies,” Williams said. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and master’s degree in education and public policy from Mississippi State University as well as an MBA from Mississippi College.  

“Patrick and Colby are joining the SIA team at an exciting time in our industry. Their strong knowledge of policy and political processes will benefit our members and further increase involvement in our highly effective advocacy program,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “From school security to federal appropriations, GSA contracting, workforce development, facial recognition policy, counter-drone legislation and more, the GR team continues to take on the issues that most impact our members. We are truly excited that Patrick and Colby have already hit the ground running to further increase SIA’s influence over these critical issues.”

The addition of Russell and Williams will allow the SIA to address a growing number of public policy issues affecting the industry. The Government relations team offers SIA members access to a variety of publications, analysis, tools, events, and webcasts on emerging policy issues. For more information about their advocacy efforts, you can visit www.securityindustry.org/advocacy.