Specifically Speaking: Rosalie McGee discusses designing a comprehensive physical security plan

FORT WORTH, Texas—For Rosalie McGee, the skills she developed in the military served as the impetus for a career managing and designing physical security systems.   

McGee, project management office (PMO) director and physical security consultant with Crux Solutions, explained that she was very young and did not recognize that she was gaining and developing skills in situational awareness, threat awareness, risk assessment, quick decision-making and crisis management.  

She later recognized how these skills prepared her for various roles throughout her career, becoming especially important when presented with an opportunity to manage security systems for a school district.  

“The district had just begun upgrading its surveillance and access control systems, which provided an opportunity to work with various stakeholders - staff, students, the community, architects, consultants, vendors and contractors,” McGee explained. “The hands-on experience with the systems, understanding the importance of tailoring the systems to our needs and seeing the results were the impetus in my interest of becoming a security consultant and designer. It was about being able to contribute to the development of safer environments on a larger scale.”  

As part of Security Systems News’ monthly column Specifically Speaking, the following is an exclusive Q&A with McGee:  

SSN: What's your title and role at the company? 

MCGEE: My title is PMO director, and I currently serve dual roles - PMO director and physical security consultant. As PMO director, I specialize in overseeing project management processes to ensure the successful delivery of projects and to ensure alignment with the company's strategic goals. As a physical security consultant, I specialize in guiding clients through the operational and strategic elements of physical security. 

SSN: What kinds of systems do you design/specify and what services does the company provide? 

MCGEE: We are a network infrastructure, audio-visual and security technology design and consulting firm. Our services include consulting, project management and design, and we strive to integrate these services throughout the lifecycle of our projects.  

We design systems taking into consideration the end-user experience, the operational efficiency and how these systems can work together to enhance effectiveness and responsiveness. Our systems include access control, video surveillance, intrusion detection, visitor management, communication and emergency response.  

SSN: What vertical markets does the company specialize in?  

MCGEE: Our vertical markets include education, healthcare, commercial, gaming & hospitality, and government projects. My favorite projects are those in which I can apply both strategic oversight and operational detail.  

SSN: Can you talk about what new or emerging technologies you are seeing or specifying today? 

MCGEE: Emerging technologies are reshaping the industry and provide opportunities for a synergistic approach to design. We look at systems with a different perspective - what can they do for us, how do we contribute to providing a climate with a better user experience, and how do we address cyber aspects?  

Designing systems holistically can lead to an improved user experience and a shift from reactive decision-making to proactive decision-making. 

SSN: What is your view on the industry moving forward? 

MCGEE: I see the industry evolving rapidly in response to technological advancements and evolving threats. As consultants, it is important to continue developing our skills and knowledge in all technology areas to better design interconnected, adaptable solutions that take into consideration the human experience and that assist in the mitigation of threats with less dependency on the human factor and decreasing the risk of human error.