Women in Security Profile: ‘It has taken a lot of determination and obstinance,’ says Heather Morgan

YARMOUTH, Maine—Heather Morgan, security system administrator for Memphis International Airport (MEM), says that women have overcome major challenges to succeed in a male-dominated security industry, but there is still a lot more work to be done.  

“Luckily, through a lot of hard work, we have made great strides,” she said. “It has been a feat of accomplishments done mostly by women helping pull other women along with them on this climb. But I think there are hard conversations that are going to be had in the coming years, as there are still diversity walls in place that have to come down.  I look forward to being a part of that solution.”  

As part of Security Systems News’ and the SIA Women in Security Forum’s continuing series highlighting the contributions of women in security, the following is an exclusive Q&A with Morgan:  

SSN: What are your current roles and responsibilities? 

Morgan: I am responsible for all security systems, including access control, video and intrusion, for Memphis International Airport and the two GA (general aviation) airports in Memphis.  

SSN: What has your journey been like in a male-dominated industry without much diversity? 

Morgan: I’ve told this story many times over the past 25 years. I was used to walking into a room and being the only female, going to trade shows where everyone assumed I was someone’s secretary. I’ve always been highly technical. I want to know how something works. I always felt that I could sell it better if I could take it apart.  

So very early on, I was the individual who should have been answering the questions, but I was not the one getting asked. If I was with a male counterpart, he got the questions, and I had to fight to earn my place. It was really tough to feel like a professional when the industry didn’t recognize us as equals.  

I had a fantastic mentor in Stephanie Mayes, and there were so many individuals along the way who were willing to help me be what I wanted to be and who believed in me. I have seen so much change. I love seeing how far we’ve come! 

SSN: What has been your biggest challenge in the security industry and how did you overcome it? 

Morgan: A lot of it has been the struggles of being a woman in the industry. I have worked in places where I was “little sister” and not given the opportunity to be more. That made me angry. It made me work harder; push harder; step out of my comfort zone. I think it has taken a lot of determination and obstinance, which my husband will tell you I have in spades. I wanted a seat at the table, so I worked hard until I got one.  

SSN: Moving forward, what does the security industry need to consider when addressing diversity?   

Morgan: The hard truth is, there are still so many in the industry who still think it’s a “good ol’ boys’ club” and quite frankly, I think we need a clean sweep in that regard. We need to look at experience and wealth of knowledge, and stop looking at gender, race or background as a basis for value. It has been as recent as this year that I experienced this level of disrespect, and it’s a tough situation to change.