Helping Secure Tomorrow Today: The SIA Utilities Advisory Board’s Aims to Educate the Next Generation of Utility Security Leaders

The security landscape for utility professionals has undergone a fundamental transformation that extends far beyond incremental change. Today’s security professionals have evolved from reactive protectors to proactive strategic leaders, serving as thought leaders, change agents and technology advocates in an increasingly interconnected world.

Modern utility security encompasses a sophisticated understanding of multiple interconnected disciplines that form the backbone of contemporary infrastructure protection. This comprehensive approach integrates physical security infrastructure, advanced cybersecurity frameworks, robust governance, risk and compliance (GRC) programs, comprehensive disaster recovery planning and integrated business continuity management.

This multifaceted approach reflects the reality that today’s utility operations exist within a complex ecosystem where traditional boundaries between physical and digital security have dissolved.

The days of securing isolated transformer substations, generating stations, transmission lines, data centers and control centers as discrete entities are behind us. Today’s security professionals must safeguard a vast, interconnected electrical ecosystem that includes:

• Renewable energy integration: Solar farms, wind installations and battery storage systems that create new attack vectors and operational complexities.
• Distributed grid technologies: Microgrids and smart grid technologies that multiply connection points and potential vulnerabilities.
• High-demand computing infrastructure: AI data centers and cloud computing facilities that place unprecedented demands on power generation and distribution systems.
• Smart city integration: IoT devices, electric vehicle charging networks and integrated urban systems that expand the attack surface exponentially.
• Emerging technologies: Quantum computing infrastructure and next-generation communication systems that will reshape how utilities operate.

These components aren’t peripheral additions to our infrastructure — they represent the core of our future operations and are becoming essential to community resilience and economic stability.

Threat Landscape Evolution

Modern utilities face a multi-vector threat environment that includes:

• Nation-state actors targeting critical infrastructure for strategic advantage
• Ransomware groups seeking financial gain through operational disruption
• Insider threats from employees with legitimate access but malicious intent
• Physical attacks on substations and transmission infrastructure
• Supply chain vulnerabilities in hardware and software components
• Climate-related disasters that test resilience and recovery capabilities

Building a Utilities Advisory Board That Aligns With Strategic Foundations and Leadership Vision

The SIA Utilities Advisory Board emerged from a strategic recognition that the utility security sector required dedicated focus and specialized expertise. The Security Industry Association’s Board of Directors, under the visionary leadership of James Rothstein and with the full backing of CEO Don Erickson, identified a critical gap in industry support for emerging security professionals and the urgent need for systematic knowledge transfer.

The board’s establishment represented more than organizational expansion — it signified a commitment to fostering innovation, sharing best practices and creating pathways for professional development in one of the most critical sectors of our economy.

Leadership Selection and Expertise

Finding the right leader for this initiative required identifying someone with both depth of experience and breadth of perspective. After an extensive selection process, I was honored to accept the role of chair, bringing over three decades of comprehensive experience including:

• Infrastructure design and construction: Deep understanding of electrical distribution systems from design through implementation
• SCADA and telecommunications: Expertise in the communication systems that form the nervous system of modern utilities
• Integrated security approach: Practical experience implementing both physical and cybersecurity measures across diverse facility types
• Global leadership: Management of international teams and cross-cultural security initiatives
• Digital transformation and product development: Leading strategic initiatives that drive technological advancement and business growth within manufacturing environments
• Consulting expertise: Orchestrating comprehensive security architecture solutions, including vulnerability assessments, risk analysis and innovative design methodologies specifically engineered for protecting critical infrastructure assets and operational continuity

From there, the mission became assembling a full working group — a carefully curated collection of industry leaders who bring diverse perspectives and a unified commitment to our mission. We knew we needed:

• C-suite executives who understand the strategic implications of security decisions
• Business owners and entrepreneurs who bring innovation and real-world experience
• Hands-on practitioners with deep technical expertise in securing infrastructure
• Global perspectives from professionals experienced in international threat landscapes
• Academic and research leaders who contribute cutting-edge theory and practical application

Coming Together to Make an Impact Through Practical Solutions

To propel our mission, the UAB has implemented and continues to support several key initiatives:

Bi-monthly Meetings

Our bi-monthly meetings follow a structured agenda designed to maximize collective expertise. Each session includes:

• Threat intelligence sharing
• Technology assessments
• Regulatory updates
• Case study reviews
• Best practice development

Educational Impact and Industry Engagement

To support industry education, we have organized two lunch-and-learn sessions hosted annually at ISC West and ISC East. These highly anticipated events consistently sell out and provide actionable, practical guidance — a testament to the industry’s recognition of our mission’s importance.

The NERC CIP Compliance Guide: Translating Complexity Into Action

One of our most significant achievements is the development of the Guide to NERC CIP Compliance, a comprehensive resource that simplifies complex regulatory requirements into actionable strategies. The guide was shaped by:

• Former auditors
• Utility professionals
• Technology specialists
• Risk management experts

Rather than just outlining what compliance entails, the guide offers roadmaps for achieving and maintaining compliance while enhancing security posture. It’s a free resource that is available to SIA members and is available to download here. 

Global Knowledge Transfer and Conference Participation

Many UAB members serve as thought leaders at international security conferences. This participation enhances our efforts through:

• Early warning of emerging threats
• Exposure to global security innovations
• Insights from other regulatory environments
• Cross-cultural security perspectives

Future-Focused Project Portfolio

Our current project portfolio includes:

• Physical and cybersecurity integration
• Governance, risk and compliance (GRC) frameworks
• IT/OT collaboration
• Insider threat detection
• AI migration case studies
• Audit preparation
• Advanced threat modeling
• Cross-sector collaboration
• Technology integration
• Workforce development
• Research and development initiatives

The next generation of security professionals will leverage transformative technologies. Our role is to help them implement these tools effectively and responsibly. Areas of focus include:

• Cloud infrastructure
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning
• Mobility solutions
• Advanced biometrics
• Drone and counter-drone systems
• Next-generation encryption

Join Our Mission

The SIA Utilities Advisory Board is seeking new members who bring:

• Passion for critical infrastructure security
• Professional expertise
• Educational commitment
• Global insight
• An innovation mindset

We welcome professionals from a variety of sectors, including utility security, technology vendors, consultants, academia, regulators and international experts.

To learn more, contact Ron Hawkins at rhawkins@securityindustry.org. We welcome interest from professionals at all career stages.

In Conclusion: Securing Our Collective Future

The work of the SIA Utilities Advisory Board represents a commitment to securing the infrastructure that modern society depends on. By blending experience with forward-looking innovation, we are building a foundation for lasting security excellence.

The challenges are real, but with collaboration, education and innovation, we can prepare future leaders to protect our infrastructure. The SIA Utilities Advisory Board is ready — and we invite you to join us.

About the Author:
Joey St. Jacques has built a distinguished 30-plus-year career in the critical infrastructure sector, demonstrating deep expertise in electrical utility security and strategic leadership. As chair of the SIA Utilities Advisory Board and a member of multiple industry boards, he leads initiatives that drive innovation, improve protective practices and shape educational programs for emerging security professionals across global markets.