Now in their 10th year, the US OSPAs (Outstanding Security Performance Awards) sponsored by Event Risk Security Services, serve to acknowledge the credible and outstanding contributions that companies, initiatives, teams, and individuals make to the U.S. security industry and wider community.
The awards are founded on strong ethical principles and are actively supported by numerous key industry bodies and special interest groups. These organizations nominate judges to represent them, and a panel of 16 experts selected the winners this year.
Commenting on the list of finalists, founder of the awards Professor Martin Gill said: “The OSPAs provide an important opportunity to recognize and celebrate the work of those dedicated individuals, companies and teams who deliver outstanding security products and services.”
Global Elite Group headquartered in Garden City, NY, is a leading provider of security services worldwide. The company successfully combines highly trained personnel and technology to mitigate risk. Their services include Aviation Security, Special Event Security, Consulting Services, and Emergency Management.
Global Elite Group has been named a finalist in five categories at the 2025 US OSPAs in the following categories:
- Outstanding Contract Security Company (Guarding)
- Outstanding Security Team – JFK Airport Team
- Outstanding New Security Product – Securitas Aviation Tracing Tool
- Outstanding Young Security Professional – Thomas Tarantino
- Outstanding Contract Security Manager/Director – Angelo Santiago, Ace
The OSPAs recognize the top individuals, teams, and companies making an impact in the U.S. security industry. Winners will be announced this September at GSX!
Click here for a full list of finalists.
Global Security’s JFK Airport Operation
Eighteen months ago, Global Security’s JFK Airport operation faced intense pressure. The pandemic’s aftermath created a perfect storm: rapid recovery in air travel, surging passenger volumes, and heightened regulatory scrutiny—all colliding with staffing shortages and outdated management structures.
Facing growing demand and complex operational challenges, the team had to rebuild from the ground up. What followed was a systematic transformation led by a new leadership team and driven by a unified, proactive approach that made JFK one of Global’s top-performing stations.
“They’ve done an exceptional job with the hand they were dealt,” Philip Cain, Senior Vice President of Operations, said. “They’ve wrapped their heads around the issues and knocked them off one by one.”
At the heart of this turnaround is a deeply embedded culture of ownership. General Manager Larry Scott and his team manage Global’s operations at JFK airport, and the scope of the work is demanding. The JFK team handles subcontracted airline security, involving TSA-mandated aircraft searches, access control, and securing the catering supply chain. These roles require seamless coordination with a complex matrix of stakeholders: airlines, the TSA, airport authorities, customs, and passengers.
JFK’s preparedness for major incidents, essential at such a high-risk location, is bolstered by its integration with local and headquarters-level resources. Through consistent, multi-level communication, weekly and monthly reviews, regular stakeholder meetings, and a visible presence at all airport gatherings, Scott and his team stay ahead of emerging issues.
Training and compliance are embedded in the team’s DNA. An on-site trainer is supported by Global HQ staff. Spot checks using the Safety Culture platform and regular third-party audits ensure constant vigilance.“We also audit them externally,” Cain explained. “And even though we’re not the regulated entity the airline is, TSA and the airline still come back to check our training records.”
JFK has become the proving ground for new initiatives and a support hub for other sites. The JFK team’s impact has been transformative, both operationally and culturally within Global, among its clients, and across JFK Airport. From a performance standpoint, JFK is now a gold standard. “It’s probably one of our top two most compliant and best operating stations,” Cain said.
