We are proud to honor the outstanding individuals whose contributions have shaped the success of our organization.
Inaugural President’s Award of Excellence: Al Zajic
A heartfelt congratulations goes to Al Zajic, the inaugural recipient of the President’s Award of Excellence—a new honor introduced to recognize extraordinary leadership and impact within IAPSC.
Since 2017, Al has served as the Chair of the IAPSC Conference Committee, dedicating himself to the planning and execution of our annual conferences with unwavering commitment and meticulous attention to detail. Under his guidance, the event has evolved into a benchmark of excellence—featuring thoughtfully selected venues, engaging and relevant programming, top-tier hospitality, and seamless accommodations.
Thanks to Al’s leadership, the conference has seen remarkable growth in both attendance and revenue, year after year exceeding the expectations of the Board of Directors and the President.
This award is not only a recognition of Al’s professional excellence but also a celebration of his long-standing dedication to our community. Congratulations, Al, on this well-deserved and long-overdue honor!
Charles Sennewald Award: Karim Vellani
It is With deep admiration and appreciation, we recognize Karim Vellani for over two decades of exceptional leadership and service to the International Association of Professional Security Consultants (IAPSC) and the broader security community.
Karim has played a pivotal role in advancing the field of security consulting through his development of the Certified Security Consultant (CSC) program, his long-standing leadership on the IAPSC Board—including service as President—and his involvement in multiple key committees, notably the Forensic Committee and the Evidence-Based Security Practices Committee.
His influence extends beyond IAPSC through his work with the International Association for Healthcare Security & Safety (IAHSS), where he led efforts to establish national best practices for workplace violence prevention, now recognized by The Joint Commission.
A respected author and thought leader, Karim has published extensively and developed a widely adopted model for healthcare security staffing. His books and research continue to shape the standards of excellence in the field.
In recognition of his remarkable contributions and enduring impact, we are proud to award Karim Vellani with the Charles Sennewald Award—a fitting tribute to a leader whose work has elevated the profession for all.
Special Recognition Award: Bill Durso
The strength of the International Association of Professional Security Consultants (IAPSC) lies in the dedication of its members. Among them, Bill Durso stands out for his exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing the association.
As Treasurer, Bill has overhauled IAPSC’s financial systems—delivering greater transparency and a clearer financial outlook. As Chair of the Communications Committee, he spearheaded the long-awaited launch of the new IAPSC website, achieving a professional, modern platform without the need for a member assessment—thanks to his strategic, fiscally responsible approach.
Beyond these roles, Bill contributes as a lead instructor in the Security Consulting (SSC) Program and is a consistent advocate for new initiatives. His work reflects a deep belief in giving back to the community—and the entire association has benefited from his dedication.
Thank you, Bill, for your vision, leadership, and tireless service to IAPSC.
