Optic Security Group staff and a university project team have secured finalist places in three categories at the Global Outstanding Security Performance Awards.
The company said employees and project partners from New Zealand will compete in the Outstanding Security Partnership, Outstanding Female Security Professional and Outstanding Contract Security Manager/Director categories.
The Global OSPAs sit above national OSPA programmes and draw finalists from a wide set of participating countries. The awards operate across multiple categories and recognise individuals and teams working in the security sector.
Individual finalists
Optic's Chelsea Wallis has been shortlisted in the Outstanding Female Security Professional category. The company identified Wallis as a Key Account Manager based in Auckland.
Optic's Nicholas Dynon has been shortlisted in the Outstanding Contract Security Manager/Director category. The company identified Dynon as Group Brand Strategy and Innovation Director.
Optic Managing Director Mike Cunningham linked the global shortlisting to the group's workforce in New Zealand.
"This is global recognition, a wonderful accolade for our New Zealand team, and evidence of the industry-leading talent, professionalism, and ambition within our Group," said Mike Cunningham, Managing Director, Optic Security Group.
Partnership entry
A joint Optic and Victoria University of Wellington team is a finalist in the Outstanding Security Partnership category.
Optic named Aaron Johnson as the team lead. It also listed Anthony Taingahue, Ruperake Charles Lave, and James Sutherland as team members, alongside partners from Victoria University of Wellington.
The company said the partnership relates to an asset upgrade project at the university. It said the work stabilised security systems at the site. It said the project reduced failures.
The shortlisting follows recognition at the national level in New Zealand. Optic said Wallis, Dynon and the university upgrade team won their respective categories at the New Zealand OSPAs.
Judges' comments
In material provided by Optic, the New Zealand OSPAs judges described Wallis's career progression through several roles. They also referred to her current remit, which they described as Key Account and Customer Experience Manager.
"Chelsea consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic, an insatiable curiosity for learning, and a growth mindset that set her apart in every project and challenge she takes on," stated the judges. "Chelsea's ability to influence client operations, build effective relationships, and add value is delivering superior client satisfaction and security outcomes."
The judges' summary for the Victoria University of Wellington project referred to collaboration between Optic and the university.
According to Optic, the judges said: "Judges felt that the creation of a two-way street of mutual trust and respect, enabled continuous improvement and mutual learning and growth."
In relation to Dynon's national award, Optic cited judges' comments about the impact of his work in customer organisations and across the security sector.
Optic quoted the judges as saying Dynon had "profoundly influenced the business operations of his customer organisations, as well as influencing his security consultant peers within New Zealand's security industry, and internationally" through the quality of his outputs, evidence-based approach, and focus on knowledge production.
Awards process
Optic said the OSPAs are headquartered in the UK. It said the programme operates internationally and positions itself as a benchmark for security professionals.
The company said national-level OSPAs operate across 48 countries. It said winners from 14 selected categories qualified as finalists for the global awards.
The Global OSPAs winners are due to be announced during a live online event.