Taylor Smith
Taylor Smith is a Service Area Security Leader with Kaiser Permanente. Her experience in the security industry spans 12 years, including both the public and private sector. 
 Taylor is entering her 7th year working in the security industry for Kaiser Permanente. Prior to her role with Kaiser, she held a variety of positions with Blackstone Consulting, Inc. (BCI) supporting the Kaiser contract. Her previous roles include Healthcare Security Manager of the Oakland and Santa Rosa Medical Centers, National Program Manager for the Business Consulting Group, and NCAL Project Manager. Her operational experience responding to critical incidents, challenging environments, and experiencing leadership and program wins, all contribute to her passion for healthcare security. 
 
“I would like to assist in advancing the professional cause of women in the security industry, by seeing more women in leadership positions, and more women with industry-leading ASIS & IAHSS certifications. The Women in Healthcare Security employee resource group prepared me for future roles by expanding by networking circle. I am a direct beneficiary of strong female leadership. Women who through the course of my career took a chance on me and pulled me under their wings to develop me into the professional I am today. It is all about giving back now.
 
If you are interested in pursuing an industry leading certification in the security industry, check out our scholarship opportunities!
WIHS Founding Members
Amanda Halpenny
Amanda Halpenny, Vice President of Operations, joined Blackstone Consulting, Inc. in August of 2016. With over 8 years of experience in strategic planning, operational efficiency, and leadership development. Amanda is known for her ability to drive organizational growth, streamline processes, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
Head of the Food & Facilities Division, Amanda, is responsible for the growth and development of Blackstone’s contingent staffing contracts at our commercial sites.
In her role at Blackstone Consulting, Inc., Amanda oversees the day-to-day operations, ensuring that all departments work harmoniously to achieve the company’s strategic objectives at the client sites. She is passionate about leveraging technology and to enhance operational performance and is committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality and customer satisfaction.
Before joining the Operations Division, Amanda held the role of Director of Staffing Solutions, overseeing recruitment and talent acquisition for Blackstone’s Security, Food, and Janitorial division, bring over 20 years of experience to the team. She continues to be instrumental in the development of recruitment strategies at various sites, and partners with the HRES team to implement and streamline processes, as well as implement a new ATS.
Outside of work, Amanda is a trail runner and enjoys volunteering to help keep the trails accessible. Her leadership philosophy is centered around transparency, collaboration, and innovation, which has earned her reputation as a trusted and effective team member, and leader at Blackstone.
Candice Goellner
Candice Goellner has been with BCI as a Regional Human Resource Manager supporting the Kaiser Permanente Healthcare Security contract since 2020. She transitioned to BCI after seven (7) years with Securitas USA (SUSA) as an Area Manager for Southern California. While employed with SUSA, Candice worked in several different divisions including the Western Operations Center (WOC) and the Pacific Region.
Candice began her career in law enforcement and security as a Deputy Sheriff with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department in 2001, and prides herself on the training and experience she brings to the team. Candice received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Administration in 2010, before pursuing her Master of Science Degree in Administration of Justice and Security, and her Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Management from the University of Phoenix. Candice is an inducted member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, and was awarded a Leadership Impact Award for using her education to excel and motivate others to reach their professional goals.
Jamie leblanc
Jamie has been promoted from Training & Compliance Manager for the Mid-Atlantic Region to Training & Compliance Manager with the National Security Services (NSS) Training & Compliance Team. Jamie started as a Security Officer in 2007 with Securitas and worked her way up through the ranks with experience in payroll, human resources, management, and technical operations.
With her knowledge of how a Security Officer impacts all other positions, Jamie developed the first week-long Security Officer Orientation Program which required Officers to receive all of their training in a classroom setting before arriving at post.
Jasmine Booker
Jasmine Booker is the Senior Account Manager of Security at Blackstone Consulting, Inc for the KP San Diego Service Area. In her role, Jasmine has oversight of the Security Operations at 2 main Medical Centers and 22 Medical Office Buildings. Jasmine has been under the KP Security contract for 10+ years where she started off as a Security Officer and gained knowledge in her roles as a Dispatcher in the Security Command Center, Administrative Assistant, Supervisor, Assistant Account Manager, and Training Manager. Prior to Security, Jasmine worked in retail and played basketball while studying Psychology at various Colleges like Citrus College, Oxnard College and California State University Dominguez Hills in Southern California.
Mia Odell
Mia joined Blackstone Consulting, Inc. as the Project Coordinator for National Security Services, Risk Assessment & Mitigation Program in October 2019. She is currently also integrated in the Change Management team. She has over 25 years of experience in business management, human resources, sales, and business development, in the hospitality and financial industries. She looks forward to being part of the Women in Healthcare Security network.
Jessica Budd
Jessica has been working in security since 2009, from Security Officer, Shift Supervisor, Scheduling Manager, to Account Manager for KP Manteca Medical Center, and now Account Manager for KP Walnut Creek. Additionally, she was one of the founders of the original Ebola Response Team in 2014 for the South Sacramento Medical Center; and various special projects related to COVID operations from 2020 to 2022. While working in Manteca, Jessica was invited to help conduct the Risk Assessment in West LA Kaiser Hospital; and has also been a part of the core team enhancing patient relationships and quality of patient care from every angle for different sites. When not working, Jessica loves to take her vehicles drag racing at Sacramento Speedway, sketching/painting, and playing virtual reality games with her husband. Jessica’s passion for diversity and inclusion attracted her to be part of the founding members for the WIHS Network.
Laura Douglass
Laura Douglass has been with Kaiser Permanente for 17 years, starting as a CNA, then as a Program Manager for Environmental Health & Safety, where she oversaw all safety aspects at Sunnyside and Westside Medical Center (hazardous waste, employee injuries, emergency preparedness, regulations/inspections from local and national governing bodies). In 2017 Laura transitioned to her role as a Program Manager of Workplace Violence, where she oversaw all member management/threat management events. Recently Laura was promoted within our Security Services arena as the Director/Leader of the Northwest market.
Lisa Young
Retired law enforcement, with 28 years of various roles in leadership, Lisa retired as a Lieutenant. She transitioned into corporate security with Pinkerton on the Microsoft account to establish a threat assessment program globally. Lisa continued in the security industry with CBRE as Director of Security for Kaiser Permanente in Washington for the past 3 years and is now consulting for law enforcement transitioning into the corporate sector.
Alumni of San Diego State University with a BS in Biology and Columbia Southern University, BA in Criminal Justice Administration. Lisa is currently the Law Enforcement Liaison for the ASIS Puget Sound Chapter providing support in the transition from LE to corporate security through education and mentoring. Lisa holds a role with the ASIS Women in Security Council with the Puget Sound Chapter.
“I am most passionate about building relationships that mentor and support motivated intelligent women that strive to succeed in a career in security. I am excited to be a part of a program build-out that will support women to succeed in all aspects of a career in security, via education, networking, and leadership development.”
Michelle Cho
Michelle Cho, WVTS started as a Security Officer for Securitas Security, USA at the KP Silver Spring Data Center in 2011 with aspirations in pursuing a career in law enforcement after graduating from University of Maryland, College Park with a BA in Criminology and Criminal Justice and minor in Human Development. Michelle has since held various positions from Access Control Coordinator, Assistant Manager, to Command Center Manager for KP Mid-Atlantic States. In 2016, Michelle moved into a new role and is now the Regional Program Manager for Blackstone Consulting, Inc. Michelle is currently the Vice-Chair for the ASIS Baltimore Chapter.
“I am most excited about being part of a program dedicated to unifying women through leadership development, education, networking, and mentorship for current and future women in security!”
Sara Lung
Sara has 29 years of experience in the private security industry, with 10 of those years being in healthcare security. Her background includes Liberal Arts, Behavior Management Programs for Special Needs Children & Adults, H.E.M (Healthcare Environmental Management certification), Crisis Prevention Intervention training and other leadership classes in the security environment. Sara is an active member of ASIS and IAHSS and a sports enthusiast. She has completed 7 marathons and half marathons and participated in the Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe for 10 years.
Beverly Chandler
Beverly Chandler is the BCI Director of Security Contract Operations for the KP San Francisco East Bay Area. She directs and mentors six managers with a focus on continuous improvement processes. Beverly facilitates the delivery of quality security services in the environment of care and compliance with healthcare standards, codes, and regulations. It is her job to ensure that operational and administrative management services are both effective and efficient. Combining her service in various leadership roles, Beverly has been with the KP security team for over 26 years.
Beverly is an active member of IAHSS, ASIS, SIA, ECRI and InfraGard. She holds an M.A. degree in English from the University of California, Berkeley. She is also certified as a Healthcare Protection Administrator (CHPA) and as a Healthcare Environmental Manager (HEM).
Molly Klett
Molly is a PMP certified Senior Project Manager with over 10 years of experience leading projects in the healthcare, energy, and software industries. She has proven success in managing concurrent projects with on-time delivery and outstanding customer feedback. Strong collaborative communicator and presenter with 5 years of consulting and strategy experience.
Katie Moracco
Katie Moracco joined BCI in 2016 as an Executive Assistant with 17 years of healthcare experience ranging from Executive Assistant to the Board of Trustees, CEO’s to Senior Vice Presidents for Shared Services. She recently joined the National Field Initiatives team as Project Manager.
“I am excited to grow the Women in Healthcare Security network through education, professional and community associations, motivation and development!”
Elizabeth Rice
Elizabeth Rice is the SVP of Business Operations for Allied Universal, overseeing one of their largest healthcare contracts with over 2700 security professionals. Elizabeth has over 18 years of professional consulting and business leadership experience, with 9 years of experience in healthcare security. She has studied organizational cultures, global ideologies, business, education, and leadership development. Elizabeth holds an MBA and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Mills College, a Bachelor of Arts in Global & International Studies from UC Santa Barbara, and has been trained and certified in several leadership development & coaching methodologies. In her free time you will find Liz on the trails in the mountains with her horse Party Girl and dog Jax, or exploring new people and cultures somewhere in the world.
"I believe success always starts and ends with people and while process and structure are critical for organizational change, culture & leadership practices are the glue and the grease that make it all come together. I have women mentors in my life that have made all the difference for me in my career, which is why this work is so near to my heart."
Debora Finkler
Debora Finkler has over 18 years of Marketing & Communications experience and over 15 years in the Security Industry. She is currently the Director, Communications & Change Management for the Blackstone Consulting, Inc - Healthcare Security division, and a part of the ASIS San Francisco Bay Area chapter’s 2021 board as the Vice Chair. She is also an active member of the ASIS Women in Security and Young Professional global communities. She has supported the execution of several events focusing on bringing security professionals together for information sharing, networking, and professional development, and is passionate about spending time with her family and friends, as well as baking, roller skating, and enjoying all forms of arts.
“I am very excited to be joining another group focused on women in this industry. I believe in empowering and lifting those around us, we’re stronger together. Diversity and inclusion are crucial topics that need to be explored and act upon.”
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Allison Szutu
Alli Szutu is the Senior Vice President of Strategy & Business Operations at Blackstone Consulting, Inc., overseeing project management, contract strategy and execution, business improvements, training, compliance, and social responsibility for KP’s National Security Services contract. As a previous employee of Moody’s Corporation, Alli led Moody’s social investing and employee engagement programs within North and South America, honing her expertise in building and managing strategy, programs, and partnerships, across the private and not-for-profit sectors. Prior to Moody’s, Alli worked at SS+K, a communications agency, developing social engagement campaigns, rebranding initiatives, and strategic messaging projects. Alli is a graduate of the Coro Fellows Program in Public Affairs and is a proud alumna of AmeriCorps.
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EOE/M/F/D/V/SO PPO-12867 CALBSIS License