Page 3 - NCISS Your Advocate April-Spring 2022

From the President…

Members,

As our world continues to face conflict and uncertainty it is oddly strange how we often move about
almost unaware of what others face and endure in their day to day lives. Grace and compassion is
often under estimated and definitely underutilized as we interact in this “new normal.” The words
“COVID-19” have had meant many things to each of us and as we continue to navigate the waters as
professionals, business owners, employees, and all the other hats we wear I hope each of you have
found the patience and grace through this very challenging time in our country. In speaking with our
members some have struggled to keep the doors open and others can’t find the manpower to keep
up with demand. So, where and how does the association impact its members in these times. My hope is many of you
have found benefits in some of the new opportunities we have rolled out this year. While the “zoom” opportunity has
become oversaturated for some, it seems there have been many new faces and names in these sessions which have
increased engagement and provided a venue of reminders of best practices.

In March the NCISS Legislative Advisory Board met to discuss pending legislation, upcoming concerns and how we can
assist our member state associations with state legislation impacting our profession. This group consists of legislative
chairs and key leadership within each member state association and offers ways to work together and support or
oppose related legislation for the greater good of our profession.

Each of us come from different parts of the country and generally speaking offer a variety of specialties to our clients.
The focus on the trainings have been broad based with a focus on ethics and countermeasures to keep our members
aware and out of harms way. Members have enjoyed the Coffee and Conversations with a diverse group of panelists and
known leaders in our field. In March we started a bi-monthly series of Operations Security. NCISS Board Member,
Stephen Komorek, provided invaluable training and case study examples of how bad actors can have an impact on our
profession, focused on human intelligence, and tactics of foreign agents to recruit within our industry. On Wednesday,
May 18, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. eastern the second session will focus on technology deployed in the field and how this
technology is used by bad actors against private citizens and corporations. Registration is required and notice will be
sent in advance of the meeting. On June 15, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. eastern Coffee and Conversations topic is Report Writing:
Do’s and Don’ts and best practices when preparing and writing reports.

We are excited to continue offering legislative training through Coffee and Conversations, and in April NCISS Board
Member Francie Koehler provided the dos and don’ts when speaking with legislators. This included the basic tools
needed to schedule meetings with your representatives, and we will connect you with a mentor when scheduling and
meeting with legislators in May for virtual appointments.

Our mid-term NCISS board meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 16, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. eastern. Registration is
required and notice will be sent in advance of the meeting. Members will have an opportunity to see the workings of the
NCISS board. Board members are required to attend, and general membership is encouraged to attend.

We value our members and continue to improve the value of your membership. Thinking of each of you -- for grace in
difficult times, success in your endeavors, and wisdom in all your decisions.

Lisa Turley
NCISS President

lisa.liswv@gmail.com
(304) 541-4828