“You need to focus on yourself to develop yourself.”
ANNA WINNINGHAM, CISSP®
Executive Vice President
Risk Control Strategies, Inc.
Anna began working in security threat management with the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) after 14 years there followed her boss and mentor to the LA area to work in the private sector. It fit her family well and she felt comfortable using her skills to fill the void between federal agencies and private companies and individuals in determining and intervening in crises.
Security in Times of Crisis
The vast world of security encompasses companies to homes of company owners, school districts to insurance fraud cases, cybercrime to charity fundraisers, drug trafficking and providing expert witness in court cases. The bottom line is always saving lives and making people safe. The strategies used in response to massive threats such as the Olympic attacks in Athens, Greece in 1988 and the Los Angeles Riots of 1992 inform Anna in her efforts to have a singular command structure, creating greater effectiveness. Pre-emptive work is critical; hence, Anna works not just in response but in pre-assessment, planning and team development. She is proud that Los Angeles was the first office to have a response team available for the FBI.
Women Small in Numbers but Integral
Throughout Anna’s career, women in the security profession have been small in numbers and typically in communications roles, yet she finds skills typically found more in women, such as relationship building, vital to the field. A women-centric network allows professionals to be true to themselves. Anna is excited to be part of the group and welcomes inquiries from fellow members whatever their needs might be.
Lesser Known
1. Family time is a priority for Anna whether it be at La Crosse practice, traveling, playing corn hole or spending time with Beagle grand-puppy.
2. Growth happens for Anna as a matter of priority. She believes you need to be focused on yourself to develop yourself.