The International Organization of Black Security Executives (IOBSE) was founded in 1982 by Black Security Executives concerned about the relatively small number of minority professionals, and the role black security professionals could have in helping young people. Over the years a number of key retail Loss Prevention executives have played an instrumental role in building their conference and their mission of helping young black students across America who are entering the security and loss prevention industry. Keith White, the SVP LP at Gap Inc.; Ray Cloud, Group VPLP Ross Stores; Don Knox, current President IOBSE; Suni Shamapande, currently Director PwC - Performance GRC; Will Baker, Ross Stores; Levell Hedgspeth, LP at Cracker Barrel; Myron Burton, RLPD at Ross Stores; Mike Rock, Div AP Dir. for Wal-Mart; Yvonne Rouse, RLPD Ross Stores; Keltric Goff, ALPM L Brands; and Venus Finley-Akins of Ross Stores; have all dedicated themselves to developing probably the most impactful mentoring program in the entire LP and security industries.

Past Presidents

Over the years, we've witnessed this group take the concept of mentoring to its academic heights, and while everyone talks about mentoring, these executives actually deliver it and then some. More so than any other group this writer has ever seen. Certainly not to minimize any other group's efforts, but the objective of their upcoming conference this week is to teach and develop young people and it's quite impressive. Having attended a number of them and being involved for a number of years by having created and maintaining the IOBSE website, we can attest to the sincerity and depth of their commitment to the young people entering this industry.

As one of the early leaders of the IOBSE, Marvin Ellison, a long-term veteran of retail Loss Prevention and current President of J.C. Penney - and clearly the most successful LP executive in history - is their Keynote Speaker at this week's conference. And ladies and gentlemen, the fact that Marvin Ellison, one of the busiest executives in the retail industry, takes the time to do this and shows his continued commitment to not just the IOBSE but also to the young people entering this industry is evidence enough of this organization's unwavering commitment to developing the leaders of tomorrow.

So, if one of these students happens to come across your desk, you may want to consider getting them involved in your program. Because they're supported, trained, mentored, and committed to making a difference. Just a thought - Gus Downing