Vern Abila

Director, Security Operations @Cherokee Federal

US

As Director of Security Operations at Cherokee Federal, I lead the development and management of scalable security programs aligned with Interagency Security Committee (ISC) standards, federal guidelines, and industry best practices. I oversee threat and vulnerability assessments, security reviews, and needs assessments for new and existing sites to ensure operational efficiency and contract compliance. Additionally, I develop rapid response capabilities, including NIMS-compliant Emergency Operation Plans (EOPs) and site-specific protocols, ensuring alignment with local, state, and federal regulations.I manage Security Operations Center (SOC) activities, ensuring incident tracking, best practice adherence, and effective monitoring. Leveraging ASIS, FEMA, and CISA certifications, I design and implement training programs focused on active shooter preparedness, emergency response, and behavioral threat management. I also conduct open-source intelligence gathering and behavioral threat assessments to mitigate risks across projects and operations proactively.I collaborate with government officials, security representatives, and law enforcement agencies, delivering regular briefings on security posture, incident management, and emergency response strategies. I evaluate, recommend, and integrate security technologies such as Incident Management Systems (IMS), Video Management Systems (VMS), access control solutions, and WebEOC to enhance operational continuity and crisis preparedness. Additionally, I provide technical expertise to support the contracts team and Cherokee Federal LLCs in responding to Task Orders and Requests for Proposals (RFPs), ensuring alignment with client requirements, federal expectations, and regulatory standards to position them for success in competitive government contracting.