2023 Chapter Leadership
Robert Johnson, CPP.
Chapter Chairperson
In 1999 I began my ASIS journey, now 22 years later I have the honor to return as your Chapter Chair. As a 40 year security professional I have worked in healthcare, pharmaceutical facilities, high rise buildings, distribution centers, sports and entertainment facilities, Ports, educational facilities. This has provided me a view into many different security programs and needs, my 1 common thread has been ASIS International. Best practices from around the world have supported my goals and objectives. My Volunteer involvement in ASIS International has been very rewarding, serving at the Chapter level for many years and then moving on to National leadership. I have served as ARVP, RVP, SRVP as well as 10 years on the awards committee. This provided me access to members all over the world, I have made many close friends who again are quick to provide best practices and support to any challenges I have come across professionally. This network has been key to my success. Please join me to keep the Providence Chapter strong and our membership network alive and well! This year will be a rebuilding year for our families and our professional networking.
Stephen Lombardi
Chapter Treasurer
At the Rhode Island Municipal Police Training Academy, Steve is a Senior Training Specialist and Director of Continuing Education. Steve is responsible for assessing the training needs of law enforcement across the state and planning and developing training to fit these needs. Prior to the police academy, Steve was the Director of Corporate Investigations at Spartan International Consulting Group (SICG), where he led a team of retired veteran law enforcement officers who were uniquely qualified to handle all aspects of an investigation, from Computer Forensics to conventional surveillance procedures. Steve also served as a Use of Force Master Instructor at SICG, conducting self-protection training for both law enforcement/security professionals and private citizens, especially in the areas of unarmed combative and handgun retention. Prior to SICG, Steve served 20 years with the Warwick, R.I. Police Department (WPD), earning the reputation of being versatile both operationally and as a training facilitator. Steve played a key role in multi-disciplinary team investigations in the areas of elder abuse and sex offender compliance investigations. Steve also served as a Special Deputy U.S. Marshal assigned to the Violent Fugitive Task Force, and as a senior operator on the WPD SWAT Team React Unit. On the training side, Steve was a statewide trainer for law enforcement in Active Threat response and in elder abuse and domestic violence investigation. Steve retired from the WPD in July of 2017 as a Patrol Sergeant.
Eric Grist, CPP, PMP, CSEIP
Chapter Secretary
As founder and president of Grist Security Consulting (GSC), Eric Grist sets the company’s vision and strategy, oversees the operations, finance, and business development functions, and works closely with customers. Before founding GSC, Mr. Grist served as Director of Application Engineering at S2 Security, where he led the team in system design, integrations, and project management. Prior to that, he was the Director of Product Management for S2 Security’s Access Control and Video Surveillance lines. In that role, he worked directly with S2 Security’s CEO and founder, assisting with the development of a vision for S2 Security and the security industry overall. Before moving to manufacturing, Mr. Grist worked in the security integrator space where he learned many of the technical, design, and personal skills he uses today at GSC. Fresh out of the Air Force, he worked as a fire alarm system design engineer, moved to a field technical position, and soon was running field operations; all while pursuing a degree in electrical engineering. His final position in the integrator space was the design and project management of large-scale security system installations. Mr. Grist regularly attends local and national code classes to maintain his technician and contractor electrical licenses. Mr. Grist is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) through the Project Management Institute, and is a Certified Protection Professional (CPP) through ASIS International. He has been certified at the federal level to design ICAM PACS certified security systems (CSEIP). He has completed training and is certified in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) by the American Crime Prevention Institute. Mr. Grist is an active member of the International Association of Security Contractors and his local chapter of ASIS. He is a frequent speaker at security, business, and consulting association events throughout the US on issues related to physical security trends and policies.