EsT. 2023

CULTURAL PROPERTY operations, security & Safety professionals

The formation of the Cultural Safeguard Alliance emerged through regular monthly dialogues centered on the safeguarding of Cultural Properties, which saw the participation of security and safety experts from across the world. This endeavor was focused on the exchange of expertise and mutual support regarding significant matters in the field. Adam Raffone from Yale University took the initiative to advance these discussions by instituting our monthly call, an effort that was bolstered by Stephanie McKenna from Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and James MacSkimming of The Museum of Flight. Together, they laid the foundation for this co-op, with the goal to cultivate cooperative efforts and tackle the modern-day challenges faced in the realm of cultural security and safety.

While the Cultural Safeguard Alliance maintains independence from other organizations, the majority of our leadership comprises a blend of international cultural property protection experts from esteemed international organizations. Acknowledging the need for inter-organizational networking and the financial challenges faced by institutions, our network is dedicated to guiding and supporting institutions towards the most suitable groups and organizations that can effectively meet their needs.  Our aim is to facilitate professionals' access to cutting-edge technology advancements, security risk assessments, and shared resources and databases, as well as to identify contractors and vendors specializing in the cultural properties industry. Our approach emphasizes efficiency by leveraging existing expertise and resources rather than reinventing the wheel.

The Cultural safeguard alliance ANNOUNCES Inaugural Board of Directors!

est 2023

executive Leadership Team

Founding Contributors/Officers

Adam Raffone

President

Head of Security Training & Development

Yale University - Museums & Libraries

Stephanie Gardner

Vice President

Director of Guest Experience & Campus Operations

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

James MacSkimming

Secretary

Head of Security & Safety

The Museum of Flight

Michael Gomperts

Treasurer

Head of Library Security Operations

Yale University - Museums & Libraries

board of directors

Sharon Howard

Sharon Howard

Chair

Security Manager

Chrysler Museum

Lori Flor

Lori Flor

Vice-Chair

Director of Security & Safety

University of California - San Diego Libraries

Ascanio Odorico

Ascanio Odorico

VP, Security & Risk Management 

Royal Ontario Museum

Ilan Levine

Ilan Levine

Security Manager

Frye Art Museum

Sharon Howard

JP Fatseas

Sr. Director of Operations

Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg

Lori Flor

Wei Liu

Director, Office of Public Safety

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Sharon Howard

Todd Lacy

Director of Security

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Lori Flor

Sarah Perry

Director of Security

Detroit Zoo

Ilan Levine

Risa Smith

Director of Protective Services

Toledo Museum of Art

organization liaisons

Justin Hitt

IFMA Museum/Cultural Institutions Council

Chris Singh

Senior Security Manager

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

ASIS Cultural Properties Steering Committee

Robert Carotenuto

Brooklyn Museum

AAM Security Professional Network