Becker's has compiled a list of 10 leaders charged with upholding the security infrastructure for their health systems.
Health system chief security officers play a critical role in safeguarding their organizations by designing and managing policies and programs that minimize risk to compliance, operations, strategy, physical assets and financial security. They are tasked with protecting personnel, resources and property, ensuring a secure environment. Often, they are tasked with overseeing the organization's entire security framework, ranging from the physical to the digital.
Note: Leaders are listed in alphabetical order. This list is not exhaustive, nor is it an endorsement of included leaders, organizations or associated healthcare providers. Organizations cannot pay for inclusion on this list. This list was compiled using editorial research, and we did not accept nominations for this list.
Contact Anna Falvey at afalvey@beckershealthcare.com with questions or comments.
Jason Barnett. Vice President and Chief Security Officer of HCA Healthcare (Nashville, Tenn.). With over two decades in technology, Mr. Barnett specializes in security operations, threat detection and response. As vice president and chief security officer at HCA Healthcare, he oversees physical security, privacy, identity engagement, business risk solutions and cybersecurity. His leadership ensures the protection of the organization’s hospitals and a network of more than 1,200 outpatient and physician clinics. By managing comprehensive security programs, he strengthens resilience against evolving threats. His expertise in risk mitigation and operational security plays a crucial role in safeguarding patient data and healthcare infrastructure.
Thomas Brasch. Director of Security at Northwell Health (New Hyde Park, N.Y.). Mr. Brasch leads a team of uniformed officers to enhance security operations, implementing modern investigative strategies to address workplace violence, theft and missing persons. He develops and enforces protocols for personnel investigations, threat assessments and risk mitigation to proactively identify and manage security threats. His leadership ensures hospital compliance with federal regulatory standards while prioritizing patient safety and quality care. By reviewing and updating policies, protocols and job descriptions, he strengthens departmental efficiency and regulatory adherence. Known for his ability to work under pressure with precision, he excels in maintaining security standards while fostering collaboration. His commitment to protecting lives and property reflects a strong personal integrity and dedication to comprehensive safety measures.
Ed Daniels. Chief Security Officer and Senior Vice President of Security for Cardinal Health (Dublin, Ohio). As chief security officer and vice president of security for Cardinal health, Mr. Daniels oversees global security, environmental health and safety, aviation, meetings and events, real estate and facilities. With extensive experience in program management, risk management, regulatory compliance and IT security, he has led complex initiatives across diverse environments. His ability to engage with C-suite executives demonstrates strong analytical and communication skills, crucial for aligning security strategies with business objectives. He has successfully directed and influenced multiple teams of skilled professionals, ensuring operational efficiency and risk mitigation. His leadership spans domestic and international operations, bringing broad cultural and procedural expertise to security and business processes.
Michael Dunning. Assistant Vice President of Public Safety and Emergency Management for Scion Health (Louisville, Ky.). Mr. Dunning leads public safety, security and emergency management programs for Scion Health, which spans 94 hospital campuses, including 76 specialty hospitals, 18 community hospitals and eight senior living communities nationwide. Committed to creating safe environments for healthcare professionals, he ensures they can perform critical duties without security concerns. His passion for healthcare security also led him to establish The Healthcare Security Consulting Group, providing expert guidance to the industry. With experience supporting over 800 hospitals across the U.S., he has developed practical, prevention-focused security solutions tailored to healthcare organizations. His strategic approach strengthens security protocols, safeguards staff and fosters a culture of safety.
Derrick Lowe. Chief Security Officer for Orlando (Fla.) Health. As chief security officer at Orlando Health, Mr. Lowe oversees security risk and business resiliency programs, safeguarding the organization's 32 hospitals. His leadership spans physical and system access management, disaster recovery, cybersecurity operations and corporate security. Since joining in 2020, he has implemented a best-practices-driven security strategy, developed targeted playbooks and conducted regular training exercises across all sites. With over 20 years of experience, he has strengthened the system’s security posture and preparedness. His strategic initiatives ensure the protection of critical healthcare infrastructure while enhancing operational resilience.
Bryan McDowell. Vice President and Chief Security Officer at University Hospitals (Cleveland). As vice president and chief security officer at University Hospitals, Mr. McDowell oversees physical security, corporate business systems, cybersecurity, IT operations and legacy data management. Since joining in 2014, he has led critical security initiatives that enhance the organization’s resilience against evolving threats. With a comprehensive approach to security, he integrates advanced protections across both digital and physical infrastructures. His leadership ensures the safety and integrity of University Hospitals' systems while driving innovation in security operations.
David McGowan. Vice President of National Security Services at Kaiser Permanente (Oakland, Calif.). As vice president of national security services at Kaiser Permanente, Mr. McGowan oversees physical security operations, including technology, security force management, asset protection, investigations and executive protection. His leadership ensures the safety and security of Kaiser’s extensive healthcare network, aligning security protocols across diverse health maintenance and delivery channels. A key member of the enterprise business services and enterprise shared services executive leadership teams, he plays a vital role in organizational security strategy. Previously, he served as vice president of global protection services at Tiffany & Co. and as president of the board of directors for the International Security Management Association. His industry expertise was recognized in 2017 with the Security Industry Association's "Insightful Practitioner" award.
Keith Prewitt. Chief Public Safety & Security Officer for Jefferson Health (Philadelphia). Mr. Prewitt leads the Jefferson Health enterprise's public safety department, providing executive-level oversight to safeguard staff, students, faculty, patients, visitors and assets across university and medical facilities. He directs security operations, leveraging personnel, technology and processes to optimize resources and standardize security systems enterprisewide. Managing a $20 million budget, he enhances governance, workforce development and public safety training, including workplace violence prevention programs. His leadership has driven the creation of scalable security policies, ensuring compliance and operational efficiency across the organization. Additionally, he oversees internal investigations related to criminal activity, workforce integrity and physical security breaches, mitigating risks to Jefferson Health’s mission.
Gordon Snow. Chief Security Officer at Cleveland Clinic. As chief security officer at Cleveland Clinic, Mr. Snow oversees five key operational areas: police and global security, transportation, fleet management, parking and emergency management/business continuity. Since transitioning to this role in 2012, he has expanded and strengthened the security department, now leading a team of over 1,000 personnel. His expertise spans law enforcement, military operations and healthcare security, bringing a strategic approach to crisis management and risk mitigation. Skilled in hostage negotiation, intelligence analysis and crisis intervention, he ensures the safety and resilience of one of the nation’s top healthcare institutions. His leadership has transformed Cleveland Clinic’s security operations into a highly effective and comprehensive system. Through his experience and tactical expertise, he continues to enhance security infrastructure and emergency preparedness across the organization.
Dean Sobcoviak. Vice President and Chief Protective Services Officer for Sutter Health (Sacramento, Calif.). As chief protective services officer for Sutter Health, Mr. Sobcoviak oversees physical security strategy and operations for a network of acute care hospitals, surgery centers, physician organizations and medical research facilities. Leading the security team, he ensures the protection of Sutter Health’s people, assets and interests across communities throughout Northern and Central California. His responsibilities include developing and enforcing security policies, standards and monitoring systems to maintain compliance and mitigate risk. He also implements industry best practices and ongoing risk assessments to enhance security resilience. Under his leadership, the systemwide security function integrates advanced physical security architecture and regulatory compliance measures.