Blog

Denise Niles
Vice President - Strategic Partnerships
Alliance Security

Business Development, Women's and Sales Committee Member

“I decided this past year to have a mentor through PSA. It was life changing. Starting a new job and the many adjustments over the past two years was challenging; however, my mentor worked with me, and I owe him so much.”

Denise Niles entered the security industry as a part-time receptionist for a local integrator when she was in college. Fast forward to today, and Denise is Alliance Security’s vice president of strategic partnerships. Throughout her notable career, Denise credits her success to her passion for development and the security industry’s everlasting necessity.   

In her current role, Denise works with engineering teams and develops new associations with varying groups to promote Alliance Security’s unique brand and cultivate new clients.  

“Although my role is sales, having the ability to grow, educate and create new opportunities is something I never had sufficient time to pursue,” said Denise. “Now, my career has progressed and expanded more than I thought. Developing sales alliances and strategies, working more with different departments and the internal support at Alliance has been incredible.” 

Nine years ago, Denise joined her first PSA Committee focused on sales and marketing.  

“When I first heard about the PSA committees, I was determined to join,” said Denise. “I love collaboration, and having others in the committee from across the U.S. was very exciting. How do they do it? What challenges do they have, and are they similar to my challenges?” 

Today, Denise sits on three committees and continues to benefit from sharing knowledge among members.  

“PSA does an amazing job with committees,” said Denise. “I’m a member of the Women’s Committee, which is incredible and full of rockstars, the Business Development Committee, which is quite interesting to hear different views and of course the Sales Committee, which is always helpful and truly educational. Learning from others and their strategies keeps you fresh, and in this industry, especially as a woman, that is important.” 

As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Denise recounts her early days at security functions where it was typical to see one woman for every 100 men. Today, women are still underrepresented in the industry, but the number is growing due to inclusivity, involvement and additional vital factors.  

“As a woman, we need to know as much as the men, and maybe even a bit more,” said Denise. “We must get involved. I’m thankful to my amazing mentor and several inspiring colleagues as they are a prime example of how the allyship between men and women can solidify and teach each other. My advice to women entering this industry – find your allies, get involved and try to not get discouraged. The world is a much smaller place than you think and connecting is so easy.” 

In addition to her involvement on PSA Committees, Denise also enrolled in PSA’s mentorship program for committee members. She credits the program as having a life-changing impact on her career as it was the first time she became a mentee.  

“I have been an ‘official’ mentor for a few years, and I find it incredibly rewarding,” said Denise. “Unofficially, I have a few people who I have worked with and mentored – some in the industry and some outside the industry. After all these years, I decided this past year to have a mentor through PSA. It was life changing. Starting a new job and the many adjustments over the past two years was challenging; however, my mentor worked with me, and I owe him so much. PSA was instrumental in finding the right person and working with my request.”  

Overall, a focus on development drives Denise’s success and interest in her current role and in the security industry. Whether she is developing relationships, new systems, clients, committee members or mentees, the knowledge that she, in some way, is making a difference and contributing to safety is a humbling and rewarding motivation. 

Outside of Denise’s professional life, she is active with her kids, friends and family and loves live music, hockey and reading. Professionally, she is working on her master’s degree, serves on the board for ASIS NYC and Moms in Security Global Outreach (MISGO), a committee member for Queens Chamber of Commerce, Security Industry Association (SIA), Professional Women in Construction and Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA).  

“The main tip I can recommend is to take advantage of every opportunity you can and never stop learning,” said Denise. “Read, network, stay active and ask questions. When you get frustrated (and you will!), clear your head – blast music, play with your dog, run, read, etc.” 

Interested in joining a PSA committee? Learn more!