Stephanie Mayes

AUSTIN, Texas—Security Systems News’ monthly column Specifically Speaking features Stephanie Mayes, security market leader at Mead & Hunt.

Based in Middleton, Wis., Mead & Hunt is a national architecture, engineering and construction services firm that provides design, planning and consulting solutions for both public and private sectors. Founded in 1900, the company primarily focuses on large-scale infrastructure projects, including airports, highways, bridges and renewable energy facilities.

“I lead and grow our security consulting practice within the firm’s Technology Services group,” Mayes said. “My role includes client engagement, strategic direction and practice growth. In practical terms, that means working with clients to understand their priorities, guiding project teams and helping weave security into broader planning, infrastructure and operational decisions.”

The following is an exclusive Q&A with Mayes:

SSN: What kinds of systems do you design/specify and what services does the company provide?

Mayes: At Mead and Hunt, we provide planning, design and advisory services for physical security programs and systems. That includes access control and identity management, video surveillance and management platforms, intrusion detection, perimeter protection, intercom and mass notification systems, and security operations centers.

We also support clients with vulnerability assessments, security master planning, operational evaluations, technology infrastructure integration, security program development and business continuity and resilience planning.

A key part of our approach is helping clients get more value out of the technology they already have or strategically enhance it to address both operational and compliance needs, rather than treating security as a standalone investment. In many cases, organizations already have the data and tools they need, but they are not yet using them to drive broader operational or business decisions.

SSN: What vertical markets does the company specialize in? Any interesting projects that you can mention?

Mayes: We work across several vertical markets, including aviation and transportation, higher education, federal and critical infrastructure, data centers and commercial facilities.

Many of these environments operate around the clock, so the solutions have to be resilient, scalable and practical for day-to-day use.

In one case, we supported an airport client in leveraging analytics within their existing security systems to better understand tenant operating patterns, which helped inform decisions tied to lease compliance and revenue.

In another example, a client used video analytics and LiDAR data to monitor vehicle flow and checkpoint activity, giving them better visibility into wait times and allowing them to make more informed operational adjustments.

That range of applications is one of the things I enjoy most about this work, because every organization has a different mission, operating model and set of challenges, and security can play a meaningful role in supporting all of them.

SSN: How did you get started in security and designing/specifying?

Mayes: I started on the operations side of the security industry with a systems integrator, which gave me a practical understanding of how security programs work day to day.

From there, I moved into program management and sales leadership roles, and I also spent time on the manufacturing side. That gave me exposure to a wide range of technologies, project types and vertical markets.

Over time, that led me into consulting and design, where I realized I could make the biggest impact by helping organizations think through why they need something, not just what to install.

That operational foundation still shapes how I approach the work today. I’m always thinking about how systems will actually be used, maintained, and integrated into everyday operations.

SSN: Can you talk about what new or emerging technologies you are seeing or specifying today?

Mayes: There are several technologies shaping the market right now. One of the biggest is artificial intelligence (AI), especially in video, where it helps organizations move from passive monitoring to faster, more informed response.

We’re also seeing continued convergence between physical security, IT and cybersecurity, and that’s changing how systems are planned, deployed and managed across the enterprise.

Cloud and hybrid deployments are also gaining traction in video surveillance and access control because they offer more flexibility. At the same time, mobile credentials, biometrics and stronger identity solutions are shaping how access is managed, while open standards and interoperability continue to matter for clients that want systems that can evolve over time.

Taken together, those trends point to one of the biggest shifts in our industry: organizations are thinking less about technology itself and more about how security systems support operations and better decision-making.

SSN: What is your view on the industry moving forward?

Mayes: I think our industry will continue moving toward greater integration, closer alignment with business operations and earlier involvement in organizational planning. Security leaders are increasingly expected to contribute to resilience, continuity and overall organizational performance, not just protection alone.