Women in Security Profile: ‘Inclusiveness is no longer an afterthought for this industry, but a must,’ says Tiffany Renz

LANCASTER, Pa.—Tiffany Renz truly believes the security industry has turned a corner when it comes to addressing diversity.  

“My opinion is that the industry as a whole is finally doing a better job addressing diversity, especially these last few years,” says Renz, North American director of sales for HID’s Secure Issuance FARGO division. “Having been in it for 16-plus years, I see the changes that have been happening, and it could not make me happier.” 

Renz tries to actively participate in subcommittees in the Security Industry Association (SIA) Women in Security Forum (WISF), ASIS and other similar groups, noting that she sees a difference when it comes to the acceptance of women in what has traditionally been a male-dominated field.  

“In these groups, I can see that inclusiveness is no longer an afterthought for this industry, but a must,” she stated. “I strongly encourage both women and men to get more involved in the various associations like SIA and ASIS – it will enrich both your professional and personal life tenfold.” 

As part of Security Systems News’ and the SIA Women in Security Forum’s continuing series highlighting the contributions of women in security, the following is an exclusive Q&A with Renz:  

SSN: What are your current roles and responsibilities? 

Renz: My scope of responsibility includes the entire FARGO card printer portfolio, along with our ID badging solutions, including AsureID and HID FARGO Connect.  

As a sales leader, you can often find me on calls with our partners and end users, hitting the streets of a trade show floor, or visiting customers on-site. I bullishly will say I lead the best team of sales professionals in this industry and wouldn’t be successful without them. 

SSN: How did you get into the security industry? What motivates you to stay? 

Renz: I got into this industry without any knowledge of what the industry actually was. I did not have a clue what access control, HID, visitor management, or even card readers were. There was an inside sales job at a local company called IDenticard that I took after college, and 16 years later the rest is history.  

Now currently at HID, I stay because I genuinely love the people and our daily mission to provide a suite of products that make a difference in an organization. The technological piece keeps things interesting and fun, being in an industry that is so critically needed. I love when we get a new project or out-of-the-box application that gets us excited. Every day is something new and challenging. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. 

SSN: What has your journey been like in a male-dominated industry without much diversity? 

Renz: Male allies are such a necessary component of finding success, and there are so many incredible ones in this industry. The journey has definitely changed the last few years as so many more women continue to enter, and it’s been a fantastic ride. 

SSN: What advice would you give other women thinking about getting into the security industry, or who are just getting started? 

Renz: Be confident in yourself and jump in! The security industry has so much to offer, and sometimes you need to push through any discomfort about being new or inexperienced. I genuinely think women will find that other women in this industry really do want to lift each other up and support each other.