The business of Security^™

For most people, “executive protection” conjures images of oversized agents in dark suits, scanning crowds behind mirrored sunglasses. But for Steve Ricciardi, former U.S. Secret Service agent and Managing Director at Corporate Security Advisors (CSA), that image couldn’t be further from the reality — or the mission — of a well-constructed protection program.

Workplace violence is reshaping hospital operations—impacting staff safety, care delivery, and financial performance. As these incidents grow more frequent and costly, they demand executive-level attention. This article explores how health system leaders can move safety from a reactive function to a strategic imperative that supports workforce stability and organizational resilience.

Many healthcare security programs have developed reactively, lacking clear governance structures that align with modern risk realities. Establishing foundational governance—through defined organizational ownership, a formal charter, and aligned risk management practices—is essential to maturing these programs and protecting people, assets, and reputation.