​For years, service-driven security professionals Oksana Farber and Joe McDonald, CPP, PSP, have eagerly lent a hand. It was fitting, then, when their hands accepted a prestigious honor—the President's Award of Merit for 2018.

ASIS President Richard E. Chase, CPP, PCI, PSP, presented plaques yesterday to Farber and McDonald. He applauded both members' distinguished contributions to the security profession and association.

"Both have represented the very best in unselfish volunteer commitment and mentoring of so many of us over the years," Chase said. He called them "exceptional volunteers" and cited examples of their leadership and engagement.

Oksana Farber is president of Trident Master Executive Development and chair of the ASIS Law Enforcement Liaison Council (LELC). She is a champion of communication and collaboration—the kind of leader who prefers whiteboard ideas to red tape.

Much of her security career has involved building relationships between public and private organizations, helping law enforcement, public safety agencies, and businesses coordinate resources and share information.

"All great things," she once told a reporter, "are accomplished through teamwork, not individually."

Farber advocates for the upward mobility of women in the industry, and has called ASIS "one of the best security building blocks to management a woman or man should immediately consider."

She influenced the transition of the LELC into the association's council system. Her development in 2008 of the "LELC Administrative Book" specified the operations and goals of the council.

Also, along with Detective Matthew Simeone, Farber influenced the inclusion of security representation in the joint intelligence network of Nassau County, New York. This led to the development of the Nassau County Security/Police Information network.

Joe McDonald, CPP, PSP, has been an active ASIS member and volunteer for more than 25 years. He is chair of the GSX 2018 Host Committee and serves as secretary of the ASIS Foundation Board of Trustees. 

As chief security officer of Las Vegas-based technology firm Switch, McDonald—who is now retired—was responsible for personnel, infrastructure, information, and other security issues. His career includes positions as a defense contractor, corporate facility security officer, security and facilities director for a national bank call center, and municipal police officer.

McDonald's enthusiasm for security is infectious, and his service to ASIS has been continual. He has served on the Board of Directors, as council vice president, as chair of the Gaming and Wagering Protection Council, as a member of multiple committees (Strategic Planning, Bylaws and Resolutions, and others), and as an annual meeting program reviewer.

"ASIS is grateful and thankful for all Oksana and Joe have done to help the Society achieve its mission, which is advancing security worldwide," Chase said.