​The ASIS Women in Security Council will pay tribute to Dr. Linda Florence, CPP, on Monday night at the annual Karen Marquez Honors award ceremony.

Owner and president of The Florence Group, LLC, Florence has served as the chair of the ASIS Foundation Board for the past three years and is an active member of ASIS International.

During her tenure, she's actively sought strategic alliances with Phoenix University and Webster College to allow members to continue their education. Through these eff orts, more than half-a-million dollars in scholarships have been awarded to ASIS members.

Additionally, Florence is helping to create a new process for research by ASIS Foundation projects and working with councils and institutions to stimulate new research to change how the industry views criminal ​justice.

For instance, one of her projects identified security management key competencies in concert with the U.S. Department of Labor for education programs and for hiring professionals.

"Linda is a leader who cares passionately about adding value to the criminal justice profession," wrote Lee Cloney, regional director of training for Securitas USA, in her nomination application. "As an academic, she has influenced the direction of new knowledge for our profession and has taken a leadership role in finding opportunities for scholarships for many security leaders."

Florence has previously received the President's Award of Merit by ASIS International President Rich Widup, CPP, in 2014, and is a frequent presenter at ASIS events.

The award is named for Karen Marquez, the co-owner and executive president of MVM, Inc., a physical security services firm based in Virginia, who passed away in 2006 after a long battle with cancer. During her 23-year career, Marquez brought hands-on expertise to global security management issues.

To be considered for this award, candidates must be ASIS members in good standing or an ASIS Life Member. The experience criteria include several significant benchmarks: a minimum of 15 years of experience or the equivalent in law enforcement or military service, or 10 years of experience if the candidate has achieved an ASIS certification.

Those making the nomination should describe the significant contributions made by the women being nominated to the advancement of the physical security industry. Candidates must also attend GSX to be considered.​

The awards ceremony will be held from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino (3000 Paradise Rd). The event is free, and open to GSX attendees.