
Critical Planning for Return to Work: Safety, Security and Compliance
The past five years have dramatically altered the way we think about work, security and facility management. As the dust settles from the pandemic era, employees are still working remotely, a trend that has reshaped both public and private sector operations. As much as 2024 was a year for many organizations as they began transitioning toward a more permanent hybrid or in-office model, 2025 is set to be the year of “return to work” for federal, state and local government employees. With new federal mandates requiring employees to return to physical office spaces, government agencies must now prepare for a massive reintegration of staff while ensuring safety, security and compliance in their facilities. This change will highlight the critical gaps that will require updates to the existing infrastructure.
We will discuss how security systems – both physical (e.g., access controls, surveillance systems, Internet of Things integration, fire safety), digital (e.g., network security) and the security processes and protocols (change management) need to evolve to meet new challenges. From advanced building systems to upgraded technology.
Speakers
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Matt PowersVice President of Global Technology and Support Service, Wesco
Matt Powers is the vice president of global technology and support services at Wesco, where he leads the global field engineering, consulting and lab teams supporting physical security, data centers, Internet of Things, industrial controls and network infrastructure. With over 24 years of experience at Wesco, he combines deep technical expertise with leadership in sales and management. In 2010, while at Anixter (merged with Wesco in 2020), Powers was elected to the Technical Services Committee of ONVIF, where he played a key role in the development of global standards for IP-based physical security products. With over 14 years of experience focused on the physical security industry, he has worked with global integrators and end-users on complex security applications across various sectors, including citywide security, education, retail and critical infrastructure. Powers also led Anixter’s physical security testing efforts at the Anixter Infrastructure Solutions Lab and contributed to the development of the Ul 2802 standard for camera image quality performance. In 2014, he was recognized as one of the 40 most influential people in the security industry by IFSEC Global.
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Jay WilliamsVice President of Global Network Infrastructure, Wesco
Jay Williams is the vice president of sales for global network infrastructure at Wesco, where he leverages over 30 years of industry experience in manufacturing, distribution and infrastructure solutions. Throughout his career, Williams has built a reputation as a strategic leader, consistently driving growth and business development across multiple vertical markets. He has a proven track record of successfully positioning complex infrastructure solutions to meet the unique needs of diverse sectors. With more than 15 years of leadership in federally focused sales organizations, Williams has developed a deep understanding of the federal marketplace, including the challenges and opportunities faced by governmental agencies. His extensive knowledge and vast network of relationships allow him to offer a unique perspective on how federal agencies and employees are navigating the convergence of emerging technologies, particularly in the context of the ongoing transition back to the office. Williams is committed to driving innovation and delivering solutions that not only meet but exceed the expectations of federal clients, helping them navigate the evolving technological landscape.