The Homeland Security Today awards annually recognize the people who devote their lives to protecting our people, our resources, and our way of life. From heroic efforts on duty to invaluable efforts behind the scenes, annually we gather to celebrate excellence, honor, and the daily successes of those working on the front lines and in a support capacity to ensure the safety of all Americans. We are proud to honor the following 2024 award recipients.
HOMELAND SECURITY PERSON OF THE YEAR
The GTSC Homeland Security Today Person of the Year is awarded to people who serve the homeland security mission in an exemplary fashion. These individuals have directly improved, executed, and/or engaged the proper people, agencies, or departments necessary to tangibly improve the nation's prevention, protection, mitigation, or response capacity to make America safer.
PERSON OF THE YEAR - LOCAL
Bridgett Lewis, Manager, Homeland Security, Port of Long Beach, CA
As Manager of Homeland Security at the Port of Long Beach, one of the nation's busiest and most strategic ports, Bridgett Lewis oversees security operations and directs the Central California Maritime Coordination Center (MCC). In her role, she leads multi-agency coordination efforts, collaborating with over 30 local, state, and federal law enforcement and maritime security agencies to ensure a secure environment across the port.
Beyond her operational role, Lewis's influence shapes the future of maritime safety as the head of the committee responsible for updating California's Maritime Security Strategy. As a state lead on the California Coastal Regional Maritime Domain Awareness committee, she works closely with the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services to advance state-level security initiatives that safeguard California's coastlines and ports. Her leadership in these initiatives highlights her strategic vision and expertise in strengthening California's maritime defenses.
Lewis also extends her impact to academia, serving as a part-time Homeland Security instructor at California State University, Long Beach. Her role in higher education enables her to train and mentor future security professionals, fostering a new generation of leaders equipped to handle the evolving challenges of homeland security. Her academic involvement underscores her commitment to the long-term development of the homeland security workforce.
In addition to her professional achievements, Lewis serves her community as a Councilmember for Torrance District 2, where she chairs the Citizen Enrichment Committee and sits on the Transportation and Community Planning Committees. Her civic leadership further extends to regional transportation issues, as she contributes to the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG). With bachelor's and master's degrees, along with a graduate certificate in Human Resources, Lewis exemplifies a holistic approach to leadership, blending her expertise in security, governance, and community service. Her contributions make her a true asset to homeland security.
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
The MVP award is given to an official or team that modernizes and improves the operations and performance of an agency, component, or division to increase capacity, speed delivery, use innovation and improve performance. These leaders also focus on the future - developing strategies and plans to address our constantly changing, dynamic threat environment.
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER - STATE
California Maritime Security Council Maritime Domain Awareness (CMSC MDA)
The California Maritime Security Council Maritime Domain Awareness (CMSC MDA) Subcommittee is recognized for its groundbreaking efforts to enhance maritime domain awareness across California. Formed in 2022 by a multi-jurisdictional team, the MDA Subcommittee includes key representatives from the U.S. Coast Guard District 11, California Office of Emergency Services (CALOES), San Diego Law Enforcement Coordination Center (SDLECC), San Francisco Marine Exchange, NOAA, the Port of Long Beach, and the Port of San Diego. Together, these members have created a powerful, cohesive force aimed at improving the safety, security, and environmental resilience of California's ports, bays, marinas, and inland waterways.
Over the past year, the MDA Subcommittee has shown an extraordinary commitment to state security by pioneering comprehensive, multi-tiered information-sharing strategies that have enhanced safety across California's maritime domain. A cornerstone of the subcommittee's success is its leadership and dedication to elevating California's situational awareness through the California Coastal Regional Common Operating Picture (CCR COP). This dynamic platform integrates intelligence, surveillance, and navigation systems, providing real-time data that is accessible to federal, state, and local agencies. By offering a shared operating picture, CCR COP has proven invaluable for maritime operations during high-profile events, such as Fleet Weeks in San Francisco and San Diego, enabling seamless coordination across numerous stakeholders.
The MDA Subcommittee excels in fostering a collaborative environment among state, local, federal, and private partners. This commitment to partnership has significantly strengthened California's ability to preempt, mitigate, and respond to both predictable and unforeseen maritime threats. Through the establishment of a robust information-sharing network, the MDA Subcommittee has developed a security ecosystem that benefits all facets of California's maritime industry, setting a high standard for other states to follow.
One of the subcommittee's most notable achievements this past year has been its contributions to security and emergency management. Leveraging the CCR COP platform, the subcommittee has improved emergency response capabilities by providing real-time situational awareness, a critical asset in maritime incident management. For example, the Port of San Diego's recent tabletop exercise, which utilized CCR COP to test early warning protocols, exemplifies the practical and life-saving impact of these advancements. Additionally, MDA Subcommittee members have shared their expertise at conferences and training exercises across California, promoting education and innovative practices that strengthen maritime domain awareness statewide.
The CMSC MDA Subcommittee's dedication to information-sharing and collaborative security has not only improved California's maritime safety and resilience but also set a national benchmark for maritime domain awareness. Through innovative technology use, strong partnerships, and a commitment to preparedness, the MDA Subcommittee has ensured that California's maritime sector remains resilient, safe, and ready to confront emerging threats, earning the team the title of Most Valuable Player: State.
HOMELAND'S MISSION AWARDEES
Each year, Homeland Security Today honors shining stars in the community who are making their own unique, invaluable contributions to advance the mission of keeping America safer from myriad threats. Their strong commitment to mission touches every part of their work, from day-to-day operations to special projects and work in the community.
Brad Hepburn, Coordinator, Maritime, Homeland Security Division, Governor's Office of Emergency Services, CA
Brad Hepburn is a dedicated leader in maritime security and logistics, serving as the Coordinator for CalOES Homeland Security - Maritime. In this role he is critical to safeguarding California's maritime infrastructure. He achieves this mission through his strategic oversight and deep expertise that translates into a cohesive network of collaboration across state, local, and federal levels that is essential in protecting vital infrastructure and addressing emerging threats. Hepburn's work ensures that California's critical maritime resources are protected, while also preparing agencies to respond swiftly and effectively to any potential security challenges.
Beyond his role with CalOES, Hepburn is the commanding officer of the U.S. Army's 201st Transportation Detachment, leading a team responsible for vital logistical and transportation operations based at Mare Island, CA. This role underscores his exceptional ability to handle dynamic logistical challenges, supporting critical military and homeland security operations.
Brad Hepburn's significant contributions to state and national security showcase a career committed to mission and built on his dedication to excellence, collaborative security efforts, and unwavering service to his community and country.
Edward Seebald, Founder and CEO, Seebald & Associates International
After retiring from the United States Coast Guard in 2003, Edward Seebald recognized an urgent need to modernize the security protocols for maritime facilities across the country. Leveraging a team of top experts in Maritime law, cybersecurity, compliance, training, and strategic facility defense, he founded Seebald & Associates to transform the standards of port security nationwide, fortifying our infrastructure against evolving threats.
His work includes a 360-degree methodology that enables his partners to proactively address and adapt to emerging threats, ensuring that America's maritime security infrastructure remains resilient and agile. He has also cultivated a unique platform for knowledge-sharing and collaboration through the annual Facility Security Officer (FSO) Symposium. This event brings together port security professionals from across the nation and around the world, offering direct access to regulatory leaders and industry pioneers who share best practices and future strategies. The FSO Symposium has become a crucial resource for fostering a cohesive network within the maritime security field, facilitating connections that empower rapid response and expanded resources in times of need.