Handren was chosen by the Canadian Security Editorial Advisory Board during a meeting held June 15. Those who selected him cited his depth of responsibility at RBC, Canada’s largest bank, and his strengths in team building and endorsement of continuing education for his staff.

“Ric stands out; he is a true seasoned Director of Security of a national and international organization and as such he is responsible for a large portfolio and is highly visible in both the business function in his organization and the security and law enforcement community,” says Pat Bishop of Profile Investigation, a member a of the Canadian Security editorial advisory board.

“He empowers his internal staff to handle their individual portfolios and supports their input. He is certified as a CFE and CPP and he was nominated by a CPP from within his organization.

Handren will be honoured this fall at the annual Security Director of the Year dinner to be held in October. The fourth annual competition is sponsored by Anixter Canada.

Bishop also noted that Handren, who has been in the position for six years, promotes certification and continuing education and requires that all of his direct reports must obtain a certification relating to the security industry either before hire or within a certain period after being hired.

“Ric walked into that position and with some good people really turned the organization around,” said editorial advisory board member Paul Carson, vice-president, Ontario and Atlantic Canada for Garda.

Handren was nominated for the award by Lina Tsakiris, Manager of Physical Security with RBC Protection Services in Toronto. In her nomination Tsakiris said: “Ric's superior leadership skills are shown in his department through his ability to inspire independent thought and encourage autonomous action amongst his staff. Creative problem solving is encouraged and he maintains an organizational resilience. He asks for feedback and ideas from his subordinates and is an exceptional kind, gentle, yet fearless leader.”