Security Magazine logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Security Magazine logo
  • NEWS
    • Security Newswire
    • Technologies & Solutions
  • MANAGEMENT
    • Leadership Management
    • Enterprise Services
    • Security Education & Training
    • Logical Security
    • Security & Business Resilience
    • Profiles in Excellence
  • PHYSICAL
    • Access Management
    • Fire & Life Safety
    • Identity Management
    • Physical Security
    • Video Surveillance
    • Case Studies (Physical)
  • CYBER
    • Cybersecurity News
    • More
  • BLOG
  • COLUMNS
    • Cyber Tactics
    • Leadership & Management
    • Security Talk
    • Career Intelligence
    • Leader to Leader
    • Cybersecurity Education & Training
  • EXCLUSIVES
    • Annual Guarding Report
    • Most Influential People in Security
    • The Security Benchmark Report
    • Top Guard and Security Officer Companies
    • Top Cybersecurity Leaders
    • Women in Security
  • SECTORS
    • Arenas / Stadiums / Leagues / Entertainment
    • Banking/Finance/Insurance
    • Construction, Real Estate, Property Management
    • Education: K-12
    • Education: University
    • Government: Federal, State and Local
    • Hospitality & Casinos
    • Hospitals & Medical Centers
    • Infrastructure:Electric,Gas & Water
    • Ports: Sea, Land, & Air
    • Retail/Restaurants/Convenience
    • Transportation/Logistics/Supply Chain/Distribution/ Warehousing
  • EVENTS
    • Industry Events
    • Webinars
    • Solutions by Sector
    • Security 500 Conference
  • MEDIA
    • Videos
      • Cybersecurity & Geopolitical Discussion
      • Ask Me Anything (AMA) Series
    • Podcasts
    • Polls
    • Photo Galleries
  • MORE
    • Call for Entries
    • Classifieds & Job Listings
    • Continuing Education
    • Newsletter
    • Sponsor Insights
    • Store
    • White Papers
  • EMAG
    • eMagazine
    • This Month's Content
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP!
CybersecurityManagementPhysicalSecurity Talk ColumnEnterprise Services

Goodbye and thank you

By Diane Ritchey
Sec Talk
Sec Talk
Sec Talk
Sec Talk
September 4, 2020

After 11 years, 135 columns and more than 250 feature articles and cover stories…it is time for me to say goodbye as Editor-in-Chief of Security magazine.

As an Editor-in-Chief, I have learned how to handle just about anything. In any given day, I’ve jumped from writing a cover story to posting on social media, to responding to emails from PR agencies, to consulting with my art director about the next print or digital edition, to moderating a webinar, or organizing a
conference.

One thing I never learned, though, was how to write about myself, which includes any deep reflection about what the past 11 years have meant to me. Even as I write this, in early August, my thoughts are consumed by all of the things still left to do before I leave.

Eleven years in one role is a long time, yes, but I never really thought about it that way – I was busy pushing forward each day to deliver stories and content that I hope have helped you to mitigate risk in your organizations.

Each day at Security magazine, for me, has been filled with a sense of purpose, and it has been a privilege to live that commitment for the past 11 years. I have always placed much thought and importance on the work that we do and the words that we publish. There has never been a day when I have not felt the weight of the impact that our writing and reporting can have on your roles and the security industry as a whole. I have always strived to publish content that you could use to do your job better, and I hope that I have achieved that goal.

This year, especially, with COVID-19 affecting us all professionally and personally, I have never been more proud of what you do each day to mitigate risk and to keep people, property and assets safe.

I want to thank all of you – every Security magazine reader who has taken the time to read my stories and to share your views and successes with me. What an honor it has been for me to communicate with you and the security industry at large the passion that you all have for your roles, why you do what you do and why you enjoy doing it.

Another reason that I’ve stayed in this role for so long is because of my colleagues – past and present. They include former publishers Mark McCourt and Chris Ward, current publisher Gary Merrill, former Editor-in-Chief Bill Zalud and current Associate Editor Maria Henriquez. Mike Holmes, my Art Director, and Lyn Sopala, my Senior Production Manager, are extremely talented individuals who made my job easier every day. My sales team is the best in the industry – Jackie Bean, Kent Beaver and Ben Skidmore. It has also been a pleasure to work with the editorial team from sister publication SDM – Karyn Hodgson, Maggie Shein and Courtney Wolfe.

Thank you to all of the talented individuals at PR agencies who respected my deadlines and who sent me creative pitches, some that resulted in fun pieces to write and to share.

The good news is that I am staying in the security industry, as Marketing Director for Zenitel USA, which is a provider of intelligent communications systems, specifically, fully integrated communication platforms that include Intercom, Public Address and two-way Radio Systems. I am looking forward to seeing all of you at future ISC West, Security 500 and other industry conferences and events!

Goodbye, take care and see all of you soon!

 

KEYWORDS: COVID-19 risk management security industry security leaders Security magazine

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Diane 2016 200

Diane Ritchey was former Editor, Communications and Content for Security magazine beginning in 2009. She has an experienced background in publishing, public relations, content creation and management, internal and external communications. Within her role at Security, Ritchey organized and executed the annual Security 500 conference, researched and wrote exclusive cover stories, managed social media, and authored the monthly Security Talk column.

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
To unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • Security's Top Cybersecurity Leaders 2024

    Security's Top Cybersecurity Leaders 2024

    Security magazine's Top Cybersecurity Leaders 2024 award...
    Security Leadership and Management
    By: Security Staff
  • cyber brain

    The intersection of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence

    Artificial intelligence (AI) is a valuable cybersecurity...
    Security Leadership and Management
    By: Pam Nigro
  • artificial intelligence AI graphic

    Assessing the pros and cons of AI for cybersecurity

    Artificial intelligence (AI) has significant implications...
    Technologies & Solutions
    By: Charles Denyer
Manage My Account
  • Security eNewsletter & Other eNews Alerts
  • eMagazine Subscriptions
  • Manage My Preferences
  • Online Registration
  • Mobile App
  • Subscription Customer Service

More Videos

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the Security audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of Security or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

close
  • Sureview screen
    Sponsored bySureView Systems

    The Evolution of Automation in the Command Center

  • Crisis Response Team
    Sponsored byEverbridge

    Automate or Fall Behind – Crisis Response at the Speed of Risk

  • Perimeter security
    Sponsored byAMAROK

    Why Property Security is the New Competitive Advantage

Popular Stories

Rendered computer with keyboard

16B Login Credentials Exposed in World’s Largest Data Breach

Verizon on phone screen

61M Records Listed for Sale Online, Allegedly Belong to Verizon

Security’s 2025 Women in Security

Security’s 2025 Women in Security

Red spiderweb

From Retail to Insurance, Scattered Spider Changes Targets

blurry multicolored text on black screen

PowerSchool Education Technology Company Announces Data Breach

2025 Security Benchmark banner

Events

July 17, 2025

Tech in the Jungle: Leveraging Surveillance, Access Control, and Technology in Unique Environments

What do zebras, school groups and high-tech surveillance have in common? They're all part of a day’s work for the security team at the Toledo Zoo.

August 7, 2025

Threats to the Energy Sector: Implications for Corporate and National Security

The energy sector has found itself in the crosshairs of virtually every bad actor on the global stage.

View All Submit An Event

Products

Security Culture: A How-to Guide for Improving Security Culture and Dealing with People Risk in Your Organisation

Security Culture: A How-to Guide for Improving Security Culture and Dealing with People Risk in Your Organisation

See More Products

Related Articles

  • Bill Zalud photo

    Goodbye, Bill

    See More
  • Goodbye, Do Not Disturb Signs - Security Magazine

    Saying Goodbye to "Do Not Disturb" Signs

    See More
  • SEC0520-talk-Feat-slide1_900px

    Goodbye and Good Luck, Laura

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • CPTED.jpg

    CPTED and Traditional Security Countermeasures: 150 Things You Should Know

  • 150 things.jpg

    Physical Security: 150 Things You Should Know 2nd Edition

  • databasehacker

    The Database Hacker's Handboo

See More Products
×

Sign-up to receive top management & result-driven techniques in the industry.

Join over 20,000+ industry leaders who receive our premium content.

SIGN UP TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Store
    • Want More
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • eNewsletter
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing