Certification Profile: Oswald Smiley, CPP, PSP

In high school, Oswald Smiley, CPP, PSP, PE (Professional Engineer), was a member of the Jamaica Combined Cadet Force (JCCF), a youth organization modeled after the military that is designed to give young people structure and stability. His involvement in the JCCF sparked Smiley’s original interest in security.

After graduating high school in 1987, Smiley worked as a maintenance technician for a few years before finding a position as a field service supervisor at Jamaica Public Service Company, Ltd. In this role, he worked extensively with loss control, which furthered his curiosity about the security sector.

In 1997, Smiley re-enlisted with the JCCF in the adult division, where he completed basic military training. Smiley’s time there solidified his passion for security, and some of his peers encouraged him to pursue a career in security more seriously.

Smiley continued to work his way up at Jamaica Public Service Company, Ltd., while pursuing multiple professional certifications and a master’s degree. In 2013, Smiley completed an MBA from Florida Atlantic University.

Since completing his basic military training, Smiley has been familiar with ASIS International and regularly attended local chapter meetings as a guest. However, due to his many academic and professional commitments, he did not formally become a member until 2020. 

Shortly after joining ASIS, Smiley decided to work towards certification. In 2022, Smiley earned his Certified Protection Professional (CPP®) certification, and two years later, he earned the Physical Security Professional (PSP®) certification.

“Completing certification has really broadened my horizons, and I am now able to deliver world class service that meets the needs of my clients, colleagues and society,” Smiley says.

In the four years Smiley has been an ASIS member, he has been heavily involved with his local chapter and the association at large, serving as foundation liaison and newsletter editor for the Jamaica chapter in the past, and currently serving as the Jamaica chapter chair. Smiley has also volunteered as an ASIS mentor, Connects ambassador, and helped others get APP and CPP certified as part of the ASIS Training of Trainers program. Smiley also serves on the Utilities Security Community’s steering committee.

“ASIS allows me to connect with many security professionals around the globe that created that needed networking at the click of a button,” he adds. “This opens my knowledge to global security best practices. It has increased my passion to continue contributing my knowledge to protect our community and society.”

Smiley now works as an operations area manager at Jamaica Public Service Company, Ltd., and as a physical security and training consultant.

Emily Callahan is a communications specialist for ASIS International. Connect with her on LinkedIn here.