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Certification Profile: Marcelo Wilson, CPP 

Marcelo Wilson, CPP, has always felt drawn to the mission of defense and protection. Even playing sports in his youth, Wilson always preferred to play defense. This inclination naturally drew him towards a career in security and defense. 

Wilson started his career in the National Navy of Uruguay, where he served for 30 years. Wilson’s naval service nurtured his passion for and commitment to the defense of his homeland, community, and family, as well as a love for the sea.  

After completing his military service, Wilson was offered an opportunity to work as a director at TUZLA S.A. Seguridad Perimetral, a leading physical security company. In this role, Wilson worked to bring perimeter security elements and innovations to Uruguay. Over the course of a decade, the organization grew to be the market leader in perimeter security in Uruguay. 

Wilson continued to advance in his career and was offered a position as a security risk manager for Katoen Natie, an international logistics provider and port operator. In this new position, Wilson worked in asset protection at the largest port facility in the country. In addition to fulfilling his passion for security, this opportunity brought him back to the sea. 

In his new role at the port facility, Wilson learned that all ports are required to have International Ship and Port Facility Security Code certifications, which require and confirm that ports have all the necessary protection measures. Seeing the value of such a certification, Wilson decided to seek a certification of his own—not to demonstrate the competency of a facility but his skill set and expertise. 

“I felt that I should have some such support, and the CPP covered everything that I considered important,” Wilson says. 

Wilson joined ASIS and began studying for his Certified Protection Professional (CPP®) certification. With dedication and hard work, Wilson was able to study for and earn his CPP in just one semester. 

“Joining ASIS allowed me to connect with a very valuable group of people who shared my enthusiasm and concerns,” Wilson says. “But more importantly, I can take advantage of their many experiences and learn about the entire security landscape.” 

Soon after earning his certification, Wilson began to see its value. Through his studying and working with other members, he was able to better organize his knowledge of the industry. He also found that certification increased his credibility with the C-suite. 

“As a security head, I report directly to the CEO and owners of the company,” Wilson says. “Once I obtained the certification, my word got a different rating, and it became easier for me to succeed.” 

Although Wilson values the added credibility of his membership and certification, he also recognizes and appreciates the importance of being accountable to a high standard of security. 

“Being a member of ASIS is more than ‘wearing prestige,’ it is an assumed responsibility,” Wilson says. "It mandates me to keep myself up to date in everything related to security and to be a worthy representative of it.” 

In addition to earning his certification, Wilson got involved with the local ASIS chapter in Montevideo, Uruguay’s capital city. He was an active chapter member for multiple years before accepting the chapter vice chair position in 2022. Today he serves as the chapter chair, crediting his ability to become chair and succeed to his chapter’s support. 

“When I need the support of a comrade, I know that I have them within reach of my cell phone,” Wilson says. 

 

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

 

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