Certification Profile: Andrew Henecke, CPP, CBCP
Andrew Henecke, CPP, CBCP (Certified Business Continuity Professional), came to the security profession through a sense of duty that was less a choice than a calling. The latest in a six-generation family legacy of military service and inspired by his father's example, Henecke began his professional life on active duty in the U.S. Air Force, where discipline, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to the protection of others became the principles upon which everything that followed would be built.
Today, he continues to serve in the National Guard, maintaining a mission-focused approach to leadership and reinforcing the values that first drew him to a life of service, while also working as manager of physical security for Omaha Public Power District, a critical infrastructure organization that serves an estimated 900,000 individuals. In this role, Henecke oversees enterprise physical security programs and regulatory compliance. His foundation in military structure, operational readiness, and a deep sense of duty has shaped his career in security.
As Henecke transitioned from active duty into the Air National Guard and his first corporate security role, he paid close attention to the leaders he admired most and wished to emulate. Many carried professional designations that signaled credibility and expertise beyond their titles, prompting him to explore what those credentials represented. That curiosity led him to ASIS International, where he discovered the structure, standards, community, and mentors that helped translate his operational background into enterprise-level security leadership.
Through education, certification, and community engagement, ASIS and the Operation Career Change resources helped Henecke translate his public-sector experience into corporate security expertise and build a clear path toward leadership roles he once viewed as aspirational.
To deepen his expertise and challenge the way he approached security beyond day-to-day operations, Henecke pursued the Certified Protection Professional (CPP) designation.
“It pushed me to think more intentionally about risk, leadership, and how security programs support the broader organization,” he says. “Earning the certification increased my credibility with senior leaders and expanded my professional opportunities.”
Henecke also holds the Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP) credential from DRI International, which he says strengthened his ability to design resilient programs, particularly in critical infrastructure environments.
Looking back, he credits his ASIS membership with shaping much of his career trajectory and aiding his transition into the corporate security world. The relationships he built through the ASIS Military and Veterans Subject Area Community proved especially influential, offering mentorship and perspective during a pivotal period of change.
“The combination of certification, education, and community provided both credibility and perspective,” he says. “Learning from experienced practitioners helped me grow from an operational mindset into a program and people leader.”
Today, Henecke serves in a volunteer leadership role with the Military and Veterans Community, focusing on community engagement and giving back by supporting fellow veterans as they transition into corporate security roles. His work includes helping manage social media efforts that highlight members’ stories, share career insights, and provide practical resources to those navigating similar paths.
“The most meaningful part has been building connections and a sense of belonging within the community,” he says.
“My advice to others in the field is to remain intentional about growth, invest in community, and pursue learning that challenges not just what you know, but how you think.”
Lexi Tiffany is a communications manager at ASIS International. She holds a master’s degree in strategic and organizational communication from USC's Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.
