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Bay Area Security Directors Association is dedicated to fostering a community of security professionals committed to excellence and continuous learning.
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About us

Why Choose Us?

Bay Area Security Directors Association (BASDA) BASDA is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting security professionals in the San Francisco Bay Area. Our mission: As Bay Area safety and security professionals, we strive to:
  1. Foster mutual understanding, cooperation, and coordination among security management professionals in:
    • Security
    • Crime prevention
    • Fire safety
    • Training
  2. Promote high standards of professionalism among our members
  3. Ensure adherence to our code of ethics and by-laws
History:
  • Founded mid-1980s as Security Directors Association (SDA)
  • Initially focused on hotel security in San Francisco
  • Early communication: "Telephone Tree" system, later fax machines
  • Expanded to include tourism industry and surrounding neighborhoods
  • Renamed to BASDA to reflect broader scope
Evolution:
  • Started as a networking platform for hotel security
  • Expanded to include various security professionals across industries
  • Now encompasses large and small businesses, law enforcement, and government agencies
Current membership includes:
  • Hotel security directors (large, small, and boutique)
  • Hotel executive managers
  • Building owners
  • Office managers
  • Retail business operators
  • Security contractors
  • District attorneys' offices
  • Local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies
BASDA continues to facilitate information sharing and best practices in safety and security operations across diverse sectors in the Bay Area.
ABOUT US

Board Members

The BASDA board comprises seasoned professionals with extensive experience in the security industry. Collectively, board members bring decades of expertise to the organization, with many individuals boasting 20+ years in various security roles. This wealth of knowledge ensures that BASDA remains at the forefront of security practices, providing valuable insights and leadership to its members across the Bay Area.
Yama Anwary
Executive Director
Yama currently serves as the Complex Director of Safety and Security for Hilton San Francisco and Parc 55. Before joining Hilton, he dedicated 26 years to Marriott International, most recently as the Director of Security and Safety at the San Francisco Marriott Marquis. In addition to his professional roles, Yama also serves as a reserve officer in the East Bay.
Todd Chritton
Secretary
Over 37 years of experience in the security industry. Started working full time for Microbiz August 1st, 1983. Wore many hats such as Sales, Service and Installations for 15 years before settling down to Systems Engineering. And is the current CEO and Senior Partner. He holds the C-10 License and Alarm Qualified Manager. Member of BOMA Terrorist Task Force committee and was a former Toastmaster with the fighting 49ers. Has successfully engineered and sold some of the largest security systems in the history of Microbiz.
Al Casciato
Treasurer
With over 12 years of experience as a Captain in the San Francisco Police Department, he has developed core competencies in evidence, law enforcement, and criminal justice. His mission was to serve and protect the public, uphold the law, and foster trust and collaboration with diverse communities and stakeholders. As a retired police leader, he continues to leverage his field of expertise as an independent consultant and mentor to business associations, community groups, and non-profits, helping them understand law enforcement's limitations and passing on his institutional knowledge. He's the CFO for the Security Training Institute. 
Jack Ballentine
Director
From barely missing being hit by the bullet that was meant for President Ford to heading hostage negotiations, Jack retired from SFPD after 40 years of service. He's the current CEO for Security Training Institute (STI).  STI has provided consulting services for a wide range of events and facilities. From the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, the 6th International Conference on AIDS in San Francisco to today's Bay Area sporting venues and convention facilities. Working together with local and federal government agencies, the MLB, NFL, NBA and NHL gives our team a wide range of experience to assess specific situations. 
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