As the LP industry joins his family in mourning his loss, and in an effort to ease some portion of the burden his family now bears, the LP Benevolent Fund Board of Directors, in accordance with the fund’s grant guidelines, has approved a grant of $15,000 to go directly to Stuart’s beloved wife and family.

The grief and outpouring of love for Stuart, a longtime and highly esteemed member of the Loss Prevention community has, not surprisingly, been overwhelming as detailed in a recent LP Magazine article. “Stuart was an ardent supporter of the Loss Prevention Foundation and LP Magazine and sat on the boards of both,” noted Stefanie Hoover, Editor-in-Chief of LP Magazine. Hoover added that “Stuart was always ready to lend a hand and help us however he could. We were indeed blessed to have shared much time and many laughs with Stuart at our recent LPF Leadership Summit in October.”

LPF President Caroline Kochman added “Stuart was deeply respected and truly beloved within our industry, and his impact on others was both far-reaching and deeply personal. He touched countless lives over the years in ways both meaningful and simple.”

“The LP Benevolent Fund is supported through the generosity of the Loss Prevention Foundation, the wider LP industry, and their donations to annual fundraising events at the RILA AP Conference, the Swing for Certification golf outing, and NRF Protect,” said Jim Cosseboom, LPBF Board Chair. “In appreciation of the LP industry’s outstanding support, this gift is offered on behalf of the loss prevention community as a whole and in honor of Stuart – a one-of-a-kind friend, partner, mentor, collaborator, and supporter.

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About the Loss Prevention Benevolent Fund (LPBF):

The LPBF was established to honor LP professionals killed or injured on the job. The LPBF provides financial assistance to the families of the fallen as well as to those who have experienced a serious life-changing injury while performing the duties of their profession. The LPBF is supported by retailers, solution providers, retail associations, and individual LP and AP professionals across the industry.

To learn more about the LPBF or to make a contribution to the fund, visit https://www.yourlpf.org/donations/donate.asp?id=8873

One Industry. One Profession. One Future.

Inside the First-Ever LP Leadership Summit

It was more than a new name. This year, the Loss Prevention Foundation made a deliberate shift—from an annual meeting to the first-ever LP Leadership Summit—a change that signaled something far bigger than a rebrand.

An annual meeting looks back. It reports progress.
A leadership summit looks forward. It challenges us to shape the future—of leadership, and of our profession.

That’s exactly what the LP Leadership Summit set out to do in Delray Beach.

Redefining the Conversation

The Summit’s rebranding wasn’t just about refreshing an event; it was about redefining its purpose. The Loss Prevention Foundation (LPF) recognized that the industry’s needs have evolved. Today, loss prevention isn’t just a function—it’s a strategic profession driving culture, safety, and profitability across retail and beyond.

To meet that reality, LPF reimagined its flagship gathering as a forum for leadership and collaboration—a space not only for senior executives but for the next generation of leaders. The rising “number twos and threes” in organizations—the future decision-makers—now have a seat at the table.

Collaboration Across the Industry

Perhaps the most significant evolution is the spirit of unity defining this new chapter. The LP Leadership Summit brought together RILA, LPRC, NRF, and LPF—organizations traditionally known for their distinct strengths in advocacy, policy, research, and professional development—to work toward a shared vision.

That shared vision is clear:
To elevate loss prevention into a unified, dynamic profession defined by the leaders we grow, the partnerships we build, and the standards we set.

This collaboration underscores the industry’s growing alignment around a simple but powerful belief—that loss prevention professionals are not just protectors of assets, but builders of trust, culture, and resilience.

Looking Ahead

The theme of the Summit, “One Industry. One Profession. One Future.”, captures both the challenge and the opportunity ahead. It calls on every attendee—and every member of the profession—to move from passive participation to active leadership.

The invitation was clear: Don’t just sit back. Lean in. Ask questions. Share your perspective. Help shape what comes next.

The LP Leadership Summit marks the start of a new era—one that looks forward, unites the community, and reaffirms the belief that leadership isn’t defined by title, but by impact.

Welcome to the future of loss prevention.

The LP Foundation welcomes its newly elected Board members.

• Rhett Asher Senior VP, ALTO US
• Carmen DuBose, LPC Sr. Director, AP, Hibbett Sporting Goods
• Khris Hamlin VP, AP RILA
• David Johnston VP, AP & Retail Operations, NRF                                             
• Scott McBride Chief Global AP Officer, American Eagle Outfitters                                            
• Karin McKenna SVP, Director of LP, TJX Companies                                                     
• Dan Petrousek SVP, Loss Prevention ULTA Beauty                  
• Stuart Rosenthal Vice President of Global Alpha Business, Checkpoint Systems                                  

LPF President Caroline Kochman noted that, “Each of these leaders brings their own perspective as well as that of the sectors they work in and represent and we are always seeking to broaden our perspectives and bring fresh ideas to the governance of the Foundation. I am confident these additions to the Board will only enhance the Foundation’s work and expand its educational impact. Kochman added, ”I am humbled by the opportunity to work with all the remarkable leaders that make up the LPF Board and look forward to working with these noteworthy new members.”

“I am truly gratified to know that we have so many new members at our disposal – so many exceptional leaders willing to join the Board and enhance the incredible team of professionals that currently serve on the Foundation’s Board,” said Mark Stinde, Executive Committee Chairperson for the LP Foundation. “Every new perspective, each unique point of view that they bring to the table actively improves our ability to govern and grow the Foundation and continually improve our service to the LP industry in educating and developing the LP leaders of tomorrow.”

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About LP Foundation:

A 501(c)(6) not-for-profit organization, founded in 2006 by and for the retail loss prevention and asset protection (AP/LP) community, the Loss Prevention Foundation (LPF) is an international leader in education and certification for retail AP/LP professionals. LPF's mission is to advance the AP/LP profession by providing relevant, convenient, and challenging educational resources. LPF provides the LPQualified (LPQ) and LPCertified (LPC) professional certifications. The Foundation seeks to elevate the LP/AP industry through professional certification as well as recruit and train talent from colleges, universities, military, and law enforcement through its Academic Retail Partnerships and its Military Discount programs.

“Rick and Kris are the ideal candidates to complement the already broad skillset we enjoy on our Executive Committee as well as our Board overall,” noted LPF President Caroline Kochman. “I look forward to working with them both to build, broaden, and improve the LPF brand, expand our educational offerings, and enhance our operational excellence – all of which will help us better serve the LP community and fulfill our mission.”

Kris Vece, LPC, started within the Protos brand of companies in 2004 as a Client Relations Manager, and worked her way through 3 promotions to earn her current role as Vice President of Enterprise Accounts, leading efforts to retain valued clients, grow strategic partnerships, and drive long-term account success. Kris’ dedicated focus on excellence means she has earned a reputation as a security and loss prevention expert. Kris has served LPF in myriad ways including as a leader on the LPF Advisory Committee. Kris earned her LPQ credentials in 2017 and her LP Certified designation in 2023. In addition to her service to LPF, Kris is also a member of ASIS – where she serves on the Retail AP Steering Committee – and is active in Women in Leadership. (IAW).

Rick Peck, LPC, has steadily worked his way through the ranks of leadership since joining the T.J.Maxx organization in 1999 as a District Loss Prevention Manager and before being promoted to his current role in 2016, Rick is well-known as an innovative leader with strong business vision and a focus on developing talent. His deep field knowledge and diverse experience across divisions and functions within Loss Prevention has enabled his growth as a strategic partner to the TJX business. Rick holds a BS in Criminal Justice from Northeastern University and earned his LPC in 2019.

“I could not be more pleased that Kris and Rick will be joining the Executive Committee, said Mark Stinde, Executive Committee Chair for the LP Foundation. “Kris brings a refreshing point of view as not only a long-time and well-respected solution provider partner but as someone who has completed both certification programs and is an ongoing proponent of continued education. Rick is a natural leader and motivator who unfailingly leads by example. Rick’s many years in the retail arena, well-rounded skills as a C-level executive, and reputation of service to the LP industry will round out the LPF EC skillset nicely.”

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About LP Foundation:
A 501(c)(6) not-for-profit organization, founded in 2006 by and for the retail loss prevention and asset protection (AP/LP) community, the Loss Prevention Foundation (LPF) is an international leader in education and certification for retail AP/LP professionals. LPF's mission is to advance the retail AP/LP profession by providing relevant, convenient, challenging, and ongoing educational resources. LPF provides two internationally sanctioned certifications, LPQualified (LPQ) and LPCertified (LPC), which focus on measuring individual industry knowledge. The Foundation seeks to elevate the loss prevention and asset protection industry to recruit and train talent from colleges, universities, military, and law enforcement through its Academic Retail Partnerships and its Military Discount programs.

As the LP industry joins his family in mourning this loss, and in an effort to ease some portion of the burden his family now bears, the LP Benevolent Fund Board of Directors, in accordance with the fund’s grant guidelines, has unanimously approved a grant of $15,000 to go directly to Jason’s family.

The outpouring of love and respect for Jason Swanson, as a longtime member of the Loss Prevention community has been swift and extraordinary - as detailed in a recent LP Magazine article. “Jason was not just a colleague; he was a remarkable security expert, a mentor, a devoted husband to Katie, a loving father to Crosby and Lochlan, and a beacon of positivity in every setting he graced,” said Jordan Rivchun, who worked closely with Jason in his most recent role as business development manager supporting retailers and restaurants at Hanwha Vision.

“The LP Benevolent Fund is supported through the generosity of the Loss Prevention Foundation, the wider LP industry, and their donations to annual fundraising events at the RILA AP Conference, the Swing for Certification golf outing, and NRF Protect,” said Jim Cosseboom, LPBF Board Chair. “In appreciation of the LP industry’s outstanding support, this gift is compassionately offered on behalf of the loss prevention community as a whole.”

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About the Loss Prevention Benevolent Fund (LPBF):

The LPBF was established to honor LP professionals killed or injured on the job. The LPBF provides financial assistance to the families of the fallen as well as to those who have experienced a serious life-changing injury while performing the duties of their profession. The LPBF is supported by retailers, solution providers, retail associations, and individual LP and AP professionals across the industry.

To learn more about the LPBF or to make a contribution to the fund, visit https://www.yourlpf.org/donations/donate.asp?id=8873

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

MEDIA CONTACTS: Jim Cosseboom | LPF | James.Cosseboom@adusa.com        

The LP Benevolent Fund Opens Grant Applications for California Fire Assistance

Huntington Station, NY (2/26/2025) – The Loss Prevention Benevolent Fund (LPBF) is announcing the availability of grant funds to assist LP/AP professionals impacted by last month’s devastating California Fires. In a departure from its present guidelines, which focus on assistance to LP/AP professionals injured or killed in the course of their jobs, the LPBF board voted last week to make grant funds available to 2025 California Fire victims. This initial round of disaster grants will serve as a test to determine the feasibility of adding FEMA-declared natural disasters to the LPBF grant guidelines on a more permanent basis.

“This fund was originally set up for the benefit of LP/AP professionals facing hardship as the result of an
on-the-job incident. However, as needs evolve, so must our guidelines,” noted LPBF Board Chair Jim Cosseboom. Cosseboom added, “The devastating winds and resulting fires of January 2025 were a compelling reason for us to test new avenues for distribution of funds – in this case to assist those in our industry whose homes and lives have been forever changed by the fires.”

Caroline Kochman, the President of the LP Foundation, which serves as the steward of the LPBF, offered these thoughts. “The LP Benevolent Fund’s broad purpose is providing aid and support to our industry colleagues and I am in full support of the LPBF Board’s recent decision. Testing the expansion of the LPBF distribution channels and guidelines is timely, compassionate, and appropriate at this juncture.”

Grant applications will open at 9 am Pacific Time on Thursday February 27^th. Applications can be found at:  https://www.yourlpf.org/page/CaliforniaFiresGrantApplication

Grants will be made on a first come, first serve basis so applicants are encouraged to act quickly. Applicants must be employed in the AP/LP industry, show verified impact to a primary residence, and meet all other requirements as outlined on the application.

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About the Loss Prevention Benevolent Fund (LPBF):

The LPBF was established to honor LP professionals killed or injured on the job. The LPBF provides financial assistance to the families of the fallen as well as to those who have experienced a serious life-changing injury while performing the duties of their profession. The LPBF is supported by retailers, solution providers, retail associations, and individual LP and AP professionals across the industry.

To learn more about the LPBF or to make a contribution to the fund, visit https://www.yourlpf.org/donations/donate.asp?id=8873

Registration Opens at 11:30

Lunch at 12

Shotgun Start at 1:30

https://www.swingforcertification.com/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                                                        

Contact: Caroline Kochman

Phone: 631-235-0931

caroline.kochman@losspreventionfoundation.org

Julie Lawson, LPC, Joins the Loss Prevention Foundation

Mooresville, NC – 2/12/2024 – The Loss Prevention Foundation (LPF) is pleased to announce that Julie Lawson, LPC, has joined the Foundation as its new Director of Operations and Partnerships.

Julie has a wealth of experience as both a retail loss prevention and solution provider professional, which will help shape this new role at LPF. Her initial focus will be continuing to build upon LPF’s existing relationships with its retail, solution provider, and industry partners. During her time in the LP industry, Julie has earned a well-deserved reputation as a detail oriented and trusted advisor with in-depth knowledge of the loss prevention/asset protection industry including ORC, safety, risk management, supply chain, and operations.

LPF president Caroline Kochman stated, “Julie not only brings 16+ years of experience to the table; Julie brings a level of energy and enthusiasm that cannot be beat. Her work ethic and desire to succeed, and help others do the same, will undeniably be an asset to the Foundation.”

“I am thrilled to join the Loss Prevention Foundation team. I am grateful for all the various opportunities that led me to this point, and I am excited for this new opportunity to continue to serve the industry,” said Julie, adding, “I am thrilled to be part of the LPF legacy and look forward to participating in its continued success.”

Julie holds a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Texas at Dallas and an MBA from West Texas A&M University.

About LP Foundation:

A 501 (c) 6 not-for-profit organization, founded in 2006 by and for the retail loss prevention and asset protection (AP/LP) community. The Loss Prevention Foundation (LPF) is an international leader in education and certification for retail AP/LP professionals. LPF provides two internationally sanctioned certifications, LPQualified (LPQ) and LPCertified (LPC).

The Loss Prevention Foundation’s Annual Meeting in November will feature both Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody and Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul as its keynote speakers. Engaging two of today’s most influential law enforcement leaders furthers the Foundation’s efforts to connect retailers and criminal justice, encourage collaboration, and provide continuing and timely education for AP/LP leaders and practitioners.

“Both of these attorneys general are key players in the effort to combat the explosion of theft and violence in our stores and communities,” noted LPF President Caroline Kochman. “Having these two well-known leaders present to this particular group of A-list leaders will build on the ongoing effort to bring the AP/LP and the AG communities together to speak and act as one in the fight against retail theft.”

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody served in the United States Attorney’s Office prosecuting drug, firearm, and fraud offenses and was recognized by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for her lead of “Operation Round-Up,” a targeted prosecution of violent and repeat offenders. Since becoming Florida’s 38th Attorney General in 2019, AG Moody has served as a Commissioner on the Presidential Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice, as Chair of Florida’s Statewide Task Force on Opioid Abuse, and continues to serve as Chair of Florida’s Statewide Council on Human Trafficking.

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul launched his legal career as a Cook County prosecutor and served Illinois as a State Senator for 14 years, leading up to his “dream job” as Illinois’ 42nd Attorney General. Since taking office in 2019, AG Raoul has initiated legislation to counter the long-term effects of violent crime and created the first-of-its-kind task force to take down Organized Retail Crime networks. He continues to protect children from online predators as leader of the Illinois Internet Crimes against Children Taskforce and regularly coordinates his advocacy efforts with other state attorneys general.

Mark Stinde, Chairman of the LP Foundation Board of Directors and member of the LP Magazine Editorial Board, observed, “As a believer in servant leadership, I joined the LPF Board to be able to bring this very kind of education and collaboration to my fellow industry practitioners. I am looking forward to hearing both of the Attorneys General speak and to working with them to turn the tide on ORC, smash and grab, and other violent thefts that compromise the safety of our employees, customers and communities.”

If you are a retail leader and are interested in attending our meeting, please contact Mat Schriner, LPC at mat.schriner@losspreventionfoundation.org

About The Loss Prevention Foundation:

The Loss Prevention Foundation (LPF) is a not-for-profit 501 c (6) organization founded in 2006, by industry leading professionals to serve the loss prevention /asset protection industry. An international leader in educating and certifying loss prevention and asset protection professionals, LPF is responsible for administering the industry’s only internationally sanctioned LP credentials: LPQualified (LPQ) and LPCertified (LPC). With 24/7 online educational resources and a professional membership program, the LPF is able to educate the industry like no other organization of its kind. LPF is also focused on driving more talent to the industry from colleges, universities, military, and law enforcement. Additionally, in January 2022, the LPF acquired LP Magazine, increasing the ability to drive education and communication for the industry and its professionals. For more information, visit www.losspreventionfoundation.org.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

LPF - Ashley Bartol, LPQ | ashley.bartol@losspreventionfoundation.org