Steven Dische is an experienced global project and program manager with over 20 years of experience managing infrastructure protection programs, including physical and cyber security initiatives, for critical national infrastructures. He has extensive expertise assessing vulnerabilities and overseeing security enhancement programs internationally. His background includes positions managing security programs at national laboratories and advising government committees on infrastructure protection strategies.
An overview of how to structure a threat based assessment of risk that is relevant to the business and which clearly ties risk mitigation to the threats being mitigated in a way that business leaders can easily understand.
An overview of how to structure a threat based assessment of risk that is relevant to the business and which clearly ties risk mitigation to the threats being mitigated in a way that business leaders can easily understand.
My "graphic CV" is a .pdf document that contains some basic resume-like biographical information, but also highlights some speaking engagements, etc aligning with the work I do in the behavioral threat assessment and management space.
FEMA
Risk Management Series
Risk Assessment
A How-To Guide to Mitigate Potential Terrorist Attacks
Against Buildings
FEMA 452 / January 2005
U
.S
.
A
IR
F
O
R
C
E
RISK MANAGEMENT SERIES
Risk Assessment
A How-To Guide to Mitigate
Potential Terrorist Attacks
Against Buildings
PROVIDING PROTECTION TO PEOPLE AND BUILDINGS
FEMA 452 / January 2005
www.fema.gov
Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication do
not necessarily reflect the views of FEMA. Additionally, neither FEMA or any of its employees
makes any warrantee, expressed or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for
the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, product, or process included in
this publication. Users of information from this publication assume all liability arising from
such use.
FOREWORD AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
iFOREWORD AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
BACKGROUND
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) developed this Risk
Assessment, A How-To Guide to Mitigate Potential Terrorist Attacks Against Build-
ings, to provide a clear, flexible, and comprehensive methodology to prepare
a risk assessment. The intended audience includes the building sciences com-
munity of architects and engineers working for private institutions, building
owners/operators/managers, and State and local government officials
working in the building sciences community.
OBJECTIVE AND SCOPE
The objective of this How-To Guide is to outline methods for identifying the
critical assets and functions within buildings, determining the threats to those
assets, and assessing the vulnerabilities associated with those threats. Based on
those considerations, the methods presented in this How-To Guide provide a
means to assess the risk to the assets and to make risk-based decisions on how
to mitigate those risks. The scope of the methods includes reducing physical
damage to structural and non-structural components of buildings and related
infrastructure, and reducing resultant casualties during conventional bomb
attacks, as well as chemical, biological, and radiological (CBR) agents. This
document is written as a How-To Guide. It presents five steps and multiple
tasks within each step that will lead you through a process for conducting a
risk assessment and selecting mitigation options. It discusses what information
is required to conduct a risk assessment, how and where to obtain it, and how
to use it to calculate a risk score against each selected threat.
This is one of a series of publications that address security issues in high-popu-
lation, private sector buildings. This document is a companion to the Reference
Manual to Mitigate Potential Terrorist Attacks Against Buildings (FEMA 426) and
the Building Design for Homeland Security Training Course (FEMA E155).
This document also leverages information contained within the Primer for De-
sign of Commercial Buildings to Mitigate Terrorist A ...
My "graphic CV" is a .pdf document that contains some basic resume-like biographical information, but also highlights some speaking engagements, etc aligning with the work I do in the behavioral threat assessment and management space.
FEMA
Risk Management Series
Risk Assessment
A How-To Guide to Mitigate Potential Terrorist Attacks
Against Buildings
FEMA 452 / January 2005
U
.S
.
A
IR
F
O
R
C
E
RISK MANAGEMENT SERIES
Risk Assessment
A How-To Guide to Mitigate
Potential Terrorist Attacks
Against Buildings
PROVIDING PROTECTION TO PEOPLE AND BUILDINGS
FEMA 452 / January 2005
www.fema.gov
Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication do
not necessarily reflect the views of FEMA. Additionally, neither FEMA or any of its employees
makes any warrantee, expressed or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for
the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, product, or process included in
this publication. Users of information from this publication assume all liability arising from
such use.
FOREWORD AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
iFOREWORD AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
BACKGROUND
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) developed this Risk
Assessment, A How-To Guide to Mitigate Potential Terrorist Attacks Against Build-
ings, to provide a clear, flexible, and comprehensive methodology to prepare
a risk assessment. The intended audience includes the building sciences com-
munity of architects and engineers working for private institutions, building
owners/operators/managers, and State and local government officials
working in the building sciences community.
OBJECTIVE AND SCOPE
The objective of this How-To Guide is to outline methods for identifying the
critical assets and functions within buildings, determining the threats to those
assets, and assessing the vulnerabilities associated with those threats. Based on
those considerations, the methods presented in this How-To Guide provide a
means to assess the risk to the assets and to make risk-based decisions on how
to mitigate those risks. The scope of the methods includes reducing physical
damage to structural and non-structural components of buildings and related
infrastructure, and reducing resultant casualties during conventional bomb
attacks, as well as chemical, biological, and radiological (CBR) agents. This
document is written as a How-To Guide. It presents five steps and multiple
tasks within each step that will lead you through a process for conducting a
risk assessment and selecting mitigation options. It discusses what information
is required to conduct a risk assessment, how and where to obtain it, and how
to use it to calculate a risk score against each selected threat.
This is one of a series of publications that address security issues in high-popu-
lation, private sector buildings. This document is a companion to the Reference
Manual to Mitigate Potential Terrorist Attacks Against Buildings (FEMA 426) and
the Building Design for Homeland Security Training Course (FEMA E155).
This document also leverages information contained within the Primer for De-
sign of Commercial Buildings to Mitigate Terrorist A ...
1. STEVEN T. DISCHE
3849 N. Commencement Bay Drive • Tacoma, Washington 98407
253-370-6755 • sdische@gmail.com
Accomplished global project and program manager with over 20 years of experience assessing and
overseeing project teams to develop and implement new programs, systems, tools and process
improvements. This includes supporting and enhancing infrastructure protection programs; to include
security initiatives designed to protect team members and major organizations across local, national, and
international operating theaters.
• Top liaison to government and corporate leadership regarding project/program management. I
led and supervised execution of cyber and physical infrastructure protection and resilience
programs for national critical infrastructures and high-risk facilities in an all hazard approach.
• Advanced expertise in leading international, cross-functional, and specialized teams in solving
complex security and intelligence challenges spanning diverse disciplines and areas of expertise.
• Skilled project manager and leader with demonstrated history of overseeing complex business
continuity programs and training initiatives nationally and internationally; customer focused and
outcome focused deliverables.
• Developed and sustained change management, organizational readiness and training programs
for national critical infrastructures. Subject matter expert in physical and cyber security, risk
assessments and mitigation; contingency planning efforts, with experience implementing
programs to safeguard key assets.
• Developed, implemented and managed policies, procedures, training for identifying and
protecting property assets, personnel and facility operations.
• National team leader assessing emergency management infrastructures throughout the nation.
• The unique ability to unleash through a cultural of outstanding leadership, focused on
encouraging individual creativity within the context of a collaborative team; with proven value to
clients and team members.
• Briefed senior and executive management on the status of security issues and concerns.
Threat Assessment • Physical Security • Cyber Security • Loss Prevention • Risk Management &
Mitigation
Counter Terrorism • Homeland Security • Information Security • Process Improvement
Intelligence Architectures • Infrastructure Protection • Project Management • Process Re-Engineering
Automation Architectures • Counter Intelligence • Strategic Planning • Contingency Planning
Budget Management • Negotiations • Government Liaison • International Team Training & Leadership
• Cross-Cultural Communication • High-Impact Presentations
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
FEMA, Reserve Security Manager • Appointed 2016
City University of Seattle, Seattle, Washington • Appointed 2015:
Adjunct Professor for the MBA program
ARGONNE NATIONAL LABORATORY, Argonne, Illinois • 2012-2015
Senior Program Manager: In-depth expertise in business continuity programs and risk assessments;
identifying potential threats to national critical infrastructure; oversaw the planning to support execution of
tests and technical projects for national critical infrastructures. I provided second level edit/review of the
Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Site Assistance Visits (SAV) assessments on nation critical
infrastructures conducted by the US National Guard, prior to the reports being sent to DHS/Office of
Infrastructure Protection.
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2. STEVEN T. DISCHE • Page 2 • sdische@gmail.com
PACIFIC NORTHWEST NATIONAL LABORATORY, Richland, Washington • 1999-2012
Security Project Manager, Global Threat Reduction Program, National Nuclear Security
Administration • 2009-2012: Assured safety and security of radiological materials stored at civilian
facilities nationally and internationally. I led teams in Northeastern US, Russia, and South Asia. I served
as primary leadership for several multinational security teams. I served as primary liaison to ministry and
government officials at home and abroad. I negotiated contract agreements with international private
companies. I briefed senior and executive management on the status of security issues and concerns.
Project Lead, Department of Defense (DOD) Counter Intelligence Field Agency • 2007-2009:
Served as subject matter expert in guiding DOD standards for intelligence source reporting strategies to
Counter Intelligence and Special Operations teams.
Senior Project Manager, DHS’ Vulnerability Assessments on National Critical Infrastructures •
2002-2009: I coordinated intelligence assessments on the top 25 national critical infrastructures. I was
chosen to lead surveys of operational security, physical security, and interdependency; my focus on all
the vulnerability assessments I conducted, was to assess from the strategic, operational and tactical
aspects of each infrastructure. In all of the assessments I conducted, I stressed customer focus and
outcome focused deliverables.
I assessed business continuity programs and training programs. I mentored other project managers in
program and project management. I delivered in-depth presentations to law enforcement leadership
including state and city chiefs of police and federal special agents in charge, as well as corporate
leaders. I prepared and presented detailed briefings to internal leadership teams and government
officials. I played a key role in overseeing implementation of cyber and physical security measures. I
conducted business impact analysis for national critical infrastructures. I developed, implemented and
collaborated on business continuity training programs for exercises and training internal and external
stakeholders of national critical infrastructures. I provided clear security expectations and ensured
implementation and use of new security solutions. I briefed senior and executive managers of national
critical infrastructures on the status of security issues and concerns.
I have conducted over 100 vulnerability assessments of national critical infrastructures, spanning US
seaports, Alaska Pipeline (from Prudhoe Bay to the Port of Valdez), Louisiana Offshore Oil Platform,
emergency management centers, chemical facilities, oil refineries, cruise ships, international airports,
World Financial Center Complex (NYC), Stanton Island bridge; I was selected to conduct business
continuity assessments in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina; I provided security guidance to the lead
engineer/construction lead for Richard Branson’s future Virgin Galactic Spaceport. I assessed and
reported on vulnerabilities from possible terrorist attacks for the 2006 Super Bowl; I conducted
vulnerability assessments on Ford Field in Detroit, MI and the buildings that housed the athletes and the
NFL corporate offices for The Super Bowl.
Project Manager, Vulnerability Assessments • 2005-2006: I was contracted by the City of Seattle
and endorsed by the Washington Governor’s Committee on Homeland Security to conduct vulnerability
assessments of critical infrastructures and threat environments on the ports of Seattle, Everett, and
Tacoma. I assisted in the refinement of emergency management plans and trained stakeholders in
developing viable business continuity plans. I was also contracted by the Chief of Police for Shoreline,
Washington to conduct vulnerability assessments on Shoreline’s critical infrastructures.
Project Manager, Department of Energy (DOE) • 2000-2004: Served as the intelligence/threat data
lead for a project team analyzing the nature of terrorist threats aimed at US domestic energy industry. I
led several cross-functional teams in interviewing law enforcement personnel, infrastructure owners, and
emergency management staff on current threats and the development of business continuity plans.
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3. STEVEN T. DISCHE • Page 3 • sdische@gmail.com
I conducted data analysis from all terrorist threats to domestic energy infrastructures. I developed and
published comprehensive threat environment analysis reports. I was the project lead for physical
security and interdependencies in conducting an in-depth security assessment of energy and municipal
infrastructures in preparation for the 2002 Winter Olympics, in Salt Lake City, Utah. I was selected to be
the subject matter expert in intelligence operations and physical security for a high level working group
consisting of national laboratories, DOE and the newly formed DHS. The purpose of this working group
was to transition from the lengthy assessment process conducted under DOE, to one that focused on
critical infrastructure dependencies and interdependencies. I was also asked to provide subject matter
expertise for cyber security. The outcome of this working group was the beginning of the new format for
site assistance visits.
Advisory Member, Washington State Governor’s Committee on Homeland Security • 2001-2006:
Provided expert guidance and advice to the Intelligence and Infrastructure Sub-Committees regarding
counter terrorism, critical infrastructure protection and intelligence/threat data collection strategies.
Project Lead, US Army First Corps, Initial Brigade Combat Team Transformation Initiative •
2000-2001: Delivered specialized guidance and support in areas of intelligence and special operations. I
served as the Intelligence Directorate representative for national-level and US Army intelligence
operations for the US Army’s first major transition in over 30 years. These brigades were the first
conventional army units in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Subject Matter Expert on Intelligence & Special Operations, US Army Force Protection Security
Analysis Course • 2000-2001: Provided expert training to DOD civilian employees regarding security
analysis and threat assessment. I developed and led complex exercise scenario and evaluated student
performance.
Team Lead for Intelligence Analysis, National Counter Narcotics Center • 1999-2000: Assessed
and evaluated intelligence cycles and communications strategies in law enforcement agencies involved
in combating US narcotics crisis nationwide. I assessed ports of entry for narcotics trafficking; illegal
trafficking organizations and leadership; and patterns of travel for narcotics into and within the US. I gave
detailed briefings to the National Counter Narcotics Center leadership.
US Army Officer (Retired): Intelligence / Special Operations • 1979-1999
Chief of Intelligence Architecture, 1st Corps Intelligence Directorate, Fort Lewis, Washington •
1998-1999: Oversaw a 5-person team in establishing, implementing, and managing intelligence
architecture for Fort Lewis intelligence organizations. I coordinated with national and theatre agencies to
assure delivery of viable, timely intelligence. I secured over $300,000 in additional funding for proposal to
install portable satellite communications antennas for fast deployment throughout Pacific region.
Chief of Plans & Exercise Division, Intelligence Directorate, Special Operations Command
Pacific, Camp Smith, Hawaii • 1995-1998: Directed cross-functional team of 16 Army, Navy, and Air
Force personnel in developing intelligence to support integration of Special Operation forces into the
Pacific theater. I led planning and implementation of intelligence support initiatives for contingency
operations. I developed and led complex training scenarios for Special Operations Forces staff.
Deputy Director of Intelligence, Joint Counter Terrorism Task Force, Special Operations
Command Pacific, Camp Smith, Hawaii • 1993-1998: Led a 16-person team in establishing and
leading intelligence operations in support of counter terrorism initiatives in the Pacific Rim. This Joint
Task Force is the US’s first response team directed against threats to US personnel and/or assets in the
Pacific.
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4. • Chosen to train and mentor Australian Special Air Service personnel in safeguarding Sydney
for their 2000 Summer Olympics.
• Selected to serve as a guide and liaison to Commander of Bangladesh Special Forces and his
staff; delivered briefings and assisted in meetings with US Commander of Pacific Command.
STEVEN T. DISCHE • Page 4 • sdische@gmail.com
Company Commander of a Military Intelligence Company: Led three platoons consisting of 135
soldiers, and company headquarters’ staff. The company consisted of one platoon of ground surveillance
radar; one platoon of interrogators; and one platoon of counter intelligence agents. I deployed my
company to the National Training Center in support of an Infantry Brigade Task Force.
EDUCATION
Master in Strategic Planning for Critical Infrastructures (Magna Cum Laude, top of my
class)
University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
Bachelor of Arts in International Relations & Political Science
Eastern Washington University, Cheney, Washington
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
US Army Command & General Staff College
Joint Intelligence Special Operations Training, Defense Intelligence College, Defense
Intelligence Agency
Joint Intelligence Collection Management Training, Defense Intelligence College,
Defense Intelligence Agency
US Army Combined Arms Service & Staff School
Senior Officer NATO Electronic Warfare Training
SECURITY CLEARANCE
Department of Defense Top Secret, SCI Access
Department of Energy Q Clearance, SCI Access
Counter Intelligence Polygraph
Department of Homeland Security Protected Critical Infrastructure Information Certified
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint
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