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In the male-dominated world of security, Kelly Johnstone has emerged as a pioneering figure, paving the way for women in the industry. Her remarkable journey, which began at the age of 21 when she became the youngest agent hired by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), is a testament to her unwavering determination and exceptional skills.

Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Firsts

Kelly's early career was marked by challenges that many women in the security field still face. She recounts instances where her abilities were questioned, and assumptions were made about her role based solely on her gender. However, these obstacles only fueled her resolve to succeed. She quickly learned the importance of speaking up for herself and not allowing others to define her capabilities.

Kelly has achieved several notable firsts throughout her career. In addition to being the youngest NCIS agent, she was also one of three women to work on a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) task force at her location, where she investigated border drug cases. She was also the only female supervisor. Later, at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), she was among the first 20 agents and one of the few women hired to establish the agency's criminal investigation branch, where she played a crucial role in setting up the office in San Diego and educating lawyers on FDA law.

Leadership and Mentorship

Kelly's groundbreaking work continued at The Coca-Cola Company, where she became one of the few female Chief Security Officers (CSOs) in the industry. In this role, she not only oversaw the company's global security operations but also demonstrated the strategic value that security professionals bring to the table. Her ability to synthesize complex information and provide insights that enable business success earned her a seat at the C-suite table, a position that few women in the security field had attained at the time.

Throughout her career, Kelly has often faced the challenge of being one of the few women in leadership positions within the security industry. However, she has used her platform to champion diversity and inspire other women to pursue careers in this field. She actively mentors young female security professionals, sharing the valuable lessons she has learned along the way. She emphasizes the importance of confidence, integrity, and continuous learning in navigating the complexities of the security landscape.

Inspiring Future Generations

Kelly’s advice to young professionals, especially women, is to leverage their unique skills and find ways to contribute meaningfully to their organizations. She encourages them to volunteer for projects, take on leadership roles in small capacities, and continuously seek ways to align their skills with the business needs. As she puts it, "Stick up for yourself when it matters, and let the other things roll off your back, or you'll go crazy."

Kelly's story is one of resilience, determination, and trailblazing leadership. Her journey from a young NCIS agent to a respected CSO has not only shattered glass ceilings but also paved the way for future generations of women in security. As the industry continues to evolve, her legacy serves as an inspiration, reminding us that with perseverance and a commitment to excellence, anyone can rise to the top and make a lasting impact.

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Kelly Johnstone is a seasoned security executive with over 35 years of experience in the corporate security sector. Currently, she serves as a Senior Advisor at Corporate Security Advisors and holds advisory roles with International SOS and V2 Global. Throughout her career, she has made significant contributions to various organizations. At The Coca-Cola Company, where she spent over 20 years, Kelly held multiple key positions, including Vice President and Chief Security Officer. Her responsibilities encompassed global security operations, executive protection, supply chain security, and cyber threat intelligence, among others. Before her tenure at Coca-Cola, Kelly amassed 17 years of federal law enforcement experience. She is also actively involved in the security community, serving on the boards of The Security Foundation, DSAC, and OSAC.

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