Joel Downing’s security career began in college, when a classmate’s medical emergency revealed just how unprepared campus security was for specialized emergencies.

“Out of that challenging experience, I was compelled to act,” Downing recalls. “I collaborated closely with campus security to establish an on-campus emergency response vehicle, fully equipped with essential first aid and medical supplies. Recognizing the need for a broader, more capable response team, I also became a certified First Aid Instructor, dedicating myself to training fellow students and staff.”

Turning Fear Into Action

Downing became a certified EMT shortly after, also joining the local volunteer fire department. “The combination of all these experiences — the direct intervention, the teamwork, and the tangible positive outcomes — led me to realize that my passion lay in safeguarding communities,” Downing says.

Following graduation, it was a natural transition for Downing to pursue a career in law enforcement.

Downing served as a counselor at the New York State Police Academy before he was promoted through the ranks during his 17 years of service. During this time, Downing was cross designated as an FBI Agent and received the opportunity to lead a team of investigators at the Queens District Attorney’s Office.

“I’ve provided Dignitary Protections for; Governor George Pataki (New York), Governor John Ryan (Illinois), Governor Kenny Guinn (Nevada), Governor Kedding (Oklahoma), Cardinal Szoka (Vatican City), Senator Gordon Smith (Oregon), and Senator Michael Barboni (New York), during my career with the State Police,” Downing says. In addition, Downing served as a liaison between the New York State Police and the New York Jets. He helped coordinate travel escorts for the team to help ensure security requirements were met.

Protecting Athletes Overseas

Following his career with the New York State Police, Downing took a position with the NBA. Promoted to Director of Security, Downing oversaw the security for the Men’s and Women’s United States America Basketball Teams for the 2012 London Olympics.

Spending time in nature, whether tackling a challenging mountain trail or embarking on a long-distance bike ride, offers a unique perspective. It’s an environment where you learn to assess risks, plan strategically, and adapt quickly to changing conditions, much like in the security world.

“This was an extraordinary undertaking that began long before the teams even touched down in London. My role encompassed every facet of their security, starting with meticulous overall security planning and coordination.  From the moment the teams arrived in London, through their daily movements, and until their final departure, every transfer was a precisely choreographed security operation,” Downing says.

This included travel routes and coordinating with local security teams and the London Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Downing’s goal was to integrate existing security protocols with Olympic-specific security frameworks.

“Following my time at the NBA, I transitioned to Colgate-Palmolive Company as a Regional Security Manager. Here, I assisted in developing their workplace violence prevention program and gained extensive knowledge regarding access control and CCTV systems,” Downing says.

Downing has led the development of a workplace violence prevention program, which involved both policy creation and extensive training.

Collaborating Internationally for Enhanced Security

Downing currently serves as the Vice President, Global Security and Safety Officer for Henry Schein, a healthcare solutions provider.

“My mandate encompasses supervising a team of security professionals and safeguarding more than 25,000 employees and ensuring the protection of assets and operations that serve over 1 million customers worldwide,” Downing says.

Downing’s role involves managing security and safety programs across 34 countries. He works to mitigate risk and ensure business continuity within a wide variety of regulatory landscapes. Downing’s day often begins early, as he’s working with team members across a variety of time zones. He checks for any incidents that may have occurred overnight, including inclement weather or geopolitical shifts.

In his free time, Downing enjoys hiking and cycling.

“Spending time in nature, whether tackling a challenging mountain trail or embarking on a long-distance bike ride, offers a unique perspective. It’s an environment where you learn to assess risks, plan strategically, and adapt quickly to changing conditions, much like in the security world,” Downing says.