We are delighted to announce the establishment of the ISRM Canada Chapter, which will serve as an integral part of the ISRM North America hub.
Canada’s diverse geography, economic activities, industry and cultural dynamics create a unique risk landscape that demands the the implementation of best practices, innovative approaches and effective risk management strategies.
The ISRM Canada Chapter will serve as a dynamic platform for knowledge sharing, enabling professionals from various industries to collaborate and exchange insights and foster a deeper understanding of Canada’s strategic risk and crisis environment.
We are delighted to introduce Rob Currie as the Chair and Andrea Chedas as the Vice-Chair of the ISRM Canada Chapter.
Rob currently designs and delivers corporate security & crisis management programmes across a variety of industries in the private sector.
Rob is a retired Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officer having served in a variety of roles (Incident Commander (ICS400), drug enforcement, technological crime, national security & tactical unit command). During his law enforcement career, he had the privilege of serving with the Canadian Special Forces Command from 2006-2010, managing responses to domestic counter terrorism events as well as support for the war in Afghanistan.
After policing, Rob leveraged his policing and military incident command experience in the following private sector roles: Manager of Physical Security at the Bank of Canada (2015), the Chief Security Officer at Scotiabank (2015-2018), and the VP Security at Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts (2018-2019).
Rob’s career choices provided him a wide array of “battle tested” crisis management experiences such as: barricaded persons with hostages, terrorist attacks (Ottawa 2014), high risk executive protection (Somalia), major cyber attack (Mafiaboy 2000), warzone digital forensics (Afghanistan), civil unrest, labour disputes, high risk asset transport and multiple hurricane responses.
Rob is currently the ASIS Crisis Management & Business Continuity Community Vice Chairman. Originally from Canada, Rob holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinanthropology from the University of Ottawa and has also completed numerous courses in Computer Science at the University of Concordia and Université de Laval. He is fluent in English and French with intermediate Spanish.
Andrea Chedas is a dynamic and visionary leader whose career is defined by a relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation in security and risk management. As the President and CEO of Black Widow Guardian Inc., Andrea has redefined what modern security means—crafting innovative solutions to complex challenges where traditional approaches fall short. Her work transcends the boundaries of physical protection, embodying a unique blend of problem-solving expertise and a commitment to making a global impact.
Andrea’s leadership is built on meaningful collaborations with law enforcement agencies worldwide, leveraging these relationships to address intricate security challenges that extend beyond borders. Her approach is not just about managing risks but about creating environments where safety and opportunity coexist seamlessly.
Before founding Black Widow Guardian, Andrea demonstrated her corporate security and law enforcement expertise through distinguished roles. She designed a comprehensive security program for fintech leader Wealthsimple Inc. and established Scotiabank’s first Major Case Unit. At Scotiabank, she led investigations across 24 countries in the Caribbean and South America, built high-performing teams, and developed intelligence networks. Her exceptional contributions were recognized with Scotiabank’s prestigious “Best of the Best” award in 2019 and 2020, underscoring her visionary leadership and dedication.
Andrea’s earlier career as a Detective Constable with the Toronto Police Financial Crimes Unit showcased her ability to lead intricate investigations into corporate fraud, counterfeit operations, and organized crime. She collaborated closely with agencies such as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Canada Border Services Agency, further solidifying her reputation as a trusted expert in cross-border security.
Today, Andrea’s influence extends beyond Black Widow Guardian. She serves as the Canadian Chapter Vice Chair for the Institute of Strategic Risk Management (ISRM), where she plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of global risk management. In this position, she works alongside top professionals to advance industry standards, foster innovation, and address emerging threats in an ever-evolving security landscape. Her work with ISRM reflects her passion for thought leadership and her dedication to improving resilience across organizations worldwide.
Andrea is the Chief Security Officer and Board Director with the Cyber Security Global Alliance, advancing cyber resilience and organizational security. She is a sought-after speaker, sharing insights on diversity in leadership, corporate security, and cyber resilience at prominent events, including the SEAS Productions Documentary on Women in Security, set to be released in 2025.
