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Women in Security - Nancy Peterson

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Nancy Peterson - Sr. VP/Deputy General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, Allied Universal

Nancy Peterson
Sr. VP/Deputy General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, Allied Universal

Nancy Peterson joined Allied Universal in 2005 as an Assistant Vice President/Deputy General Counsel overseeing contracts and general liability functions. She was drawn to Allied Universal because she wanted to be part of an organization that provides potential career paths for hourly security professionals from diverse backgrounds, while at the same time, serving and protecting our communities and businesses. 

When Nancy joined the company 15 years ago, there was a need for the legal department to be restructured and revamped. Do you recall when a fax machine was the primary communication tool? She remembers waiting and waiting in front of the fax machine for that really important legal document to come through.

Today, the Legal Services Group is seen as a valuable resource throughout the organization and she is grateful to provide her services and be part of the team.  “Through investment in understanding the business and industry we are able to be true business partners,” said Nancy.  “Our team is tasked every day to add value to the enterprise and identify solutions to potential problems to support the company in its short and long term objectives.  Every day brings something new – with that we have to continue to be flexible and more efficient.”

Over the years, Nancy’s responsibilities continued to evolve. 

“Our customers’ compliance and legal needs and expectations have changed drastically,” said Nancy.  Our customers’ needs, together with overall regulatory developments in areas such as Global Anti-Corruption, Anti-Trust, Privacy and Government Contracting, have led us to continue to develop, grow and develop better ways to do business.”

According to Nancy, the benefit of working in the security industry is that you are actually getting to know and understand the unique needs of a variety of industries and types of businesses, in diverse locations.  The advantage of this is that your work becomes more interesting and complex and allows for growth opportunities, not just for those in the Legal Services Group, but for employees at all levels within the organization and the industry.

“If you are looking for a dynamic career, Allied Universal is for you,” said Nancy. “This company is a fast-paced organization in an industry that is evolving quickly.  You will thrive if you learn the current landscape, but not become attached – rather be nimble, work well and hard in an ever changing environment – and take the work seriously but not yourself.” 

Nancy received a bachelor’s degree in History from Colorado College and a law degree from Villanova University’s School of Law. She currently serves on the board of the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program and Committee of Seventy and previously on The Forum of Executive Women.  She also is a member of the Security Services Council of ASIS.