Jeff Burrell brings more than 25 years of retail industry experience, including executive leadership roles at BP and Circle K. His background spans a wide range of functions—sales, marketing, operations, fuels, and full P&L business management—giving him a comprehensive understanding of the retail landscape and the levers that drive performance.

Jeff currently leads Retail Engagement and Membership at NACS, where he also oversees Research and Education. In this role, he works closely with retailers of all sizes to strengthen industry connections, deliver actionable insights, and support the development of talent and strategy across the convenience retail community.

Cheryl Csiky, Executive Director of In Our Backyard, has led anti-trafficking efforts since 2011. A survivor, she brings lived experience, trauma-informed leadership, and over a decade of mobilizing communities, training law enforcement, and supporting survivors. Cheryl has led national recovery efforts and major event operations, advocating that everyone has a role in ending human trafficking.

Byron Coleman is a seasoned security and asset protection executive with deep experience across retail, corporate, and consulting environments. Based in Fairhope, Alabama, he currently serves as Managing Director at Security Consulting Services, LLC, where he advises organizations on loss prevention strategy, risk mitigation, and operational security.

Byron’s career includes influential leadership roles with Wawa, Inc., Kirkland’s, Inc., the Security Risk Consultant Group, and Macy’s. His expertise spans asset protection, internal investigations, interviewing techniques, inventory control, crisis response, and cross-functional leadership.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership from Middle Tennessee State University.

Aaron Duxbury is the General Manager of Protos Remote Services at Protos Security, where they lead strategic initiatives across sales, operations, and customer support to drive revenue growth and client satisfaction. With over 20 years of experience in asset protection, loss prevention, and business analysis, Aaron brings a deep understanding of operational efficiency and team leadership.

Throughout their career, they’ve held key roles at major retailers including Bed Bath & Beyond, Burlington Stores, Target, and Kohl’s, consistently delivering results through program development, process improvement, and cross-functional collaboration. As a Certified Forensic Interviewer, Aaron is known for their analytical approach and commitment to empowering teams to achieve organizational goals.

Lauren Freede is the Director of Investigations for 7-Eleven, Inc., where she drives enterprise-wide strategies to mitigate risk, minimize shortage, and protect company assets. She also oversees Business Continuity, Safety, and Corporate Security across the U.S. and Canada.

With two decades of experience in Asset Protection, Lauren is recognized as an industry innovator, having launched a groundbreaking Fuel Investigation program that delivers best-in-class results. Over her 12-year tenure at 7-Eleven, she has supported more than 13,000 locations through transformative leadership. Lauren holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Oklahoma and serves on the Board of Advisors for the Loss Prevention Research Council, championing thought leadership and collaboration across the industry.

Brian is a Managing Director and currently leads Accenture’s Global and North America Fuels & Convenience Retail practice. He has spent the last 19 years working with 20+ fuels and convenience retailers around the world. Brian is passionate in helping to drive innovation throughout the business and ultimately setting clients up to capitalize on future trends. His experience stretches across customer experience, mobility, AI / GenAI, analytics, loyalty, retail site systems, payments, M&A, and large-scale complex deployments – spanning all channels of trade including Company Owned & Operated, Branded Wholesalers, Dealer, and Franchisee models.

Annie St. Romain Gauthier is the CFO/Co-CEO at St. Romain Oil Company in Mansura, Louisiana.  She is responsible for the company's finance and accounting, risk management, HR and strategic and culture development. A third-generation co-owner, she works with her 2 brothers and 300+ other team members to refuel & refresh the Louisiana communities where they operate.  After vowing never to work for her family's business, she worked for the Louisiana Oil Marketers & Convenience Store Association (LOMCSA) for 3 years and fell in love with the industry.  She joined the family business in 2005. She has since served in various leadership roles with LOMCSA, culminating with President in 2017.  She has served on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Convenience Stores since 2018.  She earned her Master of Convenience certification from NACS in 2021.

Annie is a founding member of Corporate Works of Mercy Foundation, a private 501(c)3 focused on helping neighbors in need by living the biblical corporal works of mercy. Her purpose is to chart tomorrow's course from yesterday's lessons.    She enjoys cooking, baking, reading, traveling and planning trips (especially to Britain, Ireland and France).  Annie & high school sweetheart, Adam, live in their hometown of Mansura, LA, and are parents to 3 children: Samuel, Ellen and Henry.

Tim Hall is the Director of Asset Protection at 7-Eleven, where he brings over 26 years of experience in loss prevention, operations, and retail security. Throughout his tenure, Tim has held multiple leadership roles, including Zone Asset Protection Manager and Field Consultant, demonstrating a deep commitment to safeguarding assets and enhancing operational integrity across diverse markets. He also serves on the Board of Advisors for the Loss Prevention Research Council (LPRC), contributing to evidence-based strategies that shape the future of retail crime prevention. Tim’s career began at Publix Super Markets, where he spent nearly 16 years in operations management. His extensive background and LPC certification underscore his dedication to excellence in asset protection and retail leadership.

Art Lazo is the Vice President of Asset Protection for 7-Eleven Inc. In his current role, Art and his team provide Asset Protection support for over 13,000 locations in the U.S. and Canada. Art has been with 7-Eleven for the last 12 years but has held many leadership positions in retail Asset Protection over the past 30 years. Art is passionate about safety and security as well as making sure that the AP function is integrated into all necessary business functions. Art believes that strong partnerships with law enforcement are crucial to a successful program.

Matthew Makarem is the Director of Loss prevention & Employee Development with Loop Neighborhood Markets / Vintners Distributors and has been with the company for over 17 years.

As Director of Loss Prevention & Employee Development, Matthew drives initiatives that blend robust security protocols with a culture of employee growth and safety. He plays a pivotal role in supporting Loop's innovative business model, which integrates traditional convenience with fresh, healthy food options and advanced technology like AI-powered surveillance and autonomous shopping solutions. Matthew manages a diversified team of Auditors, Trainers, and a Surveillance team. His expertise includes coordinating internal investigations, overseeing physical security systems (CCTV, alarms), managing mystery shop programs, leading a staff task software, conducting company-wide inventory audits, and developing comprehensive training materials and workshops for all staff, contributing directly to operational efficiency and the company's community-focused mission.
 

Kendra Miller 

Director of Government Relations
NACS
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With almost 20 years of experience as an intelligence analyst, Kendra Miller has learned two universal truths: collaboration makes everything better, and there is no such thing as too many highlighters. After obtaining a Master of Science in Criminal Justice, she started her career with the Texas Department of Public Safety in 2007 and soon found herself imbedded with the Texas Ranger Reconnaissance team supporting Texas border operations. After being “downrange,” she moved into a long stint in the Border Security Operations Center, which only reinforced two universal truths: criminals are innovative and crime never sleeps (and…neither do analysts…apparently). She later supported investigations involving gangs, organized crime, and oil and gas crime, because once you’ve juggled enough chaos, adding one more thing is basically cardio.

Now leading analysts at the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center, she focuses on building strong relationships with investigators and industry partners. For Kendra, the real advantage in any investigation is simple: trust, communication, and remembering we’re all on the same team, even when we’re all drinking different kinds of caffeine.

Margaret Hardin Mannion is Director of Government Relations for the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS). In her role, Margaret focuses on key issues such as retail crime, public safety, SNAP, food traceability, and credit card swipe fees, advocating for the interests of the convenience and fuel retailing industry. Margaret joined the NACS government relations team in 2019 as Grassroots Manager, overseeing NACS’ grassroots initiatives, including Day on the Hill and NACS In Store.

Wes Pate is a leader in Asset Protection for Refuel Operating Company, LLC, a convenience store chain with 227 locations in the Southeast, based in Charleston, SC. He currently leads the organization's Loss Prevention, Inventory Audit, & Risk Management functions, as well as Fleet Management. He has also spent time leading and supporting the Facilities & Maintenance as well as Environmental Teams for the organization. Prior to Refuel, Wes spent time in Asset Protection at Kmart & Sears Holdings, Burlington Stores, & BJ's Wholesale Club. He holds an MBA from Gardner-Webb University as well as a B.S. In Criminal Justice Administration.

Captain Jeff Roberts is a seasoned law enforcement leader with over 18 years of law enforcement experience. As Captain of Intelligence Operations at the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center (TX FCIC), he oversees intelligence-driven efforts to detect and disrupt organized financial crime across Texas. A recognized expert in card fraud and skimming. Captain Roberts has led major investigations involving fraud, money laundering, and highprofile violent crimes. He works closely with law enforcement and private sector partners at all levels and is a sought-after speaker on emerging financial crime trends and investigative best practices.

Mark Stinde is the Vice President of Asset Protection at Casey’s, overseeing Asset Protection, Inventory, and Safety. With over 35 years of retail experience, Mark has held executive leadership roles in asset protection, operations, and safety. Before joining Casey’s, he led Asset Protection programs for Kroger, JC Penney, 7-Eleven, and Circuit City. His extensive experience also includes various leadership roles in Asset Protection at The Home Depot.

Mark is actively involved in several retail industry organizations. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Board for the Loss Prevention Foundation, an Editorial Board Member for LP Magazine, and a Board Member of the Asset Protection Leadership Council for the Retail Industry Leaders Association. Most recently, Mark has been engaged with the NACS LP Working Group. Mark earned his MBA from Southern Methodist University, Cox School of Business.

Michael Suppe, LPC, is a recognized leader in retail asset protection with more than 25 years of experience, including 17 years in the convenience store industry. As Director of Asset Protection at Casey’s, he oversees strategies that reduce Total Retail Loss, enhance safety, and protect organizational assets across a growing network of stores.

Prior to his retail career, Michael served 10 years in law enforcement, specializing in investigations and risk mitigation—experience that laid the foundation for his expertise in security and compliance. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice and maintains his Loss Prevention Certified (LPC) credential.

Michael is passionate about leveraging analytics, operational efficiencies, and cross-functional collaboration to align safety and profitability. He actively contributes to industry advancement through his roles on the RILA Asset Protection Advisory Board and the LPRC Operational Excellence Working Group, helping shape best practices and innovation in the asset protection field.

Bob Wright is the Loss Control Manager for Kwik Trip, Inc, bringing over 20 years of experience in corporate loss prevention, safety, and public service. In his current role, he successfully developed and launched Kwik Trip’s Loss Control Department, leading efforts over the past 3 years to implement proactive strategies that reduce shrinkage and enhance coworker safety. Prior to this leadership role, Bob held positions within Kwik Trip’s safety and workers compensation teams, contributing to the company’s strong safety culture. His career began with 12 years at the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, where he built a solid foundation in incident response, interviewing techniques, and operational safety.

OWL Services is an integrated service company formed from several leading petroleum, electrical contracting and EV infrastructure businesses. We serve convenience stores, fueling centers, EV charging hubs and fleet operations. With 30+ offices and distribution centers and 1,500+ skilled service technicians, we are available 24/7/365 for a simple break/fix or emergency.