Engaging in Enterprise Risk Management and Campus Security
Lawrence M. Zacarese, JD, MPA, CCEP, CHSP, CHCM, EMT-P
Vice President for Enterprise Risk Management and Chief Security Officer; Stony Brook University
In this episode, we speak with Larry Zacarese as he shares lessons from his law enforcement background, discusses evolving risks in higher education, and emphasizes collaboration, transparency and adaptability. He highlights the need to break down organizational silos, align risk strategies with university missions and foster a proactive, risk-aware culture. The episode offers practical insights for managing modern risks and building safer, more resilient academic environments.
*The views and opinions expressed in the Public Risk Management Association (PRIMA) blogs/podcasts are those of each respective author/speaker. The views and opinions do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of PRIMA.*
Lawrence M. Zacarese, JD, MPA, CCEP, CHSP, CHCM, EMT-P
Vice President for Enterprise Risk Management and Chief Security Officer; Stony Brook University
Biography
Lawrence M. Zacarese is the Vice President for Enterprise Risk Management and Chief Security Officer
(CSO) at Stony Brook University. Larry has more than 30 years of experience in the public and private
sector overseeing and managing multiple complex organizations. He provides executive leadership,
expertise, and strategic guidance to the Stony Brook community on enterprise risk management,
environmental health and safety, emergency management, business continuity, mobility and parking
services, sustainability, crisis communications and public safety.
Larry was instrumental in guarding against, and leading the organization through, countless critical
incidents and crises including several hurricanes, infrastructure outages, and the COVID-19 pandemic to
name a few. Larry is a nationally recognized speaker, contributing columnist, and subject matter expert
and maintains an adjunct faculty position in the Graduate School of Professional Development at Stony
Brook where he teaches Crisis Management and Legal Issues in Higher Education.
Larry is a licensed attorney and holds a JD from Touro University Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center as well as
an MPA (Inspector General) and a BA in Forensic Psychology from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
In addition, he holds a Post-Graduate Certificate in Global Security and Terrorism Studies from Fairleigh
Dickinson University, a Post-Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice Education from the University of
Virginia, and a New York State Paramedic Certificate from Stony Brook University. He is also a graduate of
the Harvard Kennedy School Senior Executives in National and International Security program, the 246th
session of the FBI National Academy, and the FBI Mid-Atlantic Law Enforcement Executive Development
Seminar at Princeton University.
