Murray Price had an IBM PCjr long before most of us had need for usernames or passcodes. His dad worked for IBM in the 1960s until retirement, and an inquisitive Price took a job in the company’s computer lab where clients came to write programming for their companies.
“I’ve been comfortable in the computer technology world,” said Price, who was a telecommunications technician and IT instructor at the University of Miami for eight years.
Being an early adopter networked him into the Federal Aviation Administration, where he served as an automation analyst. He and colleagues were in a civil aviation security communication meeting when the first plane hit the first tower on September 11, 2001. Putting his expertise to use, Price wired the conference room into a command center that was manned for the next 11 months.
“My user-based skills in information technology made for a smooth transition into TSA where I began my career in 2002,” said Price. “I joined the training team at Tampa International Airport (TPA) in 2013 where I continue to serve as a training specialist.”
Price also recently served as Division Commander with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. “I love my work within the Coast Guard and have served many years at Coast Guard Station Cortez by working the radio and telecommunication desk, responding to vessel and people’s distress calls on the water in the Manatee and Sarasota County coastal waters,” said Price. “I continue to serve as a recreational boating instructor, vessel examiner and communications team member.”
One of Price’s TSA duties follows his tech-savvy background. He’s the primary sensitive security information (SSI) coordinator for TPA and surrounding airports. SSI is information that, if publicly released, would be detrimental to transportation security, and is defined by Federal Regulation 49 C.F.R Part 1520.
“The principles of identifying, marking, safeguarding, disclosing and destroying SSI, among other information security requirements, are critical in safeguarding our infrastructure and reducing vulnerabilities that bad intentioned people can exploit,” said Price.
“Rewards of working with others always come down to the people around you. They are the reason I do what I do, and the TSA mission is the motivator that keeps my team looking for improvements in deliverables and promoting high level skills achievement and in properly integrating new equipment in our screening systems.
“In my SSI role, I am very proud to help guide Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport as our SSI Coordinator. As incidents and issues arise, we review how to handle them and adapt training based on lessons learned. We have a circle that is always repeating yet improving.”