Mr. Richie Perna

Richie Perna is the Chief Strategy Officer at Day Automation, a New York–based systems integrator with more than 50 years of experience supporting K–12 school districts across the Northeast. Richie leads strategic growth initiatives focused on school safety, security technology, and district-wide operational planning, working closely with superintendents, technology leaders, facilities teams, architects, and public safety stakeholders. With a deep background in physical security, emergency communications, and integrated life-safety systems, Richie has played a key role in designing and deploying large-scale solutions for school districts of all sizes—from single-building campuses to complex, multi-site districts. His work spans video surveillance, access control, lockdown systems, public address and emergency notification, and the increasingly important intersection between security technology, IT infrastructure, and daily school operations. Richie is known for his practical, district-first approach to school security—helping leaders move beyond reactive purchasing toward cohesive, scalable strategies that align with real-world budgets, staffing constraints, and regulatory requirements. He regularly advises districts on risk assessment, phased implementation, stakeholder alignment, and long-term planning, ensuring technology investments deliver measurable improvements in safety, communication, and response readiness. In addition to his work with school districts, Richie collaborates with leading technology manufacturers, consultants, and industry partners to evaluate emerging tools and trends shaping the future of K–12 security. He frequently participates in workshops, leadership roundtables, and professional conferences, where he is valued for translating complex security concepts into clear, actionable guidance for educators and administrators. At FETC, Richie brings a grounded, experience-driven perspective to school security—sharing lessons learned from the field, common pitfalls districts face, and practical frameworks for building safer, more resilient learning environments without overcomplicating the mission.