Our Foundation Staff

Gene Smith

Gene Smith, President

Gene Smith joined the Loss Prevention Foundation in January 2007. Prior to joining LPF , Gene served as President of North America’s largest Executive Search & Consulting firm specializing in providing Human Resource solutions for the retail Loss Prevention, Safety and Audit industries. During his fifteen-plus years with the firm he was directly involved in conducting assessment interviews, evaluating performance and identifying talent- while providing career counseling for thousands of industry professionals nationwide. Additional responsibilities included active participation in conducting many industry organizational reviews, operational strategies and succession plans.

Smith's previous experience includes serving twelve years in the retail Loss Prevention industry. His extensive resume includes two years as a Loss Prevention Training Manager with Federated Department Stores before serving in various Directorships with Federated, Consumers Catalog Showrooms and Revco Drug Stores.

Gene is a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Police Administration and an Associate of Arts degree in Security & Public Safety. EKU has also acknowledged him as a Distinguished Alumni for his service in the Loss Prevention and Security industries. Gene is also a member of ASIS, Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences and the Alpha Phi Sigma Alumni Association.

Email (Attention: Gene Smith, President ) or Phone (704) 837-2521


Donna Murphy

Donna Murphy
Operations and Marketing Coordinator

Donna Murphy joined the Loss Prevention Foundation in November 2011. Prior to joining The Loss Prevention Foundation, Donna worked in manufacturing and inventory management with global vendors to ensure compliance and manage distribution within North and South America.

Donna comes to the Loss Prevention with an extensive back ground in working with global suppliers, manufacturing, wholesale, and retail clients. She has over 21 years of experience in sales and marketing, supply chain management, international logistics, specializing in the retail industry. Donna started her retail career with Macy’s and is a graduate of Bauder College with a degree in Fashion Merchandising. She also has extensive experience in hospitality, organizing special events and fund raising.

Donna is currently enrolled in the LPQ certification course.

Email (Attention: Donna Murphy, Operations & Marketing Coordinator) or Phone (866) 433-5545


Catherine Penizotto
Academic and Retail Partnerships Liaison

Catherine Penizotto has 30 years of retail management experience including Specialty Clothing Retail, Full Service Automotive Aftermarket, Grocery and Discount Big Box retail.

Positions she’s held include, District Loss Prevention Manager, Senior Asset Protection Manager, Regional Director of Loss Prevention, Director of Asset Protection as well as Director of Data Integrity.

Catherine has been a mentor in the NRF’s Women in LP Caucus. She is a member of the LPC Exam Committee for the Loss Prevention Foundation. Catherine wrote a feature article published in Loss Prevention Magazine  and has presented Asset Protection related topics at conferences both in the US and in the UK. Catherine is currently enrolled in the LPC course.

In 2010, Catherine established OPTIC Loss Prevention LLC, a Business Consulting and Liaison service provider focused on Loss Prevention and Asset Protection for independent retailers, business owners, and product providers.

Email (Attention: Catherine Penizotto, Academic & Retail Partnerships Liaison) or Phone (704) 837-2521


Glenn MasterGlenn Master, Student Liaison

Glenn Master is the Director of Loss Prevention for Newgistics, a transportation and logistics company specializing in returns for major retailers. Glenn has over 15 years of industry experience previously working for Office Depot, Motorola, and Henry Schein, Inc. He also works as an Adjunct Professor at Texas Christian University teaching courses in Loss Prevention and Security Management. 

Glenn’s educational background includes a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Texas-Arlington.

Email (Attention: Glenn Master, Student Liaison)


Glenn MasterDavid Phillips, LPC
Operations and Special Projects Coordinator

David Phillips is the owner of David L Phillips Services, a private consulting firm. David comes to us with a 15 year background in IT and Quality Assurance Consulting. As a former U.S. Army Officer - MP and Air Force Enlisted - Security Police, David brings over 9 years of combined military experience and police training.  Dave has also held loss prevention positions with Sears and The Bon Ton.

David is LPCertified (LPC) and is currently looking to enroll back in college to complete a bachelor degree in Criminal Justice and Police Administration. With a forward look towards a graduate degree.

Email (Attention: David Phillips, LPC, Operations ) or
Phone (704) 405-4404