David Johnston is vice president of Asset Protection & Retail Operations for the National Retail Federation, the world’s largest retail trade association. In his role, he leads asset protection and store operations focused initiatives and member programs, facilitating engagement, promoting best practices and advocating on policy initiatives focusing on crime, violence, loss and issues challenging the profitability of retail store operations.

A global asset protection and corporate security professional for more than three decades, David has held leadership positions across various retail segments. His career path also includes business development and consultative roles as a solution provider, helping other asset protection teams achieve greater results.

David believes partnerships, mentorship, and engagement play key roles in the evolution of the loss prevention profession. A former board member and past president of the Restaurant Loss Prevention & Security Association (RLPSA), David currently serves on the Board of Advisors for the Loss Prevention Research Council, an active member of ASIS, and supports future professionals as an advisor for his local high school’s Criminal Justice Vocational Program.

David received his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and his master’s degree in security studies from the University of Massachusetts’s at Lowell, and lives with his wife and two adult children in Massachusetts.