Philadelphia— January 12, 2026 — COSECURE, a national consulting practice specializing in holistic physical security, cybersecurity, and emergency preparedness, is proud to announce the appointment of Don Hough as Vice President – Public Sector. Don Hough joins the team with more than 15 years of national leadership experience in safety, security, and technology integration, most recently serving as the deputy associate director for school safety at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and as a managing director of the Federal School Safety Clearinghouse.
During his tenure at DHS, Don led the nation’s school safety strategy — shaping interagency coordination across DHS, the Department of Education, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Health and Human Services. He directed major federal program portfolios, oversaw large multidisciplinary teams, and guided the development and nationwide rollout of foundational resources that continue to influence K–12 safety practices, including:
- SchoolSafety.gov
- K–12 School Security Guide Suite
- Anonymized Threat Response Guidance
- The National Summit on K–12 School Safety and Security
His contributions have positioned him as a national thought leader in integrating physical security, cybersecurity, and emergency management for schools and public institutions. Don is widely recognized for building strong coalitions with state agencies, school districts, national associations, technology innovators, and industry partners. His leadership has earned multiple distinctions, including the DHS Secretary’s Award for Excellence (2024) and Innovation (2023).
Prior to his federal service, Don Hough served as a senior manager at Grant Thornton, where he led key federal portfolios supporting national security. In that role, he drove significant revenue growth, advanced enterprise-level risk programs, and managed teams supporting mission-critical public-sector initiatives.
In his new role at COSECURE, Don Hough will lead the firm’s Public Sector practice, driving strategic growth across federal, state, and local markets and expanding the firm’s ability to support public institutions facing evolving safety, security, and resilience challenges. He will collaborate closely with COSECURE’s principals and Cozen O’Connor practice leaders to advance solution development, strengthen client partnerships, and accelerate COSECURE’s nationwide impact.
“We are thrilled to welcome Don to the COSECURE leadership team,” said Dan Pascale, Chief Executive Officer of COSECURE. “His unmatched experience leading national school safety strategy, combined with his deep understanding of physical security, cybersecurity, and emergency preparedness, will elevate our ability to serve public institutions across the country. Don’s insight, vision, and proven track record make him an extraordinary addition to our mission-driven organization.”
Don’s expertise will also enhance COSECURE’s existing education portfolio, supporting school districts, colleges, and universities as they address emerging threats and strengthen their safety ecosystems. His industry leadership and collaborative approach will help clients navigate complex operational risks with confidence.
About COSECURE
COSECURE partners with institutions, schools, businesses, and communities committed to creating safer environments. With a multidisciplinary team of experts spanning law enforcement, cybersecurity, emergency management, information technology, and campus safety, COSECURE delivers proactive, mission-aligned solutions that strengthen preparedness, reduce risk, and empower leaders to protect their communities.
Learn more at www.cosecure.com.