Mark Laustra is a Crane Firm partner who consults our clients on transportation security projects and initiatives. He has more than 25 years’ experience successfully bringing innovative security technologies to market and managing complex technology-based programs for aviation security, cargo inspection, and critical infrastructure protection. A frequent contributor to U.S. Congressional hearings, industry forums and media outlets such as CNN, Fox News, and CNBC, Mark is also recognized as a leading expert on policy and regulatory matters related to aviation security technology.
Mark has particular expertise in the use of non-intrusive inspection and threat detection technologies to mitigate threats posed to aviation and other high-value assets by chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) agents. He recently completed his third term as Chair of the Security Manufacturers Coalition, the unified voice to the federal government of companies that manufacture security screening technology. As chair, he testified before the U.S. Senate on the state of U.S. aviation security and made specific recommendations on how to improve the business ecosystem.
Mark’s leadership experience includes business strategy development for leading companies like Smiths Detection, Astrophysics, and most recently Analogic, where he was instrumental in building a U.S. domestic and international market for checkpoint CT technology. His business development efforts led to a strategic partnership with the world’s largest passenger air carrier which became a launch customer for Analogic’s checkpoint CT screening solution. Prior to joining Analogic, Mark was in a leadership position at Smiths Detection, where he worked with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to successfully deploy the first walk-through people screening portal, the first multiview checkpoint X-ray system, and automated screening lane solution.
Mark is currently serving on the board of Karsa Oy, a startup involved in the commercialization of chemical ionization technology originally developed at the University of Helsinki for security applications. He is also the principle owner of Ax17 Strategies.
