BTS Behind the Scenes is a chance to showcase the people who are making things happen at BTS and give you a “behind the scenes” look into their worlds. In this month’s feature we’ll talk with Director of Corporate Security Michelle Bakeris and talk Y2K, Chicago Bulls, and reality TV metaphors. 

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What brought you to BTS and what made it feel like the right next step in your career?

I joined BTS in January 2024. I had been with my previous employer for 14 years and worked with Doug Himes (BTS Program Manager) for several of those years. Doug reached out when BTS won a large prime contract and needed to bring Security in-house. My previous company had gone through an acquisition, and I have always preferred a small company culture, so it was the right time and a great fit!   

You started in security back in the 1990s during the height of Y2K concerns. Looking back, how has the security landscape evolved since then?

At the time, I remember our biggest concern was if the alarm system was going to go offline on New Years Eve and if the computers were going to be able to roll over from 1999 to 2000 (which luckily all worked out)! However, in all seriousness, the security landscape has evolved so much since then and of course since 9/11. Changes in Cybersecurity, Ransomware attacks, and the introduction of AI have all played a huge part in the security world today.   

What aspects of the “people side” of security really clicked with you as your career evolved?

Security covers a wide range from physical security to personnel security, but I do enjoy personnel security the most. The personnel side involves a lot of interpersonal skills and a deep understanding of human behavior, with much of it relying on managing and engaging with people and helping them understand the security processes and rules. I enjoy building trust with our employees and customers and creating a positive security culture at BTS.

Ok, we heard you are the ultimate “Dance Mom.’ Tell us about that!

Haha, yes. My daughter has been dancing since she was 2 years old. She started competing when she was in 6th grade so there were a lot of weekends that we traveled from competition to competition. She went on to dance for the University of Delaware and was captain her senior year, so I was the “Team Dance Mom.” Now she is a professional dancer for the Chicago Bulls dance team called the Luvabulls. I spend a lot of weekends in Chicago during basketball season where you will find me cheering her and the Bulls on. Let’s Go Bulls!  

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice about career and life, what would it be?

I would say that it is very important to maintain a good work/life balance and don’t be afraid to take on new challenges and opportunities. Hard work and dedication will get you far!

We know you love some good reality TV so here’s the question. Which show has more correlations to working in security: The Bachelor or Survivor?!

Yes, I do enjoy reality tv! It is a great escape from the everyday! I would say Survivor correlates to working in security the most. You are constantly dealing with a lot of different personalities and unique situations in the security world and figuring out the best way to navigate them.  

Ok, lightning round!

• Must-have snack when at a Bulls game: Soft Pretzels and a Seltzer
• Celebrity you’d most like to meet:  Jennifer Aniston, I was a huge Friends fan and have enjoyed her work ever since. 
• Vacation location you really want to visit (but haven’t yet): Paris
• Snack you have to have in your office:  CHOCOLATE

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