Carlos F. Matus was appointed as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS) and the Director of Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) on September 13, 2021.

Mr. Matus, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service – class of Minister-Counselor – joined DS as a DSS special agent in 1987. He has since held numerous and varied assignments throughout the world.

He began his career at the Washington Field Office. His next assignment took him to the U.S. Embassies in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, and La Paz, Bolivia, until 1993. Mr. Matus then went on to DSS’ Miami Field Office, where he conducted criminal investigations. In 1995, Mr. Matus returned to Washington, DC, to serve as a passport fraud desk officer until 1997, and then as a shift leader on U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright’s protection detail until 2000. His next two assignments were at the U.S. Embassy Panama City, Panama, until 2003 and the U.S. Embassy Kabul, Afghanistan, until 2004. After Kabul, he attended the Inter-American Defense College in Washington, DC, until 2005. Mr. Matus then served in the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, assigned to the Vulnerabilities Assessment Unit until 2007, where he focused on public corruption investigations associated with the passport and visa processes. During this time, Mr. Matus also served as the acting criminal investigations division chief for DSS.

From 2007 to 2009, Mr. Matus served at the U.S. Embassy in Vienna, Austria. After Austria, Mr. Matus spent some time working in DS’ Legislative Affairs Office and then served as deputy regional director for contingency operations, focusing on Afghanistan until 2011. In 2011, Mr. Matus transferred to Protective Intelligence Investigations, serving as its director, until 2016. From 2016 – 2017, he returned to the U.S. Embassy Kabul, Afghanistan, to serve as the senior regional security officer. Mr. Matus served as the deputy assistant secretary for the High Threat Programs Directorate from 2017 to 2019. Mr. Matus served as the acting deputy assistant secretary for Threat Investigations and Analysis, and acting director of DSS from 2019-2021. Throughout his career, he has also held temporary duty assignments throughout the world to include Haiti, Pakistan, and Brazil.

Mr. Matus is an individual recipient of the State Department’s Meritorious and Superior Honor Awards, as well as many other commendations; and was twice recognized by the U.S. Marine Corps as RSO of the Year for D Company. He was most recently awarded the Presidential Rank Award for Meritorious Executive.

Mr. Matus is a Washington, DC, native. He graduated from the University of Maryland and the Inter-American Defense College, and holds a Master’s degree in Security and Hemispheric Defense from the University of Salvador, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Pete Short is responsible for all aspects of security and the coordination of crisis management programs across Ball Corporation’s global enterprise. Ball Corporation is a provider of metal packaging for beverages, foods and household products, and of aerospace and other technologies and services to commercial and governmental customers. Founded in 1880, the company employs 18,500 people worldwide.

Pete is the current private sector council co-chair of OSAC and sits on the Executive Working Group (EWG). He also serves as Co-Chair of the DSAC Membership and Engagement Committee. He is a member of the International Security Management Association (ISMA).

Preceding his current role; Pete was the director of program security for Ball Aerospace. He joined Ball in 2010 with 22 years of experience as a security professional in the aerospace and defense sector. He has held positions with Raytheon Company, Hughes Electronics and Lockheed Missiles and Space. Pete began his career as a uniformed security officer and volunteer fire fighter in Yosemite National Park immediately after receiving a BS in criminal justice from the University of Southern Mississippi in May 1988.

Christina Johnson is a senior security risk management professional currently serving as Global Safety and Security Director for Chemonics International with responsibility to support 6000+ employees implementing over two billion dollars in business solutions in 60+ countries. She is a subject matter expert in security policy, crisis management, risk analysis and training with significant recent experience providing security management at corporate and country-levels. She provides continuous internal security risk consulting to C-level, executive, and program leaders across the enterprise and holistically integrates safety and security into core business operations. Her global experience includes work overseas including in Pakistan, China, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Afghanistan, Iraq, West Bank, Kenya, Sudan, South Sudan, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Greg Wurm is the Vice President, Chief Security Officer at Anthem, Inc. In this role, he is responsible for the global security of associates and facilities, physical security programs, executive protection, security awareness, risk mitigation and safety. With over 74 million people served by its affiliated companies, including more than 40 million with its family of health plans, Anthem is one of the nation’s leading health benefits companies.

Greg has been with Anthem since 2011, having held roles managing the physical security program, site risk assessment program, security audits, security vendor management and the domestic security operations prior to being named as the leader of the department in 2014.

Prior to joining Anthem, Greg was the Vice President of Security at Centene Corporation. In this role, he had oversight for security operations, executive protection, and was a team member of the crisis management and business continuity programs.

Greg’s background is in law enforcement where he was the Chief of Police in Ladue, MO. He had executive oversight of the police department and served on the Board of Directors for the St. Louis Area Major Case Squad. Before being appointed Chief of Police, Greg spent 20 years with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, serving in number of roles including patrol commander, internal affairs, detective bureau and SWAT.

Greg holds a Master of Science degree in criminal justice and a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the United States Secret Service Dignitary Protection Seminar, the Domestic Security Executive Academy and the Kellogg School of Management Senior Executive Leadership Program. Greg is certified by the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) as a Certified Protection Professional (CPP). He is a member of several professional groups, including the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), International Security Management Association (ISMA), the Domestic Security Alliance Council (DSAC), the FBI National Academy Associates (FBINAA) and the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). Greg also serves as a member of the Everbridge Executive Advisory Board.

Erik Antons is the chief security officer of Whirlpool Corporation where he leads the physical security risk management program for the $21B enterprise of 77,000+ employees across 170+ countries. Previously, he was vice president and chief security officer of Hyatt Hotels Corporation where he was responsible
for the safeguarding of 127,000+ associates and 910+ hotels, offices, and assets in 65 countries. Prior to joining Hyatt, Antons was manager of international security and executive services with Sempra Energy.

Antons began his security management career as a special agent with the Diplomatic Security Service, U.S. Department of State, where he safeguarded the people, property and information of Americans overseas, often in critical-threat environments.

Antons is a Certified Protection Professional (CPP) and Physical Security Professional (PSP) with ASIS International and is a Certified Lodging Security Director (CLSD) with the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute. He represents Whirlpool Corporation as one of 31 organizations on the U.S. Dept. of State’s Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) and
is also a member of The International Security Management Association (ISMA), The Domestic Security Alliance Council (DSAC), The Information Systems Audit and Control
Association (ISACA), and The Asset Protection Executives (APEX). He’s a veteran infantryman of the Army National Guard and he speaks Spanish.

He holds a M.S. in Homeland Security from San Diego State University where he serves as an adjunct faculty member with the Homeland Security Department, and a B.S. in Journalism from Ohio University. Antons is also an Associate Board member with The Pat Tillman Foundation.

William G. Baker, Jr. (Billy) has been with Capital One since 1995. In his current role, Billy leads Enterprise safety & security, which sets standards and provides counsel to business leaders to promote a safe and secure business environment that protects associates, customers, and company needs.

Prior to joining Enterprise Safety & security, Billy worked in the Corporate Real Estate organization (Workplace Solutions) for 11 years. Her served as regional lead for the Central Virginia portfolio and later became vice president of Central Services. In that role, Billy was accountable for Marketing & Communications, Building Operations, Portfolio Strategy, Real Estate Transactions, Workplace Experience and Capital One’s Environmental Sustainability Office, as we as external partner relationships.

Prior to Workplace Solutions, Billy led several operational teams in Capital One’s Credit Card Division.

Billy received a B.A. from The University of the South in 1994.

Wendy Bashnan is the Chief Security Officer for the Nielsen Company. As an accomplished risk and resilience activist she has a history of advocating strategic partnerships, directing high performance teams, and fostering business missions through enterprise risk management decision-making processes and policy execution. With over 28 years of experience in data-driven, risk informed, business-focused continuity and resilience solutions, she ushered extensive financial management and optimization, cross-functional planning through security by design, and traditional security program leadership. As a transformative chief security officer and cross-functional leader, she is adept at leading dynamic and diverse global teams, cultivating resilience culture and risk management, and implementing intelligence-based security and safety strategies within international organizations.

In previous senior executive positions, Wendy served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary and Assistant Director to the Training Directorate for Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) , the Director of the NATO Office of Security, and the Chief of Staff to the Assistant Secretary for DSS. In these senior positions she served as the principal security advisor to the senior leadership; leading strategic planning efforts with foreign government and military partners; assessing and mitigating security risks; negotiating and implementing security agreements with nations and other international governmental organizations. 

Over a 28 year career in law enforcement, Wendy served in multiple capacities as Special Agent in Charge for both the New York Field Office and the Miami Field Office; Senior Regional Security Officer (RSO) in the U.S. Consulate in Erbil, Iraq and in the U.S. Embassy in Caracas, Venezuela; Deputy Olympic Security Coordinator in Beijing, China; Agent in Charge for the Office of Dignitary Protection, serving as the Major Events Coordinator for the United Nations General Assembly 60th Anniversary. Other assignments included service in Cairo – Egypt, Georgetown – Guyana and Asmara – Eritrea. Prior to joining DSS, Wendy was a probation/parole officer in her home state of South Carolina.

She holds a B.A. in Political Science and a M.A. in Criminal Justice from the University of South Carolina. The daughter of a sportscaster, Wendy enjoys combining her love of sports with her passion of securing the fan experience.

Frederick H. Bealefeld, III was appointed Police Commissioner of the City of Baltimore, Maryland in July of 2007 and commanded the eighth largest municipal police agency in the United States. With over three decades of service to the Baltimore Police Department, Mr. Bealefeld is credited with reducing city homicides and violent crime to the lowest levels since the 1970’s. In his time as Police Commissioner, he redefined the city’s crime fighting strategy by focusing enforcement efforts on violent offenders and fostering improved relationships between police and the community. Most known for his achievements in reducing overall gun violence, Bealefeld was responsible for double-digit declines in gun crime and was instrumental in the creation of Baltimore’s gun offender registry and legislative advocacy efforts for tougher penalties for gun offenders.

Mr. Bealefeld began his law enforcement career as a Baltimore police cadet in 1981. Throughout his thirty-one years of service, he rose through the ranks of the department and served in virtually every operational capacity. Mr. Bealefeld retired from the Baltimore Police Department in the summer of 2012 and joined the faculty at Stevenson University and taught undergraduates in Criminal Justice courses. Since 2014 has served as Vice President and Chief Security Officer for Under Armour where he has responsibility for the development, implementation and oversight of all global security efforts for Under Armour; including personal security for UA teammates, facility and asset protection.

As head of global security, Buffy is responsible for developing, implementing and managing a comprehensive Global Security strategy and program. She is responsible for defining global risks, assessing vulnerability and assisting management with the implementation of efficient and cost effective countermeasures designed to mitigate business risks. This includes all aspects of physical security, personnel security, information protection, crisis management, executive protection, investigations, and security administration.

Shannon Fariel-Mureithi is tis the Global Safety and Security Director for ChildFund International, a relief and development organization.

Her efforts enable the organization to safely access and assist vulnerable communities affected by violence and disasters. Her career accomplishments include building from conception to implementation security risk and crisis management programs for global organizations. Known as a collaborator, she has trained dozens of organizations, aided in certification development of NGO security standards, and has spoken as an expert in multiple forums.

Shannon is an Executive Council member for the US. Department of State’s Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC). She also was appointed to the Department of Homeland Security’s faith-based security advisory council. Shannon was voted the 2020 Outstanding Security Professional Award for outstanding in-house security manager/director. She earned both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in justice studies. She received her professional development certificate with the Department of Homeland Security FEMA in emergency planning and with Cornell in Change Leadership, Business Analytics and Investigations.

Shannon is a military veteran. She worked in Kenya for 14 years prior to relocating to the US. Her passion for her work is fueled by “doing justice” for the oppressed and poor.

W. Larry Ford joined the John Deere Security team in August 2020. As Deere and Company’s Director Enterprise Security and Preparedness undertaking comprehensive risk mitigation to preserve safety of associates and the integrity of brands and reputation. Aligning safety and security programs with business structure Worldwide to mitigate business disruption, sustaining business health and growth.

He served as PepsiCo Global Security Director for seven years before starting with Deere and Company. Ensuring security business support business continuity and crisis management policy and protocols were in place within North America to drive business results and honors PepsiCo values.

Larry retired from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives U.S. Department of Justice with nearly 30 years’ worth of bureau experience. His bureau experience was the foundation for his role as an executive advisor to the Director and coordinator of high-priority, bureau-wide projects. He was the Assistant Director for Field Operations, Assistant Director for Strategic Information and Intelligence, Assistant Director for Public and Governmental Affairs. His noted contributions to ATF extend bureau-wide having been the Assistant Director in three of the agency’s directorates.

W. Larry Ford was elevated to the Senior Executive Service in 2002, while serving as the Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the Chicago Field Division. Prior to this assignment, he served as Special Assistant to the Under Secretary of the Treasury. Larry began his career in 1983 as a Special Agent in Youngstown, Ohio, perfecting investigations to include long term undercover, murder for hire, arson, explosives and tobacco diversion.

Larry received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Toledo and is a 2008 member of the National Executive Institute. He is a member of a number of national law enforcement organizations and has served on their executive and policy committees. In 2008, his exceptional public service was recognized with the prestigious Presidential Rank Award of Meritorious Executive.

Karen Frank is the Senior Director and head of Global Security Services for Pratt & Whitney, a Raytheon Technologies Company. In this role, Karen is responsible for developing and supporting the implementation of Pratt & Whitney’s global security strategy and serves as the focal point for corporate security within the organization. Karen previously held leadership roles at Caterpillar Inc. in Enterprise Security and IT Service Management. She held global accountability to strategically transform the IT consumer experience, including supplier relationship management, asset management and infrastructure demand shaping and analytics.

Karen previously was the Enterprise Security Program & Consulting Director for Caterpillar Inc., managing security services and associated governance in support of domestic and international corporate risk management initiatives related to the security of people, information, property and brand. Karen is a Six Sigma Black Belt and has experience as a Global Investigations & Brand Protection Manager, Strategic Planning Consultant, and a Business Investigator. She has prior law enforcement experience as a Criminal Investigator for the Tazewell County State’s Attorney’s Office in Illinois.

Karen has a Bachelor of Science degree in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration from Western Illinois University and a Master of Business degree from Illinois State University. She is a Certified Protection Professional (CPP) and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM).

Jeffrey Gilbert is vice president and Chief Security Officer for The Coca-Cola Company.

Gilbert joined the company in March 2021 and is responsible for developing the vision, strategy and implementation of global security risk strategy, operational planning and related strategic security programs.

Gilbert joined Coca-Cola from WarnerMedia, where he served the last several years as senior vice president and Chief Security Officer. He led the global organization of security professionals to deliver strategic security solutions across the enterprise.

Gilbert has more than 21 years of progressive experience in law enforcement with the U.S. Secret Service, including nine years in an executive leadership role. Gilbert also spent seven years with PepsiCo, serving in senior security roles, both domestically and international.

Gilbert is a graduate of Hampton University and the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

Jamie Gough serves as the Vice President of Security at Samaritan’s Purse and at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Previously, he was the Director of International Security for Samaritan’s Purse. Before joining Samaritan’s Purse, Jamie served a career in the Army. He holds a B.S. from the United States Military Academy and an M.S. from the University of California – Davis.

Patrick Hawk, Sr. Director of Corporate Security has been with Discovery Communications since Feb. 2004. His areas of responsibility are safety, security and risk management. Previously he was the Executive Protection and Security Director for Vulcan Inc./Paul Allen Group in Seattle, WA. Prior to this he worked as a private investigator and a criminal investigator in the DC area. He is a Criminal Justice graduate from the University of Maryland and holds a CPP (Certified Protection Professional) through ASIS and PPS (Personal Protection Professional) certification through the Executive Protection Institute as well as being an American Red Cross instructor since 1998.

Ms. Heck is an experienced security leader with over 30 years of law enforcement, intelligence, and private sector security experience, focusing on threat and risk management, and community outreach and information sharing for both public and private sector.

Ms. Heck retired from the FBI after 24 years of service where she served in several counterterrorism senior executive leadership roles to include, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division of the Washington Field Office and the deputy assistant director in the Counterterrorism Division at FBI Headquarters, overseeing the FBI’s US and international counterterrorism investigations.

Since retiring from the FBI, Ms. Heck has served in corporate security leadership roles at The Walt Disney Company, Caruso, Madison Square Garden, and Standard Industries providing her the opportunity to work with companies representing multiple national critical infrastructures with both a domestic and international presence.

Ms. Heck holds a Master of Arts in Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School.

Landes Holbrook is Brigham Young University’s Senior Manager over Global Security, Health and Safety. He provides key analysis to university administration regarding policy and procedures, conducts program security advance work, oversees international crisis management, and implements training programs for students, faculty, and staff. He serves as the university’s key contact for government, non-government, and other professional organizations working with international security, safety, travel, and health issues. He also serves on several US Government leadership councils. Holbrook has lived in Paraguay, Spain and Mexico. He has directed BYU programs to Mexico, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and Spain.

Mr. Holloway is the Director of the Office of Administrative Services at the U.S. Department of Commerce. He also serves on the Council’s Strategic Growth & Partnerships Subcommittee, working to develop key relationships for the promotion of OSAC initiatives and to identify and encourage inclusion of underrepresented interest groups.

Danny has over 25 years of enterprise risk management experience with a heavy concentration in the private/non-profit sector. He joined the Wildlife Conservation Society in 2012 where he oversees organizational risk management, global insurance, personnel safety, global security and crisis management for a system of five urban wildlife parks in New York City and wildlife protection work in 60 countries. Prior to joining WCS, Danny completed senior risk management positions with the Catholic Mutual Group, Aon Risk Services, and Loyola University New Orleans.

Danny’s expertise is in managing enterprise risks associated with natural disasters, terrorism, transnational crime and workplace safety. He holds a Bachelors (with Honors) in Management from Albertus Magnus College and a Masters in Homeland Security Leadership from the University of Connecticut. He has completed adjunct faculty assignments at the University of Connecticut instructing graduate students in the principles of Global Enterprise Risk Management and applying same to counterterrorism, infrastructure protection, and crisis management within corporate, non-profit and governmental entities.

Danny has been a member of OSAC since 2012 and recently served as Private Sector Chairman of the Europe Regional Council.

Dave Komendat is the vice president and Chief Security Officer (CSO) for The Boeing Company. In this role, he is responsible Boeing’s global security and fire protection policy and procedures, site security, executive protection, supply chain security, structural and aircraft fire protection, government and proprietary information security, data protection, business continuity & disaster preparedness and security background investigations.

As CSO, he is the Boeing interface for both national and international security policy engagement with several government and industry advisory groups. He currently represents Boeing as the private sector Co-Chairman on the Domestic Security Alliance Council (DSAC), a partnership comprised of the FBI, DHS and members of the private sector formed to enhance communication and promote the timely and effective exchange of information focused on keeping the nation’s critical infrastructure safe, secure and resilient.

Dave has held a variety of leadership positions at Boeing and McDonnell-Douglas and was appointed Boeing’s Chief Security Officer in 2008. Komendat graduated from California State University at Long Beach with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice specializing in industrial security. He joined McDonnell Douglas as an Industrial Security Specialist in 1986.

Komendat also is a graduate of the executive development program at the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University in May 2005.

Michael Lee is Senior Vice President and Chief Security Officer at PepsiCo and is responsible for implementing the PepsiCo global security strategy throughout its operations. Prior to joining PepsiCo in April 2010, Mr. Lee served 25 years with the U.S. Secret Service. Mr. Lee’s most recent positions were as Special Agent in Charge of the Vice Presidential Protective Division in Washington, D.C. and Special Agent in Charge of the Dallas Field District in Dallas, Texas. In these roles Mr. Lee was responsible for implementing the U.S. Secret Service strategic plan as it pertains to the protective and investigative mission of the U.S. Secret Service. Mr. Lee is a graduate of Cal State Fullerton (BA Criminal Justice) and National Defense University National War College (MS National Security Strategy).

Ryan B. Levison, CPP, PSP is the Director of Global Security at Iron Mountain, with direct responsibility for driving the effective implementation of global security strategy and key functional security areas, to include Physical Security, Policy and Compliance, Travel Safety and Security, and Insider Threat, in order to protect Iron Mountain’s people, assets, customer material and brand. Iron Mountain is the global leader in information management services; serving over 220,000 customers in more than 50 countries on five continents, while storing, protecting and managing some of the world’s most valuable historical artifacts, cultural treasures, business documents and medical records. Ryan has been with Iron Mountain for approximately five years, serving in several areas of the Risk organization to include, Corporate Security, Travel Security and Executive Protection, Business Continuity, and the protection of data centers, fine art and entertainment industry assets.

Prior to Iron Mountain, Ryan worked for Raytheon Company, responsible for multi-function security support, ensuring security policy compliance with Raytheon Company and the National Industrial Security Program standards, as well as serving as a subject matter expert and lead in Physical Security for the organization.

Ryan has a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Northeastern University, a Master of Arts in Security Management from American Military University, and maintains board certification as a Certified Protection Professional (CPP) and Physical Security Professional (PSP) through ASIS International. Ryan, his wife Liz, and his two children reside in North Grafton Massachusetts, just outside of Boston.

Nick Lovrien, CPP, is the Chief Global Security Officer at Meta responsible for the overall leadership of Meta’s Global Security Organization. His team is committed to enabling the business while protecting the people, assets and reputation of Meta’s family of companies to include: Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, WhatsApp, Oculus, Building 8, Internet.org and Workplace.

Nick previously served as a Counterterrorism Operations Officer with the Central Intelligence Agency and held a number of leadership roles with Target Corporation prior to joining Meta. Nick is a member of numerous professional security organizations to include ASIS International, ISMA, ISSA and The CSO Center for Leadership and Development.

As Director, Operations & Administration, Mark joined Rotary International in 2014 to lead a diverse portfolio of globally shared services. From property and facilities management for its world headquarters as well as several of its global offices to providing reservation and support services for 5,000 volunteers and staff travelers, risk mitigation comes in many forms. In addition to these areas, Mark is also responsible for Rotary’s data service needs and supply chain supporting 35,000 local clubs of 1.2 million volunteers.

Prior to Rotary, Mark was Executive Vice President for an international, non-profit educational professional society (Refrigeration Service Engineers Society – RSES) where he developed a passion for skilled trades workforce development and energy sustainability. His 20+ years with RSES provided the connections and knowledge to found Pilgrim Consulting Services and acquire Better Buildings, Inc., providing expertise in natural gas and electrical utility energy efficiency program design and policy advisement – primarily through the Western HVAC Performance Alliance (WHPA).

Though his favorite pastimes include creating memories of beautiful sunsets in Door County, WI with his wife, daughters and grand-daughters, Mark also enjoys DIY home and auto repair, and supporting various local charities.

As the Chief Security Officer of the National Basketball Association, Leon Newsome oversees all aspects of security operations for the NBA, WNBA, NBA G League, NBA 2K League, Basketball Africa League, and associated events as well as the NBA’s 15 offices worldwide.

Prior to his time as the Chief Security Officer, Newsome spent 28 years with the Secret Service, rising to Deputy Director in August 2019. As Deputy Director, he oversaw the daily investigative and protective operations of an agency with more than 7,000 employees globally. He was also instrumental implementing emerging protective technologies and led the Secret Service’s public and private partnerships on issues directly impacting national security.

Newsome has also held other senior management positions within the Secret Service, where his responsibilities included leading the investigative efforts for all domestic and international offices, serving as the agent in charge of the protective detail for Vice President Joseph Biden and family, and overseeing the multiagency coordination of numerous National Special Security Events.

A Baltimore, Maryland native, Newsome earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Princeton University and is also a graduate of Key Executive Leadership Program at American University.

Joe M. Olivarez Jr. is the Vice President, Operational Centers of Excellence – Global Security, Resilience, Quality, HSE and Sustainability for Jacobs. Jacobs is a 13B business, has 53K employees and operates in over 60 countries. In fiscal year 2014, Mr. Olivarez was selected to be the first global Security Leader in this capacity in the 60 – year history of Jacobs. His role has been to build and lead the company’s integrated global security strategy. He is responsible for assessing, influencing and assisting the Company to mitigate security and resilience risks in a dynamic international business environment. The security and resilience model include establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with the Executive and Senior Leadership Teams (SLT) to operate an intelligence driven and risk-based program. Due to his leadership, in 2019 he was requested by the SLT to also lead the company Global Quality team and more recently the entire Operational Center of Excellence in 2020.

Prior to joining Jacobs Mr. Olivarez spent eleven (11) years with Baker Hughes Incorporated (BHI) where he held increasingly responsible roles. Manager of Investigations, Director of Security Global Operations and Vice President Enterprise Security and Crisis Management, Western Hemisphere. In these roles, he was the lead investigator for matters assigned to the Security Office globally. Investigations included, but were not limited to, allegations of violations of the Business Code of Conduct and criminal activities such as theft, fraud, workplace violence, conflicts of interest, drugs, kickbacks, and loss of intellectual property. His leadership led to the recovery/awards of over 30MUSD back to the corporation. In addition, he was instrumental in the transformation of the program to mature from a department to a function. His business approach to security led to the maturity of the team’s approach to enterprise security risk management, business planning, strategy development, resilience, country security programs, mergers & acquisitions processes, governance, training, recruitment, intelligence acquisition and analysis, travel risks oversight, physical security and fiscal management.

Before joining BHI, Mr. Olivarez was the Vice President of an International Investigative and Security Management Consulting Company serving a variety of corporations in the Oil & Gas, Technology, Entertainment, Transportation, Real Estate and Financial Management businesses. Mr. Olivarez spent 10 years in the government and government defense security business with General Dynamics as a Security Analyst and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as a Special Agent.

Mr. Olivarez received a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice with an emphasis in Legal Research from Stephen F. Austin State University and Master of Business Administration from the University of Houston Executive Management Program. He has successfully completed leadership programs at the Thunderbird School of Global Management, Yale Executive School of Management and is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Domestic Security Executive Academy. He is a member of ASIS International (2020 International Board Member), ASIS Chief Security Officer (CSO) Center (Past Chair), International Security Management Association (ISMA), U.S. State Department Overseas Advisory Security Council (OSAC) – Council Member and FBI Domestic Security Alliance Council (DSAC). In 2018, Mr. Olivarez was selected as the International SOS Ambassador Duty of Care Award Winner. In 2020, Olivarez was recognized by IFSEC as IFSEC Top Global Influencers Security & Fire, Commercial – Head of Security category. In 2020, Jacobs was recognized by the Chartered
Quality Institute (CQI) as Organization of the Year.

John Rendeiro joined International SOS in 2006 as Vice President, Global Security and Intelligence. Immediately prior to joining International SOS, he was Assistant Director for International Programs of the Diplomatic Security Service, U.S. Department of State. In this capacity, he was responsible for directing Bureau of Diplomatic Security programs protecting the Department’s international facilities and personnel from the threats of terrorism, espionage and crime.

As a Special Agent of the Diplomatic Security Service from 1985-2006, John served in various operational, protective and investigative positions. His service in Washington, D.C., included duty as Director of Intelligence and Threat Analysis, Director of Anti-Terrorism Assistance, and Chief of the Office of Professional Responsibility. Overseas, he served as Regional Security Officer in Russia and Switzerland, and performed extended duties in Afghanistan, Cuba, Haiti, Hungary, Liberia and Somalia, among other assignments.

John is a recipient of the Secretary of State’s Career Achievement Award and multiple Senior Foreign Service Performance awards. In 2006, he retired at the grade of Minister-Counselor, Senior Foreign Service. Before his assignment with the State Department, John served as a military intelligence officer in the U.S. Army. He holds a B.A. in Modern Languages from Widener University, Chester, Pa.; an M.A. in Spanish Language and Literature from Temple University, Philadelphia; an M.B.A from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, Ill.; and is a graduate of the U.S. Foreign Service Institute School of Russian Studies, and the U.S. Army War College, Carlisle, Pa.

John is a member of the Editorial Board of the Foreign Service Journal. His foreign languages are Spanish, Portuguese, French, Russian and German.

Stephen T. Saflin is the Chief Security Officer for Phillips 66. In this role he manages Global Security and Aviation for Phillips 66, a diversified energy manufacturing and logistics company.

He was appointed to the role in May 2012 and reports directly to Phillips 66 senior vice president, Health, Safety and Environment, and Projects. Saflin has more than 35 years of security and aviation experience.

He retired after 20 years of service in the United States Army as a Military Intelligence and Aviation Officer. Prior to his appointment to his role at Phillips 66, he was the Director of Aviation Operations at ConocoPhillips.

Before ConocoPhillips, he was the Director of Global Security and Aviation for MGM Mirage. Saflin graduated from California University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science and from Boston University with a Masters in Business Administration.

James F. Smith II, Vice President-Asset Protection, leads a team of corporate security professionals dedicated to the safety and protection of AT&T’s employees and assets. Asset Protection is the organizational resource dedicated towards investigating potential and actual violations of the AT&T Code of Business Conduct. Asset Protection also coordinates all corporate efforts pertaining to the protection of company personnel, property, and assets from assault, theft, fraud, malicious damage and other criminal acts.

Jim joined Southwestern Bell in 1999 as an Asset Protection investigator in Dallas. He was appointed to his current position in 2008, prior to the corporate HQ move to Dallas, where he now resides with his wife and three daughters.

Prior to joining Southwestern Bell, Jim served eleven years with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office in Largo, Florida. He was a detective and supervisor in the Narcotics Investigative Division and a member of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team. He was also a state certified firearms and tactics instructor with the Florida National Guard.

Jim earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminology from Florida State University and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Troy State University. He is a graduate of the U.S. Army Officer’s Basic Course, Airborne Infantry, and Counter-terrorism courses.

Cheryl Steele joined Starbucks in 2018 and is the interim Vice President of Global Security & Resilience (chief security officer). Cheryl contributes to Starbucks success by setting the strategic direction that secures all physical assets (retail and non-retail) and ensures the safety of the workforce and customers across Starbucks 30,000+ stores in 78 global markets.

The Global Security and Resilience team serves as the functional Center of Excellence for Starbucks, providing business-focused solutions consistent with the company’s strategy. Cheryl advises the leadership team on physical security and safety related activities and enterprise controls for Starbucks’ business units, the global supply chain, joint venture and strategic licensing partnerships, and facilities worldwide. Cheryl leads a global team of subject matter experts in physical security, risk intelligence, security technology systems, crisis management, business continuity and occupational safety. Based in Seattle, the team includes partners in London, Shanghai, and Hong Kong.

Cheryl brings to Starbucks a history of strategic planning and business management. She started her career as a diplomat with the U.S. Department of State, with overseas assignments in Egypt and Jordan. As a management consultant with Booz Allen Hamilton, Cheryl’s work included engagements on counter-terrorism, U.S. Special Operations and the defense-diplomacy development nexus, and public-private partnerships on global diplomacy and development issues. Later work with the global communications firm Fleishman Hillard and leadership of her own strategic consultancy business included engagements on crisis communications, counter-messaging and strategic planning and communications. Cheryl is a native of Massachusetts and has her MA degree from Columbia University in the City of New York.

Gary Tomasulo is the Managing Director and Chief Security Officer for Corporate Security for American Airlines. In this role, he leads the airline’s corporate security team to include the relationship with industry and all federal agencies focused on security. He is responsible for the airline’s domestic and international security programs, investigations, fraud and revenue protection, crew and operations security, regulatory compliance, and border security. Gary represents American Airlines security-related interests and priorities at the local, state, federal, and international levels. Gary also leads American’s security and related policy development and advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill and at the White House.

Prior to joining American in May 2019, he served at the National Security Council in the White House as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Border and Transportation Security. Gary was responsible for coordinating the Administration’s policy on transportation security, including aviation, across the Department of Homeland Security, and other relevant agencies. He also served on the National Security Council during the Bush and Obama Administrations. During his 28 years as a military officer in the Coast Guard, Gary served in a variety of policy, operational and legal assignments. Prior to his most recent service in the White House, Gary was the Commander for Sector Charleston, overseeing Coast Guard operations in South Carolina and Georgia.

Gary is the Vice-Chair of oneWorld and an active member of International Security Management Association (ISMA), International Air Transport (IATA) Security Advisory Council, Airlines for America (A4A) and the Domestic Security Alliance Council (DSAC).

Gary holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from the United States Coast Guard Academy, a Juris Doctor degree from Hofstra University School of Law, and a Master of Business Administration degree from Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan School of Management.

John Voorhees joined USAID in March 2016 as the Director of Security. He was inducted into the U.S. government’s Senior Executive Service on January 23, 2017 following a distinguished 28 year career in the U.S. Army serving in the Military Police Corps. His most recent military assignment was as the Deputy Commander (Chief Operating Officer) of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command in Quantico, VA. Prior to this assignment, Mr. Voorhees served as the Commander (Executive Director) for the Army’s Specialized Investigations and Executive Protection unit. Mr. Voorhees holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Personnel Management and Administration from the United States Military Academy, a Master of Arts degree in Education (Organizational Training) from the University of Louisville and a Master of Science degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the National War College, National Defense University.

Tom Yarbrough is the Global Director of Security at AB InBev, the world’s leading brewer, with operations in nearly 50 markets and sales in over 150 countries. His team is responsible for identifying, assessing and preventing security risks to ensure business continuity for the company’s 164,000 employees, assets and locations worldwide. Tom’s team is comprised of a multi-culturally diverse group of security and crisis experts, strategically positioned throughout the world.  Some his key priorities are the security of AB InBev’s CEO, C-Suite executives, and the company’s Board of Directors. 

Tom joined AB InBev in 2004 and has held several leadership positions, gaining extensive experience in Asia, Africa, Europe, South America and North America. Prior to AB InBev, Tom spent a decade in law enforcement. He has served on an FBI Public Corruption Task Force, a Drug Enforcement Task Force, the St. Louis County Police Intelligence Unit and on various assignments with the US Secret Service.

Tom holds a bachelor’s degree from Columbia College and is a graduate of the St. Louis County and Municipal Police Academy. He is trained in Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) and Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT).  He represents AB InBev as one of the 31 organizations on the U.S. Department of State’s Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) and is an active member of the International Security Management Association (ISMA) and the American Society of Industrial Security (ASIS International).