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Navigating the Unthinkable: Insights from Hostages and Negotiators in Kidnap, Ransom, and Extortion Situations

May 16, 2023 | 11:00 AM (EDT)

Kidnap, ransom, and extortion events are complex and difficult to navigate for all parties involved, including victims, families, and organizations. In this webinar, you will hear lessons learned from experts who have firsthand experience with this unthinkable reality: Rob D’Amico, former FBI Deputy Operations Chief of the Hostage Rescue Team, and Jessica Buchanan, survivor of a kidnapping. Together, they provide a detailed account of Buchanan's kidnapping while working in Somalia, offering valuable insights from the side of the negotiator and the captor on the strategies that are most effective in preventing and responding to these types of incidents.

MEET THE SPEAKERS

Moderator

MICHAEL COLEMAN

SVP, Strategic Partnerships, Corporate and Government Services, Global Guardian

As SVP of Strategic Partnerships, Corporate and Government Services, Michael Coleman helps Fortune 500 companies and government and military departments implement a full range of domestic and international duty of care services, emergency and medical response, and custom security solutions. Prior to joining the Global Guardian team, Michael served in the United States Army for 26 years where he gained extensive leadership, special operations, and project management experience as a Colonel and Special Forces Officer.

Most recently, Michael was the Director of Special Operations at the United States Army War College, training and educating the Army’s next generation of senior leaders. Prior to that post, he was the Garrison Commander in Soto Cano, Honduras—and also held key leadership positions overseeing multiple special task forces and recruiting operations. During his time in the Army, Michael conducted special operations deployments throughout Central and South America and the Middle East.

Michael holds two Master’s Degrees, one in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College and one in Business Administration and Management from Webster University. He also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Corrections from Mansfield University of Pennsylvania.  

Speakers

JESSICA BUCHANAN

Author, Kidnapping Survivor

On October 25, 2011, while on a routine field mission in Somalia, working as the Education Advisor for her non-governmental organization, Jessica Buchanan was abducted at gunpoint and held for ransom by a group of Somali pirates for 93 days. Forced to live outdoors in deplorable conditions, starved, and terrorized by more than two dozen gangsters, Jessica’s health steadily deteriorated until, by order of President Obama, she was rescued by the elite SEAL Team VI on January 25, 2012.

Jessica’s ordeal is detailed in her New York Times bestselling book, Impossible Odds: The Kidnapping of Jessica Buchanan and Her Dramatic Rescue by SEAL Team Six.

Jessica has been named one of the ‘150 Women Who will Shake the World’ by Newsweek, and her story was the most highly viewed 60 Minutes episode to air, to date. Jessica is a highly sought-after inspirational speaker and her TEDx Pearl Street talk, ‘Change is Your Proof of Life’ has been the foundation for which she travels the world, inspiring audiences to access their resilience by identifying their own autonomy and choice in the middle of their own life-changing event.

Jessica is the founder of Soul Speak Press, an imprint of Merack Publishing, where she supports women who are ready to share their stories through Memoir Manifestos- books that are one part memoir, one part self-help, and one part inspiration. Jessica’s first anthology project, Deserts to Mountaintops: Our Journey to (re) Claiming Our Voice comes out in January 2023.

Jessica is the co-host of the TOP 1% ranking podcast worldwide, We Should Talk About That where she and her Jessica Kidwell attempt to unpack the uncomfortable topics that nobody is talking about, but definitely should.

And in her free time, Jessica can be found hiking mountains all over the world with her husband and two kids.

ROB D'AMICO

Senior Risk Advisor, Global Guardian

Rob D’Amico recently completed over thirty-six years of government service, serving ten in the United States Marine Corps before nearly twenty-seven with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. His time in the FBI was largely spent in Legal Attaché positions overseas and with the Bureau’s Hostage Rescue Team, under which he was embedded to Special Operation Forces, specifically the Joint Special Operations Command, and their national mission units. Rob’s career placed him at each pivotal step in the resolution of kidnapping and hostile detention matters—initial notification and deployment, intelligence collection and location determination phases, negotiations, detailed planning for several different resolution courses of action and obtaining national command authority approval. Working on every facet of operations, he has negotiated hostage releases and exchanges including recoveries from terrorist entities in hostile territories and set post-detention operations that prioritize the mental health of victims.

Throughout his long and successful career, Rob worked under the highest pressure with or against pirates, negotiators, warlords, leaders of terrorist networks, ambassadors, generals, foreign ministers, and non-government organizations to reach resolutions that prioritized victims’ safety. Through education and consulting, Rob continues to use his knowledge and experience to prevent kidnapping and hostage situations and to assist in the safe recovery of the victims. Rob’s extensive international network of operatives, acquaintances and enablers are poised to help in any facet of an operation. Rob was recently selected to be a member of the Foley Foundation’s Advisory Council with positions on the Training and Education Committee and the Hostage Advocacy Committee. Rob is the recipient of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s highest medals for meritorious achievement for two separate hostage and kidnapping matters.

Rising Risks: Understanding the Impact of an Emerging Threat Landscape

March 14, 2023 | 11:00 AM (EDT)

Today’s evolving threat landscape presents an unprecedented challenge for organizations. America is no longer the world’s police, Russia is no longer the sheriff in the former-Soviet world, and due to the democratization of technology, sophisticated weapons in both the cybersphere and the physical world are increasingly available to powerful non-state actors and rogue regimes alike. The second and third-order effects of the Russia-Ukraine War and China’s decoupling from the West has only begun to expose the fragile state of globalization, necessitating organizations to proactively assess their resilience and prioritize business continuity planning.

In this webinar, our panel of intelligence and security experts:

• Provided a briefing on current and emerging threats to global security, including those from the Russia-Ukraine War and China, as highlighted in Global Guardian’s 2023 Worldwide Threat Assessment
• Discussed the impact of these threats on global businesses now and in the years to come 
• Offered advice on how organizations can navigate these threats, understand their implications, and prepare to face them  

MEET THE SPEAKERS

Moderator

MARK POST

COO, Global Guardian

Mark Post is the COO of Global Guardian responsible for overseeing all administrative and operational functions of the company. Mark retired from the CIA after 26 years of service in the Directorate of Operations, which included fifteen years overseas. Prior to his retirement, Mark held the Chief of Operations role in the South and Central Asia Mission Center. In addition, throughout his service, he held key leadership assignments including Deputy Division Chief, Africa, Chief of Station, the Balkans, the Caucasus, and Africa, and Deputy Chief of Station, South Asia. Mark holds a BA from Washington State University.

Panelists

BETH SANNER

Former Deputy Director of National Intelligence, Current CNN Contributor

For 35 years, Beth Sanner served in a wide range of leadership, staff, policy, and analytic positions in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the Central Intelligence Agency, the National Security Council, and the U.S. Department of State. She ended her government career in 2021, having served as the Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Mission Integration for two years, during which she oversaw collection, analysis, and program oversight throughout the Intelligence Community. In this role, she also was the President’s intelligence briefer. Previously Ms. Sanner was the Director of the President’s Daily Brief, Vice Chair of the National Intelligence Council, and a senior leader in CIA’s Directorate of Analysis. She remains a leading voice on foreign affairs as a senior fellow at Harvard University’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, a professor-in-practice at University of Maryland’s Applied Research Lab for Intelligence and Security, and a CNN national security analyst.

DALE BUCKNER

CEO and President, Global Guardian

Dale Buckner is the CEO of Global Guardian and has been leading Global Guardian since its inception in March 2012. He is a decorated Combat-Commander with multiple combat tours and classified operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Colombia, Haiti and Cuba and executed deployments to Russia, El Salvador, Honduras, Chile, Panama, Kuwait, and Qatar. Dale served in the United States Army Infantry (9 years), Military Intelligence (2 years), and Special Forces Green Berets (13 years). He commanded 5 organizations including an Infantry Reconnaissance Platoon, Special Forces Scuba Team, Special Force Counter-Terrorism Team, a Special Forces Counter-Terrorism Task Force, and a Special Troops Battalion. Dale has Bachelor’s Degrees in Criminal Justice and Business, Master’s Degrees in Public Administration and Business Administration, a Masters Certificate in Strategic Leadership from Cornell and was a Senior Fellow at the Tufts University School of Law and Diplomacy. Dale earned a total of 27 awards and decorations highlighted by his combat Bronze Star Medal and Defense Meritorious Service Medal.

MICHAEL BALLARD

Director of Intelligence, Global Guardian

Michael currently manages Global Guardian's intelligence network with international partners. He is responsible for providing clients with Global Guardian's intelligence report updates and real-time alerts. Prior to joining the Global Guardian team, Michael was the former lead intelligence analyst for the North American region at UnitedHealth group. He holds a Master's Degree in International Affairs from the University of Kentucky, and Bachelor's Degree in History from the University of Mary Washington.

2023 Global Affairs

December 14, 2022 | 11:00 AM (EST)

As corporate leaders work to keep their business operations running smoothly and safely, regional conflicts continue to unfold across the globe, violent crime is at record levels, and natural disasters are more frequent and destructive. This begs the question—what does the current threat landscape mean for you and your business as we head into the new year? 

In our final webinar of the year, Global Guardian’s panel of experts:
• Discussed developments of the past year and how they impacted business operations
• Examined potential risks and opportunities in 2023, leveraging key findings from our 2022 Global Safety and Security Study
• Shared tips on how to prepare for the year ahead when it comes to mitigating risk to your business and keeping your employees safe

MEET THE SPEAKERS

Moderator

MARK POST

COO, Global Guardian

Mark Post is the COO of Global Guardian responsible for overseeing all administrative and operational functions of the company. Mark retired from the CIA after 26 years of service in the Directorate of Operations, which included fifteen years overseas. Prior to his retirement, Mark held the Chief of Operations role in the South and Central Asia Mission Center. In addition, throughout his service, he held key leadership assignments including Deputy Division Chief, Africa, Chief of Station, the Balkans, the Caucasus, and Africa, and Deputy Chief of Station, South Asia. Mark holds a BA from Washington State University.

Panelists

CHERYL STEELE

VP of Global Security & Resilience (Chief Security Officer), Starbucks Coffee Company

Cheryl Steele is the vice president of Global Security & Resilience (Chief Security Officer) at Starbucks Coffee Company, a global fortune 150 company operating more than 30,000 retail locations in over 80 markets around the world. In this capacity, Cheryl oversees security operations, including executive protection, physical security infrastructure, occupational health and safety, and supply chain security. Cheryl also leads the company’s crisis management and business continuity practice, leveraging a network of intelligence experts to identify and escalate future risks and frame an enterprise-level perspective.

Based in Seattle, her team includes partners in Hong Kong, London, and Shanghai. Cheryl’s career spans executive and management roles across the private and public sectors. Her background includes leadership of business development for Fleishman Hillard and directing Booz Allen Hamilton’s work at the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and special projects for the U.S. Special Operations community. Cheryl is a former diplomat at the U.S. Department of State.

DALE BUCKNER

CEO and President, Global Guardian

Dale Buckner is the CEO of Global Guardian and has been leading Global Guardian since its inception in March 2012. He is a decorated Combat-Commander with multiple combat tours and classified operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Colombia, Haiti and Cuba and executed deployments to Russia, El Salvador, Honduras, Chile, Panama, Kuwait, and Qatar. Dale served in the United States Army Infantry (9 years), Military Intelligence (2 years), and Special Forces Green Berets (13 years). He commanded 5 organizations including an Infantry Reconnaissance Platoon, Special Forces Scuba Team, Special Force Counter-Terrorism Team, a Special Forces Counter-Terrorism Task Force, and a Special Troops Battalion. Dale has Bachelor’s Degrees in Criminal Justice and Business, Master’s Degrees in Public Administration and Business Administration, a Masters Certificate in Strategic Leadership from Cornell and was a Senior Fellow at the Tufts University School of Law and Diplomacy. Dale earned a total of 27 awards and decorations highlighted by his combat Bronze Star Medal and Defense Meritorious Service Medal.

MICHAEL BALLARD

Director of Intelligence, Global Guardian

Michael currently manages Global Guardian's intelligence network with international partners. He is responsible for providing clients with Global Guardian's intelligence report updates and real-time alerts. Prior to joining the Global Guardian team, Michael was the former lead intelligence analyst for the North American region at UnitedHealth group. He holds a Master's Degree in International Affairs from the University of Kentucky, and Bachelor's Degree in History from the University of Mary Washington.

Asset Security Trends: Securing Your Business for the Future

November 2, 2022 | 11:00 AM (EDT)

Protecting your property and assets with a proactive approach is critical—and must go beyond the traditional alarm system. While new advances in AI have improved monitoring, surveillance, and response times, these advances in technology are now being exploited by malign actors. To properly secure businesses and assets, leaders must understand the current security landscape and threats, as well as best practices when it comes to selecting asset security equipment and providers.

In this webinar, Global Guardian’s panel of experts shared their professional experiences, providing expert advice on why a less expensive solution is not always the best solution when it comes to asset security, and how to look for options that go beyond the traditional response.

MEET THE SPEAKERS

Moderator

ANDREW VANDERBURG

President, Asset Security, Global Guardian

Andrew Vanderburg is the President of Global Guardian’s Asset Security Division. With 20 years of experience fostering next-level achievements through organizational leadership and technology advancements, Andrew is focused on closing the divide between physical security and electronic security, allowing for effective solutions for his clients. Prior to joining Global Guardian, Andrew served as a Senior Program Manager of National Accounts for Fortune 500 companies with Securitas Technology, where he managed client relations for the five largest clients within the organization. Prior to his role with Securitas, Andrew was the Compliance Manager for the Southeast Region of Stanley Security, where he was responsible for the development of new organizational standards.

Panelists

FRANK LOVERIDGE

Vice President, Director of Corporate Physical Security, Fifth Third Bank

Frank Loveridge serves as the Vice President, Director of Corporate Physical Security at Fifth Third Bank, where he is responsible for developing, implementing, and executing the strategic goals of the Corporate Security Program. In this role, Frank provides strategic leadership and support to all divisions and business lines of the Bancorp and engages with senior and executive management to support resolution of issues identified by corporate security. 

Loveridge joined Fifth Third Bancorp in 2018 and is responsible for the physical security of over 1,100 financial centers, 35 high density buildings, and over 20,000 employees. In addition to these responsibilities, Loveridge also provides executive protection to Bancorp senior leadership, is responsible for the operational readiness of the security forces, is an active member of the Threat Assessment Team responsible for threat mitigation to employees and customers, and is the primary liaison with local and federal law enforcement. 

Prior to joining Fifth Third Bancorp, Loveridge spent over 22 years in the United States Secret Service before retiring in March 2018, as the Special Agent in Charge (SAIC) of the Forensic Services Division overseeing the Crime Lab, Polygraph Program, Crime Scene Investigations, and forensic support to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. In February 2016, SAIC Loveridge graduated from the Key Executive Leadership Certificate Program, School of Public Affairs, at American University, in Washington DC. In January 2017, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s Qualifications Review Board approved SAIC Loveridge for certification and appointment to the Senior Executive Service. During his tenure, Loveridge supervised the protection of both Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. He served as an instructor at the U.S. Secret Service Academy providing instruction on asset forfeiture, money laundering, financial institution fraud, surveillance operations, and investigative tactics, and supervised numerous high-profile/high-stakes financial crime investigations that resulted in the execution of search warrants and both state and federal arrest warrants. 

Prior to his time spent in the Secret Service, Loveridge served as an officer in the U.S. Air Force on faculty at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and as a Missile Launch Officer Commander at the 44th Strategic Missile Wing where he was responsible for the launch operations of 50 Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles at the direction of the President. 

He holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Nebraska Omaha, MA in Criminal Justice from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, a Master of Public Administration from Golden Gate University, and is a graduate of the DHS Key Executive Leadership Certificate Program at American University.

MARK FOLMER

President, Robotic Assistance Devices (RAD)

Named to IFSEC's Global influencers list in 2018 and 2019 for Security Thought Leadership, Mark is a Business School Graduate, Certified Protection Professional (CPP), Fellow of The Security Institute (FSyI), industry volunteer, board of advisor member and security industry veteran with a background is in security services, corporate security, consulting, technology and software.

After graduating in Human Resource Management and International Business from Concordia’s John Molson School of Business in Montreal, he progressed to senior roles responsible for various security service business units across Canada. He launched a consulting business focused on physical security for corporate clients, served as Senior Manager, Corporate Security at Canada’s largest telecommunications company responsible for the executive security service group. Mark created and led the industry function for a Montreal-based software company focused on workforce automation for the security services industry. For 11 years he taught in the Security and Police Studies program at University of Montreal.

Mark is currently the President at security industry disruptor Robotic Assistance Devices (RAD), whose focus is to deliver artificial intelligence-based solutions that empower organizations to solve complex security and service challenges while delivering immediate return on investment.

He currently volunteers with ASIS International as Vice Chair of the newly created North American Regional Board of Directors.

DALE BUCKNER

CEO and President, Global Guardian

Dale Buckner is the CEO of Global Guardian and has been leading Global Guardian since its inception in March 2012. He is a decorated Combat-Commander with multiple combat tours and classified operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Colombia, Haiti and Cuba and executed deployments to Russia, El Salvador, Honduras, Chile, Panama, Kuwait, and Qatar. Dale served in the United States Army Infantry (9 years), Military Intelligence (2 years), and Special Forces Green Berets (13 years). He commanded 5 organizations including an Infantry Reconnaissance Platoon, Special Forces Scuba Team, Special Force Counter-Terrorism Team, a Special Forces Counter-Terrorism Task Force, and a Special Troops Battalion. Dale has Bachelor’s Degrees in Criminal Justice and Business, Master’s Degrees in Public Administration and Business Administration, a Masters Certificate in Strategic Leadership from Cornell and was a Senior Fellow at the Tufts University School of Law and Diplomacy. Dale earned a total of 27 awards and decorations highlighted by his combat Bronze Star Medal and Defense Meritorious Service Medal.

China and Taiwan: Building Business Resiliency Amid Geopolitical Tensions

September 28, 2022 | 11:00 AM (EDT)

An increasingly hostile China is posing a challenge to Western security and business interests. China’s provocative actions and legal assertions in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait have created a heightened sense of anxiety in the region and may portend a future conflict involving the United States. On the ground, the Chinese government’s actions against the minority Uyghur population in Xinjiang province have prompted concerns about a genocide and sourcing products produced by forced labor.

Online, China’s Great Firewall bans a range of platforms developed in the United States and Europe, including Facebook and Twitter, and Chinese hackers routinely steal U.S. intellectual property and sensitive business data. All the while, a heavy veil of censorship prevents those in China from accessing the full picture. 

Western businesses, in particular, must carefully navigate this complex landscape. In this webinar, Global Guardian’s speakers:

• Assessed the current threat landscape and potential trigger points for conflict escalation
• Examined the risks that come with doing business in China, and the potential disruption to your operations in the event of an invasion of Taiwan
• Reviewed best practices for how your company can secure your assets and people now 
• Discussed what to expect from your duty of care provider

Note: In the event you cannot attend the live webinar, a recording will be emailed after the webinar is over to those who have registered.

MEET THE SPEAKERS

Moderator

MARK POST

COO, Global Guardian

Mark Post is the COO of Global Guardian responsible for overseeing all administrative and operational functions of the company. Mark retired from the CIA after 26 years of service in the Directorate of Operations, which included fifteen years overseas. Prior to his retirement, Mark held the Chief of Operations role in the South and Central Asia Mission Center. In addition, throughout his service, he held key leadership assignments including Deputy Division Chief, Africa, Chief of Station, the Balkans, the Caucasus, and Africa, and Deputy Chief of Station, South Asia. Mark holds a BA from Washington State University.

Panelists

JOHN M. B. O'CONNOR

Chairman, J.H. Whitney Investment Management, LLC

John O’Connor has served as Chairman of J.H. Whitney Investment Management, LLC since January 2005. From January 2009 through March 2011, he served as CEO of Tactronics Holdings, LLC, a Whitney Capital Partners portfolio holding company that provided tactical integrated electronic systems to U.S. and foreign military customers as well as composite armor solutions for military vehicles through its Armostruxx division. 

Previously, John was Chairman of JP Morgan Alternative Asset Management, Inc. and an Executive Partner of JP Morgan Partners. He was also a member of the Risk Management Committee of JP Morgan Chase, which was responsible for policy formulation and oversight of all market and credit risk-taking activities globally. John has extensive experience in transaction leadership, structuring and portfolio management, and is a member of J.H. Whitney’s Investment Committee, contributing significant global renewable and energy investment, regulatory, and operational expertise to the Investment Manager’s team. John earned a B.A. in economics from Tulane University and an M.B.A. from Columbia University Graduate School of Business.

DALE BUCKNER

CEO and President, Global Guardian

Dale Buckner is the CEO of Global Guardian and has been leading Global Guardian since its inception in March 2012. He is a decorated Combat-Commander with multiple combat tours and classified operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Colombia, Haiti and Cuba and executed deployments to Russia, El Salvador, Honduras, Chile, Panama, Kuwait, and Qatar. Dale served in the United States Army Infantry (9 years), Military Intelligence (2 years), and Special Forces Green Berets (13 years). He commanded 5 organizations including an Infantry Reconnaissance Platoon, Special Forces Scuba Team, Special Force Counter-Terrorism Team, a Special Forces Counter-Terrorism Task Force, and a Special Troops Battalion. Dale has Bachelor’s Degrees in Criminal Justice and Business, Master’s Degrees in Public Administration and Business Administration, a Masters Certificate in Strategic Leadership from Cornell and was a Senior Fellow at the Tufts University School of Law and Diplomacy. Dale earned a total of 27 awards and decorations highlighted by his combat Bronze Star Medal and Defense Meritorious Service Medal.

When Crisis Strikes: Natural Disaster Preparedness

June 15, 2022 | 11:00 AM (EDT)

From wildfires to earthquakes and tsunamis to tornadoes and other severe storms, the potential impact a natural disaster has on an organization is dependent on the depth and effectiveness of its emergency plans—for employees still working from home and those halfway around the world.

In our webinar, Global Guardian’s panel of experts:

• Reviewed the prevalence of natural disasters around the world—including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s predictions for the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season—and the business disruptions caused by these events
• Discussed the obligation for companies to provide duty of care to all their employees, including those working from home, and how businesses must prepare for the before, during, and aftermath of the disaster
• Examined the critical components of a natural disaster response plan and the importance of regularly exercising this plan and communicating it to employees to ensure optimal preparedness

MEET THE SPEAKERS

Moderator

MICHAEL COLEMAN

SVP, Strategic Partnerships, Corporate and Government Services, Global Guardian

As SVP of Strategic Partnerships, Corporate and Government Services, Michael Coleman helps Fortune 500 companies and government and military departments implement a full range of domestic and international duty of care services, emergency and medical response, and custom security solutions. Prior to joining the Global Guardian team, Michael served in the United States Army for 26 years where he gained extensive leadership, special operations, and project management experience as a Colonel and Special Forces Officer.

Most recently, Michael was the Director of Special Operations at the United States Army War College, training and educating the Army’s next generation of senior leaders. Prior to that post, he was the Garrison Commander in Soto Cano, Honduras—and also held key leadership positions overseeing multiple special task forces and recruiting operations. During his time in the Army, Michael conducted special operations deployments throughout Central and South America and the Middle East.

Michael holds two Master’s Degrees, one in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College and one in Business Administration and Management from Webster University. He also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Corrections from Mansfield University of Pennsylvania.  

Panelists

JUAN MESTAS

Emergency Manager and Fire Operations Deputy Chief, City of Miami Beach

Juan Mestas has 44 years of first responder and emergency management experience. He currently serves as Emergency Manager and Fire Operations Chief for the City of Miami Beach, where he oversees crisis planning and management, including the comprehensive preparations for Atlantic hurricane season involving many departments and partners. Juan has planned and executed multiple Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Programs (HSEEP) during his tenure and participated as a team leader/lead planner for multiple state and national training events, including Operation Integration and the National Homeland Security Conference. He is a State of Florida Certified Firefighter, serving since 1978.

Additionally, Juan has been a member of FEMA's Urban Search and Rescue team since its inception in 1991 and has been deployed to over 30 natural or manmade disasters, including the attacks on the Twin Towers in 2001, Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Hurricane Maria in 2017, and Hurricane Michael in 2018, and most recently, as Plans Team Manager for the Surfside Florida building collapse in 2021. Juan is a Lead Instructor for FEAM’s US&R Incident Support Team and holds multiple training certificates.

DALE BUCKNER

CEO and President, Global Guardian

Dale Buckner is the CEO of Global Guardian and has been leading Global Guardian since its inception in March 2012. He is a decorated Combat-Commander with multiple combat tours and classified operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Colombia, Haiti and Cuba and executed deployments to Russia, El Salvador, Honduras, Chile, Panama, Kuwait, and Qatar. Dale served in the United States Army Infantry (9 years), Military Intelligence (2 years), and Special Forces Green Berets (13 years). He commanded 5 organizations including an Infantry Reconnaissance Platoon, Special Forces Scuba Team, Special Force Counter-Terrorism Team, a Special Forces Counter-Terrorism Task Force, and a Special Troops Battalion. Dale has Bachelor’s Degrees in Criminal Justice and Business, Master’s Degrees in Public Administration and Business Administration, a Masters Certificate in Strategic Leadership from Cornell and was a Senior Fellow at the Tufts University School of Law and Diplomacy. Dale earned a total of 27 awards and decorations highlighted by his combat Bronze Star Medal and Defense Meritorious Service Medal.

JEFF STACY

Director of Operations, Global Guardian

Jeff Stacy is Director of Operations at Global Guardian. He is responsible for overseeing the 24/7/365 Security Operations Center and personnel, and participating in high-profile executive protection, emergency response, and travel security missions. In addition, he integrates and develops technologies and client Standard Operating Procedures and leads training for our security and medical teams.

Prior to Global Guardian, Jeff served in the United States Army as a Combat Medic with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team. Jeff’s duties included: Treatment NCO, EMT-B, Combat Casualty Care and Battlefield Triage, and Jump Medic for a Quick Reaction Force. Jeff is certified Level II by American Board for Certification in Homeland Security (ABCHS II) and he is an American Red Cross Certified Instructor for CPR/AED/First Aid.

Jeff holds a bachelor’s degree in Homeland Security from American Military University where he graduated with honors.

Medical and Security Travel Risks: Preparing Your Workforce for the Road Ahead

May 18, 2022 | 11:00 AM (EDT)

While travel bookings continue to trend upward, not all employees around the globe are back on the road. The “stops and starts” caused by COVID-19 variants, combined with the uncertainty surrounding the war in Ukraine, have travelers weighing the risk of booking now or waiting a little longer. New travel rules and regulations aside, there are evolving security and health risks that your travelers need to be aware of to ensure a safe and successful trip.

In this webinar, Global Guardian’s panel of experts:

• Examined security and health threats that travelers could potentially encounter across the globe
• Offered advice on how companies can enhance their duty of care to better safeguard employees in these uncertain times
• Discussed how travelers can learn to identify threats and keep themselves safe
• Explained how companies can ensure their travelers are armed with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully manage security and medical emergencies

MEET THE SPEAKERS

Moderator

MARK POST

COO, Global Guardian

Mark Post is the COO of Global Guardian responsible for overseeing all administrative and operational functions of the company. Mark retired from the CIA after 26 years of service in the Directorate of Operations, which included fifteen years overseas. Prior to his retirement, Mark held the Chief of Operations role in the South and Central Asia Mission Center. In addition, throughout his service, he held key leadership assignments including Deputy Division Chief, Africa, Chief of Station, the Balkans, the Caucasus, and Africa, and Deputy Chief of Station, South Asia. Mark holds a BA from Washington State University.

Panelists

SASITHORN MOY

Senior Vice President and Global Head of Physical Security, Blackstone

Sas Moy is a Senior Vice President and Global Head of Physical Security at Blackstone. She is responsible for leading Blackstone’s physical security program to drive innovation that reduces risk to the firm.

Prior to joining Blackstone in 2022, Ms. Moy worked at Goldman Sachs for 13 years, where she served as Chief of Staff in the Office of Global Security and focused on global operational and technology strategic initiatives. Prior to Goldman Sachs, she served as a Vice President at Lehman Brothers and Barclays Capital, where she oversaw business continuity and partnered with key incident support areas including global security, real estate, facilities and information technology to enhance the firm’s resilience. 

Ms. Moy received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Computer Information Systems from Baruch College.

DALE BUCKNER

CEO and President, Global Guardian

Dale Buckner is the CEO of Global Guardian and has been leading Global Guardian since its inception in March 2012. He is a decorated Combat-Commander with multiple combat tours and classified operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Colombia, Haiti and Cuba and executed deployments to Russia, El Salvador, Honduras, Chile, Panama, Kuwait, and Qatar. Dale served in the United States Army Infantry (9 years), Military Intelligence (2 years), and Special Forces Green Berets (13 years). He commanded 5 organizations including an Infantry Reconnaissance Platoon, Special Forces Scuba Team, Special Force Counter-Terrorism Team, a Special Forces Counter-Terrorism Task Force, and a Special Troops Battalion. Dale has Bachelor’s Degrees in Criminal Justice and Business, Master’s Degrees in Public Administration and Business Administration, a Masters Certificate in Strategic Leadership from Cornell and was a Senior Fellow at the Tufts University School of Law and Diplomacy. Dale earned a total of 27 awards and decorations highlighted by his combat Bronze Star Medal and Defense Meritorious Service Medal.

SHELLY WEISENFELD, M.D., M.P.H.

Medical Director, Global Guardian

Dr. Weisenfeld received her Master's in Public Health from San Diego State University and her Medical Degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine. Currently Dr. Weisenfeld holds faculty positions in emergency medicine and serves as the Medical Director for Global Guardian. She brings a wealth of knowledge to her roles, with over 25 years of experience in emergency medicine in both community and academic institutions, as well as extensive experience in travel medicine. Dr. Weisenfeld is also a published author in medical text material. She has completed extensive world travel, spending significant time in five of the seven continents.

MICHAEL BALLARD

Director of Intelligence, Global Guardian

Michael currently manages Global Guardian's intelligence network with international partners. He is responsible for providing clients with Global Guardian's intelligence report updates and real-time alerts. Prior to joining the Global Guardian team, Michael was the former lead intelligence analyst for the North American region at UnitedHealth group. He holds a Master's Degree in International Affairs from the University of Kentucky, and Bachelor's Degree in History from the University of Mary Washington.

Preparing for Tomorrow: Developing an Emergency Response Plan

April 6, 2022 | 11:00 AM (EDT)

Russia's invasion of Ukraine and its subsequent decoupling from the West emphasize the need for companies to review their duty of care policies and ensure their emergency response plans are both comprehensive and can be enacted in an instant. Drawing on learnings from the current situation in Ukraine, during this webinar, our speakers:

• Reviewed the common limitations of insurance, duty of care, and emergency assistance providers during crises, including war, pandemics, natural disasters, or terrorist attacks. What support can your providers really give in the most trying of times?
• Offered best practices on the development of emergency response plans, including how your plan should support your employees, as well as address the security of your physical and digital assets.
• Provided tips on communicating emergency plans to your employee base, regardless of location.
• Discussed the importance of pre-crisis planning and operational mapping to mitigate supply chain and business interruptions, as well as conducting routine tabletop exercises to better prepare for future crises.

MEET THE SPEAKERS

Moderator

MARK POST

COO, Global Guardian

Mark Post is the COO of Global Guardian responsible for overseeing all administrative and operational functions of the company. Mark retired from the CIA after 26 years of service in the Directorate of Operations, which included fifteen years overseas. Prior to his retirement, Mark held the Chief of Operations role in the South and Central Asia Mission Center. In addition, throughout his service, he held key leadership assignments including Deputy Division Chief, Africa, Chief of Station, the Balkans, the Caucasus, and Africa, and Deputy Chief of Station, South Asia. Mark holds a BA from Washington State University.

Panelists

ALFRED BERGBAUER

Head of Multinational, Captives, Programs & TPA Services, The Hartford

Alfred Bergbauer is the Head of Multinational, Captives, Programs & TPA Services (Middle and Large Commercial) at The Hardford. Prior to this position, Bergbauer served as Head of Multinational Underwriting, overseeing The Hartford's International Choice portfolio of insurance products for U.S. organizations with global operations and risks. Bergbauer joined The Hartford with nearly 30 years of executive, risk management and underwriting experience in international property and casualty insurance in the U.S., Hong Kong, the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China. Prior to joining The Hartford, Bergbauer held multinational and international casualty leadership roles with XL Catlin, Marsh USA, Inc., and ACE USA. Bergbauer holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Marietta College and a Master of Business Administration from Babson College.

DALE BUCKNER

CEO and President, Global Guardian

Dale Buckner is the CEO of Global Guardian and has been leading Global Guardian since its inception in March 2012. He is a decorated Combat-Commander with multiple combat tours and classified operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Colombia, Haiti and Cuba and executed deployments to Russia, El Salvador, Honduras, Chile, Panama, Kuwait, and Qatar. Dale served in the United States Army Infantry (9 years), Military Intelligence (2 years), and Special Forces Green Berets (13 years). He commanded 5 organizations including an Infantry Reconnaissance Platoon, Special Forces Scuba Team, Special Force Counter-Terrorism Team, a Special Forces Counter-Terrorism Task Force, and a Special Troops Battalion. Dale has Bachelor’s Degrees in Criminal Justice and Business, Master’s Degrees in Public Administration and Business Administration, a Masters Certificate in Strategic Leadership from Cornell and was a Senior Fellow at the Tufts University School of Law and Diplomacy. Dale earned a total of 27 awards and decorations highlighted by his combat Bronze Star Medal and Defense Meritorious Service Medal.

2022 Global Risks: Top 5 Threats to Your Business Operations

February 16, 2022 | 11:00 AM (EST)

Businesses are in a challenging position when it comes to operating in the year ahead. Corporate leaders must contend with the ever-changing pandemic along with a new threat landscape ripe with rising crime rates and disruption. If companies are to operate safely and effectively in this constantly evolving environment, they must be prepared, protected, and agile.

In this webinar, experts examined the top five risks to business operations in 2022. These risks range from the potential for regional conflict that has the power to disrupt travel, damage supply chains, and imperil the lives of personnel, to cybercrime that can disrupt a company’s operations and inflict severe financial loss. Our experts also offered suggestions on how to best mitigate the disruptions caused by these risks and what companies can do to better protect themselves and their employees.

MEET THE SPEAKERS

Moderator

MARK POST

COO, Global Guardian

Mark Post is the COO of Global Guardian responsible for overseeing all administrative and operational functions of the company. Mark retired from the CIA after 26 years of service in the Directorate of Operations, which included fifteen years overseas. Prior to his retirement, Mark held the Chief of Operations role in the South and Central Asia Mission Center. In addition, throughout his service, he held key leadership assignments including Deputy Division Chief, Africa, Chief of Station, the Balkans, the Caucasus, and Africa, and Deputy Chief of Station, South Asia. Mark holds a BA from Washington State University.

Panelists

CHERYL STEELE

VP of Global Security & Resilience (Chief Security Officer), Starbucks Coffee Company

Cheryl Steele is the Vice President of Global Security & Resilience (Chief Security Officer) at Starbucks Coffee Company, a global fortune 150 company operating more than 30,000 retail locations in over 80 markets around the world. In this capacity, Cheryl oversees safety and security operations, including executive protection, physical security infrastructure, occupational health and safety and supply chain security. Cheryl also leads the company’s crisis management and business continuity practice, leveraging a network of intelligence experts to identify and escalate future risks and frame an enterprise-level perspective. Based in Seattle, her team includes partners in Hong Kong, London, and Shanghai.

Cheryl’s career spans executive and management roles across the private and public sectors. Her background includes leadership of business development for Fleishman Hillard and directing Booz Allen Hamilton’s work at the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and special projects for the U.S. Special Operations community. At Booz Allen, Cheryl contributed to the establishment of the Secretary of State’s Office of Global Partnership Initiatives and the launch of the Global Counterterrorism Forum. Cheryl is a former diplomat at the U.S. Department of State with domestic and overseas assignments in the Middle East and multiple tours directly supporting the now head of the CIA, William J. Burns. She has resided in both Egypt and Jordan and works to maintain her Arabic language skills.

Steele serves on the Extended Executive Board of the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) and is a member of the International Security Management Association (ISMA). She is a member of the Board of Trustees of the World Affairs Council, Seattle. Cheryl is a native of Massachusetts. She has her BA from Hobart & William Smith Colleges and an MA in Political Science from Columbia University in the City of New York.

DALE BUCKNER

CEO and President, Global Guardian

Dale Buckner is the CEO of Global Guardian and has been leading Global Guardian since its inception in March 2012. He is a decorated Combat-Commander with multiple combat tours and classified operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Colombia, Haiti and Cuba and executed deployments to Russia, El Salvador, Honduras, Chile, Panama, Kuwait, and Qatar. Dale served in the United States Army Infantry (9 years), Military Intelligence (2 years), and Special Forces Green Berets (13 years). He commanded 5 organizations including an Infantry Reconnaissance Platoon, Special Forces Scuba Team, Special Force Counter-Terrorism Team, a Special Forces Counter-Terrorism Task Force, and a Special Troops Battalion. Dale has Bachelor’s Degrees in Criminal Justice and Business, Master’s Degrees in Public Administration and Business Administration, a Masters Certificate in Strategic Leadership from Cornell and was a Senior Fellow at the Tufts University School of Law and Diplomacy. Dale earned a total of 27 awards and decorations highlighted by his combat Bronze Star Medal and Defense Meritorious Service Medal.

MICHAEL BALLARD

Director of Intelligence, Global Guardian

Michael currently manages Global Guardian's intelligence network with international partners. He is responsible for providing clients with Global Guardian's intelligence report updates and real-time alerts. Prior to joining the Global Guardian team, Michael was the former lead intelligence analyst for the North American region at UnitedHealth group. He holds a Master's Degree in International Affairs from the University of Kentucky, and Bachelor's Degree in History from the University of Mary Washington.

Getting Back to Business: How to Prepare Your Organization for the Return of Corporate Travel

December 14, 2021 | 11:00 AM (EST)

During the past couple months, we saw a reopening of international borders, easing of lockdowns, rising vaccination rates, and declining infection and death rates from COVID-19, which kicked off a surge in foreign and domestic travel. Now, as companies around the world start to plan for the return of corporate travel—determining the safest way to put employees back on the road again—we are faced with navigating the unknown and complexities of a recently emerged variant of concern, Omicron.

Watch this on-demand webinar where our panel of experts took a close look at the current travel security and safety conditions, the evolution of corporate duty of care during COVID-19, and how to use lessons learned from the past two years to best prepare for the road ahead.

Meet the Speakers

DALE BUCKNER

CEO and President, Global Guardian

Dale Buckner is the CEO of Global Guardian and has been leading Global Guardian since its inception in March 2012. He is a decorated Combat-Commander with multiple combat tours and classified operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Colombia, Haiti and Cuba and executed deployments to Russia, El Salvador, Honduras, Chile, Panama, Kuwait, and Qatar. Dale served in the United States Army Infantry (9 years), Military Intelligence (2 years), and Special Forces Green Berets (13 years). He commanded 5 organizations including an Infantry Reconnaissance Platoon, Special Forces Scuba Team, Special Force Counter-Terrorism Team, a Special Forces Counter-Terrorism Task Force, and a Special Troops Battalion. Dale has Bachelor’s Degrees in Criminal Justice and Business, Master’s Degrees in Public Administration and Business Administration, a Masters Certificate in Strategic Leadership from Cornell and was a Senior Fellow at the Tufts University School of Law and Diplomacy. Dale earned a total of 27 awards and decorations highlighted by his combat Bronze Star Medal and Defense Meritorious Service Medal.

KARL HOPKINS

Partner and Global Chief Security Officer, Dentons 

Karl V. Hopkins is a partner and Dentons' Global Chief Security Officer where he is responsible for managing the security for the world's largest law firm. Karl also chairs the Dentons Intelligence and Strategic Services Group, co-chairs the Global Security Risk Committee, serves on the Global Management Committee, and reports to the Global Board.

Karl counsels the Firm on international strategy, business and political intelligence, and security and threat analysis. In addition, he provides strategic advice to the Firm's clients regarding their global operations, including the performance of due diligence and compliance investigations, physical and cyber security assessments, country and political risk assessments, and threat analyses. This includes providing enterprise risk management and organizational resiliency advice.

Karl also provides clients with strategic and legal advice regarding crisis and incident response. He has managed various types of crises, including physical security breaches and cyber incidents, insider threats and reputational impacts. He also assists clients with the formulation and implementation of communication and crisis management policies and protocols. Karl is also known for his unconventional tabletop exercises, based entirely on real-life events, threat intelligence, and his client’s sectoral weaknesses.

ZANE WILMANS

Managing Director, Protexx Risk Management PVT LTD

Zane Wilmans is a well recognized figure in the security industry in India and the Asian sub continent and the Managing Director of Protexx Risk Management. Having been based in Mumbai, India for over a decade, his company has worked on multiple high profile Indian big league sporting seasons and events, including heading the Premier league tennis tournament Security across four continents. During the Mumbai terror attacks on 26/11 he was one of seven South African security specialists that was involved in saving 150 people from the burning wreck of the famous Taj Hotel which was heavily publicized in many media outlets across the world.

Zane continues to lead teams protecting top executives of Fortune 500 companies through to high profile celebrities and sports stars all over the world with a heavy and dominant focus on India with a team of over 120 executive protectors, a training school, and cyber division all based in India. Zane has been featured in Forbes magazine and numerous other high profile publications, including news outlets and best selling books. He is a sought after guest speaker and is often featured on news channels to give unique insights and commentary on unfolding world events, specifically on the Indian Sub continent.

MICHAEL BALLARD

Director of Intelligence, Global Guardian

Michael currently manages Global Guardian's intelligence network with international partners. He is responsible for all COVID-19 intel report updates and has been providing regular reports to clients since the first case was reported. Prior to joining the Global Guardian team, Michael was the former lead intelligence analyst for the North American region at UnitedHealth group. He holds a Master's Degree in International Affairs from the University of Kentucky, and Bachelor's Degree in History from the University of Mary Washington.

A Discussion with Global Guardian CEO Dale Buckner

December 1, 2021 | 11:00 AM (EST)

Global Guardian CEO Dale Buckner discusses the past 20 months with a focus on the titanic shifts happening in the security, intelligence and medical industries, with special guest Global Guardian Medical Director, Shelly Weisenfeld. During this 45-minute on-demand webinar, Dale shares insight on what has failed and what has changed forever as we look ahead to 2022.

MEET THE SPEAKER

DALE BUCKNER

CEO and President, Global Guardian

Dale Buckner is the CEO of Global Guardian and has been leading Global Guardian since its inception in March 2012. He is a decorated Combat-Commander with multiple combat tours and classified operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Colombia, Haiti and Cuba and executed deployments to Russia, El Salvador, Honduras, Chile, Panama, Kuwait, and Qatar. Dale served in the United States Army Infantry (9 years), Military Intelligence (2 years), and Special Forces Green Berets (13 years). He commanded 5 organizations including an Infantry Reconnaissance Platoon, Special Forces Scuba Team, Special Force Counter-Terrorism Team, a Special Forces Counter-Terrorism Task Force, and a Special Troops Battalion.

Dale has Bachelor’s Degrees in Criminal Justice and Business, Master’s Degrees in Public Administration and Business Administration, a Masters Certificate in  Strategic Leadership from Cornell and was a Senior Fellow at the Tufts University School of Law and Diplomacy. Dale earned a total of 27 awards and decorations highlighted by his combat Bronze Star Medal and Defense Meritorious Service Medal.

Preparing for and Responding to a Mass Casualty Event

November 9, 2021 | 01:00 PM (EST)

Whether it is an active shooter event or a high-profile terrorist attack, being prepared and knowing how to respond to a large-scale security incident is critical to your organization and employees. Fostering such skills is part of a company’s duty of care.

We invite you to watch our webinar, “Preparing for and Responding to a Mass Casualty Event". During this virtual event, our experts who have diverse security and victim assistance backgrounds from within the FBI and private sector offered training tips and advice for how to respond to mass casualty events, including an overview of what to expect from law enforcement in their crisis response and investigation, how companies should be prepared to offer victim assistance, and how businesses and individuals can better plan and prepare for such incidents. At the end of the webinar, you can expect to:

• Identify key internal and external relationships and processes to test in tabletop exercises to best prepare your organization’s crisis management team for critical emergency incidents.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of victim assistance and why you should review your current crises plans and make updates to ensure victim assistance and support is included.
• Understand what to expect from law enforcement as they respond to a mass casualty critical incident and considerations during a subsequent law enforcement investigation.
• Learn communication tips on internal and external messaging during the initial and long-term response to a mass casualty event.

MEET THE SPEAKERS

Moderator 

Mike McGarrity, Moderator

VP of Global Risk Services, Global Guardian

Mike McGarrity is Vice President of Global Risk Services at Global Guardian.  In this role, Mike works with Fortune 500 clients and organizations to provide comprehensive tailored security and crisis response solutions. With 28 years of public service, the last 23 years with the FBI, Mike has led teams at all levels to protect the American people. Mike most recently served as the FBI’s Assistant Director of Counterterrorism, with daily oversight of all counterterrorism operations in the FBI’s 56 field offices and almost 80 overseas offices. McGarrity was continuously recognized for his strategic vision and performance and has served in some of the FBI’s most challenging and critical positions, including serving as the squad supervisor of the FBI’s extraterritorial squad, Director of Counterterrorism at the White House National Security Council, first Director of the USG’s Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell, Special Agent in Charge of the Criminal Division of the New York Field Office, and Assistant Director of Counterterrorism, the FBI’s priority mission. Prior to his career with the FBI, Mike was an Assistant District Attorney in the New York County District Attorney’s Office. He has received numerous awards from the FBI, DOJ, CIA, and ODNI.  Most notably, Mike is the recipient of the Presidential Rank Award – Distinguished where he was recognized for his strategic leadership and sustained efforts disrupting countless threats against America. A New Jersey native, McGarrity graduated from Delbarton School and holds certificates from Harvard and Northwestern. McGarrity obtained his undergraduate and law degree magma cum laude from The Catholic University of America.

Panelists

Kathryn
McKay Turman

Former Assistant Director - FBI Victim Services Division

Kathryn M. Turman served as the Assistant Director over the FBI Victim Services Division (VSD) from 2002 – 2020. Former FBI Director Robert Mueller brought Ms. Turman to the FBI several months after the September 11th attacks with the mission to establish a robust, professional victim services program. Beginning with six employees in 2002, the FBI VSD is now uniquely comprised of more than 300 full time victim specialists, terrorism victim services coordinators, child/adolescent forensic interviewers, child victim services coordinators, an international hostage family engagement team, and operational psychologists. In 2005, Ms. Turman established a terrorism and mass casualty Victim Services Response Team (VSRT) that has responded to more than 30 terrorism and mass violence events across the U.S., from the Virginia Tech shooting to El Paso Walmart shooting.

Prior to joining the FBI, Ms. Turman served in the Department of Justice as Director of the Missing and Exploited Children’s Program, Chief of the Victim Witness Assistance Unit in the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, and Principal Deputy Director and Director of the Office for Victims of Crime. She began her federal service career on Capitol Hill in 1987 as an aide to the late Senator John Heinz.

Ms. Turman served on national task forces and advisory committees including the Federal Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect, the National Commission on the Future of DNA Evidence, the White House Hostage Policy Review, National Forensic Science Commission, the Scientific Working Group on Medical-Legal Death Investigation, and the Federal Interagency Working Group on Pandemic Influenza and At-Risk Individuals. She also served on the board of the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children. Ms. Turman received the Edmund J. Randolph Award, the highest honor provided by the Department of Justice, in 2000 for her work with Pan Am 103 families. She is also the recipient of the Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service, two National Crime Victim Services Awards, two National Intelligence Meritorious Medals, and Presidential Rank Awards for both Meritorious and Distinguished Service.

Ms. Turman retired from federal service in June 2020. She has worked as a volunteer on victim-related strategy development and training for the Urban Institute, Leadership in Counterterrorism, the European Centre of Expertise for Victims of Terrorism, Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, Toronto and Ontario police services, and New South Wales police service. She serves as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for abused and neglected children and mentors college students seeking careers in victim services.

Michael McPherson

Special Agent In Charge, Tampa Field Office, FBI

Michael McPherson is special agent in charge of the FBI’s Tampa Field Office in Florida. Prior to this role, Mr. McPherson was the acting deputy assistant director of the Counterterrorism Division at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Mr. McPherson joined the FBI as a special agent in 1997. He was first assigned to the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force in the New York Field Office, investigating Colombian drug trafficking organizations. In 2004, he was transferred to the San Juan Field Office in Puerto Rico, where he served on the Violent Crimes Task Force. He was a member of the SWAT team in New York and San Juan.

Mr. McPherson was promoted to a supervisory special agent in 2005 and served in the Counterterrorism Division at Headquarters. He became a unit chief and provided oversight of U.S.-based international terrorism investigations for one region of the country. He transferred to the Tampa Field Office in 2008 as the supervisor of the Joint Terrorism Task Force for Domestic Terrorism.

Mr. McPherson was named an assistant special agent in charge at the Washington Field Office in 2015, supervising U.S.-based international terrorism investigations in Washington and Northern Virginia. He was transferred back to Headquarters in 2016 as a section chief in the Counterterrorism Division. He provided support, coordination, and oversight of the FBI’s U.S.-based international terrorism investigations. He also served as the division’s acting deputy assistant director. Prior to joining the FBI, Mr. McPherson served in the U.S. Coast Guard for 10 years. He is a certified intelligence officer and is fluent in Spanish.

Dale Buckner

CEO and President, Global Guardian

Dale Buckner is the CEO of Global Guardian and has been leading Global Guardian since its inception in March 2012. He is a decorated Combat-Commander with multiple combat tours and classified operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Colombia, Haiti and Cuba and executed deployments to Russia, El Salvador, Honduras, Chile, Panama, Kuwait, and Qatar. Dale served in the United States Army Infantry (9 years), Military Intelligence (2 years), and Special Forces Green Berets (13 years). He commanded 5 organizations including an Infantry Reconnaissance Platoon, Special Forces Scuba Team, Special Force Counter-Terrorism Team, a Special Forces Counter-Terrorism Task Force, and a Special Troops Battalion.

Dale has Bachelor’s Degrees in Criminal Justice and Business, Master’s Degrees in Public Administration and Business Administration, a Masters Certificate in  Strategic Leadership from Cornell and was a Senior Fellow at the Tufts University School of Law and Diplomacy. Dale earned a total of 27 awards and decorations highlighted by his combat Bronze Star Medal and Defense Meritorious Service Medal.

Protecting Your Organization: Examining the Benefits of Insurance Coverage with a Duty of Care Program

September 30, 2021 | 11:00 AM (EDT)

Insurance policy? Check. Covered in a crisis? Not quite so fast. While insurance serves a purpose and mitigates risk financially, oftentimes, standard insurance policies have limitations when responding to an individual or corporate travelers in the event of an emergency—natural or manmade. As the travel world slowly reopens, watch our recent webinar to better understand how individuals and organizations can learn from the past year and a half to ensure their insurance policies support them in an emergency situation. Our panel of experts offer tips on what to look for when reviewing policies, how to know what is covered or not, and how should organizations think about their Duty of Care program to ensure their employees stay safe at home and abroad.

MEET THE SPEAKERS

Moderator 

SHANNON SCULLY

Vice President of Marketing, Global Guardian

Shannon Scully is Vice President of Marketing at Global Guardian. She has over 10 years of marketing experience and has worked in the retail, hospitality, sports, and security industries. Prior to her role at Global Guardian, she was Vice President of Marketing at The Bay Club Company, a hospitality company, and founded Footprint Marketing Consultancy, which specializes in hospitality, wellness, travel, leisure and sports service marketing. In her role at Global Guardian, she leads the marketing strategy for the company, including overseeing the roll-out of products and services, earned media efforts, and new business opportunities. She holds a BA from University of California, Berkeley where she was on the Cal Softball team.

Panelists

NARA RODRIGUES

AVP, Account Executive, Lockton Companies

Nara Rodrigues is an Insurance Consultant with 10 years of experience, holding an MBA, and two insurance designations. Over the course of her career, she has worked in all three main insurance segments: insurance carriers, wholesale brokerage and retail brokerage, and has developed relevant and dependable relationships within the market. Currently, she serves the insurance market as an Assistant Vice-Present and Account Executive at Lockton Companies where she is responsible for creating and implementing a client’s overall risk-transfer strategy and placing comprehensive Property & Casualty solutions for her national and global clients. She has helped her executives navigate through the insurance areas of M&As, IPOs, claims and crisis. Nara’s previous experience with financial insurance lines gives her the ability to approach a client’s insurance program in a holistic manner when drafting or restructuring it with dynamic clients. Currently the majority of Nara’s client portfolio consists of technology clients in the security, IT and education space. Prior to Lockton, Nara worked with a broad range of companies in the technology, healthcare and quasi-governmental industry. She is a registered Professional Liability Underwriter (RPLU) and Associate in Surplus Lines Insurance (ASLI). Nara holds a MBA from George Washington University and a BS from Liberty University.

DALE BUCKNER

CEO and President, Global Guardian

Dale Buckner is the CEO of Global Guardian and has been leading Global Guardian since its inception in March 2012. He is a decorated Combat-Commander with multiple combat tours and classified operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Colombia, Haiti and Cuba and executed deployments to Russia, El Salvador, Honduras, Chile, Panama, Kuwait, and Qatar. Dale served in the United States Army Infantry (9 years), Military Intelligence (2 years), and Special Forces Green Berets (13 years). He commanded 5 organizations including an Infantry Reconnaissance Platoon, Special Forces Scuba Team, Special Force Counter-Terrorism Team, a Special Forces Counter-Terrorism Task Force, and a Special Troops Battalion. Dale has Bachelor’s Degrees in Criminal Justice and Business, Master’s Degrees in Public Administration and Business Administration, a Masters Certificate in Strategic Leadership from Cornell and was a Senior Fellow at the Tufts University School of Law and Diplomacy. Dale earned a total of 27 awards and decorations highlighted by his combat Bronze Star Medal and Defense Meritorious Service Medal.

SPENCER LIVINGSTON

President of Speciality Risk and Response, Global Guardian

Spencer Livingston is President of Specialty Risk and Response Division at Global Guardian. In his role, Spencer oversees complex medical air and ground evacuations, Kidnap and Ransom solutions, and Global Guardian’s Air Ambulance division. Spencer has over 10 years of experience in the corporate and private equity sector and previously held operational and business development roles at Basin Holdings, The Blackstone Group, and Pine Brook Road Partners. Spencer holds a BA from Harvard University.

Breaking Down the Business Implications of COVID-19, Security Threats, and Natural Disasters

August 17, 2021 | 11:00 AM (EDT)

As the Delta variant spreads and COVID-19 lingers, there is an unparalleled degree of risk and complexity to operating across the globe. Amid the pandemic, we are continuing to see a number of social, political, environmental, and economic issues emerge—how do these affairs impact your current and long-term business operations?

View the recording to hear from our panel of experts as they discuss current global affairs, including:

• The challenges we continue to face with the COVID-19 pandemic from global health expert and top COVID-19 advisor Devi Sridhar
• The rise in cyber attacks and the importance of a sound cybersecurity plan
• Climate change and natural disaster trends and forecasts
• Domestic security threats and how to mitigate the risks posed to your business

MEET THE SPEAKERS

Featured Speaker

DEVI SRIDHAR

Professor of Global Health, University of Edinburgh

Devi Sridhar is a Professor at the University of Edinburgh where she holds a Personal Chair in Global Public Health. She is Founding Director of the Global Health Governance Programme and holds a Wellcome Trust Investigator Award. Recipient of a Rhodes scholarship, Devi holds an MPhil and a DPhil from Oxford University as well as a B.S. from the University of Miami's Honors Medical Program. Prior to her appointment at Edinburgh, she was a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at All Souls College, Oxford University and an Associate Professor in Global Health Politics and Fellow at Wolfson College, Oxford University. Devi is the author of two books—"Governing Global Health: Who Runs the World and Why?" (OUP, 2017) and "The Battle against Hunger: Choice, Circumstance and the World Bank" (OUP, 2007)—and has published her work in Nature, Science, the New England Journal of Medicine, the Lancet and the British Medical Journal. Devi is a regular media commentator on global public health issues and serves as a member of the Scottish Government's COVID-19 advisory group. To view Devi’s affiliations, click here.

Moderator

MARK POST

COO, Global Guardian

Mark Post is the COO of Global Guardian responsible for overseeing all administrative and operational functions of the company. Mark retired from the CIA after 26 years of service in the Directorate of Operations, which included fifteen years overseas. Prior to his retirement, Mark held the Chief of Operations role in the South and Central Asia Mission Center. In addition, throughout his service, he held key leadership assignments including Deputy Division Chief, Africa, Chief of Station, the Balkans, the Caucasus, and Africa, and Deputy Chief of Station, South Asia. Mark holds a BA from Washington State University.

Panelists

AMANDA GORSKI

Senior Cybersecurity Analyst

Amanda Gorski is a Veteran of the Marine Corps intelligence community with a unique skill set developed over nearly 20 years of supporting the Department of Defense and Intelligence Agencies. Ms. Gorski has provided expert-level personnel, physical, and cybersecurity guidance to multiple organizations, including Raytheon, General Dynamics, and Agile IT Synergy. 

In early 2019, Ms. Gorski founded GSec LLC to aid micro and small businesses in developing their cyber programs and protecting their assets. Amanda and her team apply military-grade experience and knowledge to the needs of non-profit agencies, individuals, business owners, and DoD support contractors. In addition, Amanda is also a Program Manager for a reputable Managed Security Services Provider and a Cybersecurity SME for the USSOCOM Command Surgeon’s Office. 

Ms. Gorski graduated Summa Cum Laude from Strayer University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Systems & Cybersecurity Management. 

DALE BUCKNER

CEO and President, Global Guardian

Dale Buckner is the CEO of Global Guardian and has been leading Global Guardian since its inception in March 2012. He is a decorated Combat-Commander with multiple combat tours and classified operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Colombia, Haiti and Cuba and executed deployments to Russia, El Salvador, Honduras, Chile, Panama, Kuwait, and Qatar. Dale served in the United States Army Infantry (9 years), Military Intelligence (2 years), and Special Forces Green Berets (13 years). He commanded 5 organizations including an Infantry Reconnaissance Platoon, Special Forces Scuba Team, Special Force Counter-Terrorism Team, a Special Forces Counter-Terrorism Task Force, and a Special Troops Battalion. Dale has Bachelor’s Degrees in Criminal Justice and Business, Master’s Degrees in Public Administration and Business Administration, a Masters Certificate in Strategic Leadership from Cornell and was a Senior Fellow at the Tufts University School of Law and Diplomacy. Dale earned a total of 27 awards and decorations highlighted by his combat Bronze Star Medal and Defense Meritorious Service Medal.

MICHAEL BALLARD

Director of Intelligence, Global Guardian

Michael currently manages Global Guardian's intelligence network with international partners. He is responsible for providing clients with Global Guardian's intelligence report updates and real-time alerts. Prior to joining the Global Guardian team, Michael was the former lead intelligence analyst for the North American region at UnitedHealth group. He holds a Master's Degree in International Affairs from the University of Kentucky, and Bachelor's Degree in History from the University of Mary Washington.

Emerging Security Trends in 2021

June 30, 2021 | 11:00 AM (EDT)

From robust tracking and monitoring software to securing your office with smart cameras, the technology you use to operate your business and home safely is constantly evolving—and with it the need to assess its effectiveness and question its security. How and what technology are you utilizing to help secure your business? Is it effective when something goes wrong?

Watch the recording of our webinar, Emerging Security Trends in 2021, where our experts took a close look at emerging security trends and offered advice on how to get the most out of the technology you use every day. 

Meet the Speakers

Moderator:

MIKE MCGARRITY

VP of Global Risk Services, Global Guardian

Mike McGarrity is Vice President of Global Risk Services at Global Guardian an international security and crisis response firm.  In this role, Mike works with Fortune 500 clients and organizations to provide comprehensive tailored security and crisis response solutions. With 28 years of public service, the last 23 years with the FBI, Mike has led teams at all levels to protect the American people. Mike most recently served as the FBI’s Assistant Director of Counterterrorism, with daily oversight of all counterterrorism operations in the FBI’s 56 field offices and almost 80 overseas offices. McGarrity was continuously recognized for his strategic vision and performance and has served in some of the FBI’s most challenging and critical positions, including serving as the squad supervisor of the FBI’s extraterritorial squad, Director of Counterterrorism at the White House National Security Council, first Director of the USG’s Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell, Special Agent in Charge of the Criminal Division of the New York Field Office, and Assistant Director of Counterterrorism, the FBI’s priority mission. Prior to his career with the FBI, Mike was an Assistant District Attorney in the New York County District Attorney’s Office. He has received numerous awards from the FBI, DOJ, CIA, and ODNI.  Most notably, Mike is the recipient of the Presidential Rank Award – Distinguished where he was recognized for his strategic leadership and sustained efforts disrupting countless threats against America. A New Jersey native, McGarrity graduated from Delbarton School and holds certificates from Harvard and Northwestern. McGarrity obtained his undergraduate and law degree magma cum laude from The Catholic University of America.

Panelists:

DALE BUCKNER

CEO and President, Global Guardian

CHIP BUSKER

Head of Security, The Hendrick Companies

Chip Busker is the owner of RFB Security Consulting and RFB & Associates Private investigations, currently overseeing security for the Hendrick Companies, including Hendrick Automotive, Motorsports, Aviation and Marine. He is also the Armed Security Officer for Hendrick Aviation. As a consultant, he has worked with numerous companies, including Anheuser Busch, Coca Cola Bottling Consolidated, Snyder’s Lance, and numerous law firms, handling security issues and human resource investigations. Prior to consulting in the security space, Chip spent over 20 years in law enforcement, with 17 of those years in narcotics investigations. He was involved in numerous undercover operations and Federal investigations involving drug trafficking. During that time, Chip was also a certified instructor for the North Carolina Justice Academy, as well as a Spanish translator. He retired from law enforcement in 2007 as a sergeant.

TONY STRICKLAND

CSO, CSL

Tony Strickland is Chief Security Officer of CSL Limited, a global biotechnology company with a dynamic portfolio of life-saving medicines, including those that treat hemophilia and immune deficiencies, as well as vaccines to prevent influenza. In this role, Tony has responsibility for protecting the company’s people, intellectual property and supply chain, as well as incident management and investigations. He is responsible for the physical protection of all of CSL’s 300-plus locations in more than 35 countries, including manufacturing sites, laboratories, its growing network of CSL Plasma collection centers, and world headquarters in Melbourne, Australia.

Since joining CSL as its first-ever Chief Security Officer, Tony has been the architect of the company’s protection strategy, related governance frameworks and enterprise security risk-assessment processes. He also has built the organization’s global, enterprise-wide Security team from the ground up to support both of CSL’s operating businesses, which include CSL Behring, one of the world’s largest biotherapeutics companies, and Seqirus, the second-largest influenza vaccine provider in the world and a leader in pandemic preparedness.

Most recently, Tony has played a crucial role in CSL’s response to the COVID-19 global pandemic, leading the company’s Global Crisis Management Team and helping to ensure the continuity of business operations and CSL’s ability to deliver on its promise to patients and improving public health. 

Prior to joining CSL, Tony managed global supply chain security at Hasbro. In that role, he was responsible for the management of Hasbro’s Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program. Additionally, he was responsible for a number of related security initiatives and providing direction for global partners, conducting supply chain investigations, and managing security training programs.

Previously, Tony also held various progressively senior roles with Matson Logistics and Wal-Mart, where he had responsibilities for operations management, quality and business development. His diverse experience has given him a strong understanding of business risks and how to align security organizational strategies.

Tony holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Homeland Security from Eastern Kentucky University and various security certifications.

Return to Travel: Security and Safety Tips in the COVID-19 Era

May 26, 2021 | 11:00 AM (EDT)

The rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations and noticeable slowing of infection and death rates raises the inevitable question: Is it safe to travel again? Will a shot in the arm be enough to boost confidence to travel and help the industry get back on its feet again? While leisure travel may soon pick up, there are signs that more profitable business travel may lag. What about the security challenges created by putting health information on “vaccine passports”?

Watch our webinar, “Return to Travel: Security and Safety Tips in the COVID-19 Era,” where our experts discussed the implications of recent developments and offered tips on how to travel safely during a pandemic.

Meet the Speakers

Moderator:

MIKE MCGARRITY

VP of Global Risk Services, Global Guardian

Mike McGarrity is Vice President of Global Risk Services at Global Guardian an international security and crisis response firm.  In this role, Mike works with Fortune 500 clients and organizations to provide comprehensive tailored security and crisis response solutions. With 28 years of public service, the last 23 years with the FBI, Mike has led teams at all levels to protect the American people. Mike most recently served as the FBI’s Assistant Director of Counterterrorism, with daily oversight of all counterterrorism operations in the FBI’s 56 field offices and almost 80 overseas offices. McGarrity was continuously recognized for his strategic vision and performance and has served in some of the FBI’s most challenging and critical positions, including serving as the squad supervisor of the FBI’s extraterritorial squad, Director of Counterterrorism at the White House National Security Council, first Director of the USG’s Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell, Special Agent in Charge of the Criminal Division of the New York Field Office, and Assistant Director of Counterterrorism, the FBI’s priority mission. Prior to his career with the FBI, Mike was an Assistant District Attorney in the New York County District Attorney’s Office. He has received numerous awards from the FBI, DOJ, CIA, and ODNI.  Most notably, Mike is the recipient of the Presidential Rank Award – Distinguished where he was recognized for his strategic leadership and sustained efforts disrupting countless threats against America. A New Jersey native, McGarrity graduated from Delbarton School and holds certificates from Harvard and Northwestern. McGarrity obtained his undergraduate and law degree magma cum laude from The Catholic University of America.

Panelists:

JENNIFER WILSON-BUTTIGIEG

Co-President & Owner, Valerie Wilson Travel

DALE BUCKNER

CEO and President, Global Guardian

Dale Buckner is the CEO of Global Guardian and has been leading Global Guardian since its inception in March 2012. He is a decorated Combat-Commander with multiple combat tours and classified operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Colombia, Haiti and Cuba and executed deployments to Russia, El Salvador, Honduras, Chile, Panama, Kuwait, and Qatar. Dale served in the United States Army Infantry (9 years), Military Intelligence (2 years), and Special Forces Green Berets (13 years). He commanded 5 organizations including an Infantry Reconnaissance Platoon, Special Forces Scuba Team, Special Force Counter-Terrorism Team, a Special Forces Counter-Terrorism Task Force, and a Special Troops Battalion. Dale has Bachelor’s Degrees in Criminal Justice and Business, Master’s Degrees in Public Administration and Business Administration, a Masters Certificate in Strategic Leadership from Cornell and was a Senior Fellow at the Tufts University School of Law and Diplomacy. Dale earned a total of 27 awards and decorations highlighted by his combat Bronze Star Medal and Defense Meritorious Service Medal.

DR. SHELLY WEISENFELD, M.D., M.P.H.

Medical Director, Global Guardian

Dr. Weisenfeld received her Master's in Public Health from San Diego State University and her Medical Degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine, where she graduated with honors. She has over 24 years of experience and brings a wealth of knowledge to her current roles. Currently Dr. Weisenfeld holds a faculty position in emergency medicine at a major academic facility and serves as the Medical Director for Global Guardian. She has also completed extensive world travel, including travel to Africa, Austria, Caribbean, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Peru, Poland, South America, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

2021 Cyber Security Trends: How to Protect Yourself and Your Organization

April 21, 2021 | 11:00 AM (EDT)

As a result of the pandemic, we are now spending more time online than ever. But working from home has made us increasingly vulnerable to cyber criminals and online scams. The recent SolarWinds software supply chain hack and Microsoft Server attack that compromised federal agencies and major tech companies shone a spotlight on the role played by rogue states like Russia and China in such cyberattacks.

Watch our webinar, “2021 Cyber Security Trends: How to Protect Yourself and Your Organization,” where industry experts analyzed the cybersecurity trends and offered solutions on how you can protect yourselves and your business.

Meet the Speakers

Moderator:

MIKE MCGARRITY

VP of Global Risk Services

Mike McGarrity is Vice President of Global Risk Services at Global Guardian an international security and crisis response firm.  In this role, Mike works with Fortune 500 clients and organizations to provide comprehensive tailored security and crisis response solutions. With 28 years of public service, the last 23 years with the FBI, Mike has led teams at all levels to protect the American people. Mike most recently served as the FBI’s Assistant Director of Counterterrorism, with daily oversight of all counterterrorism operations in the FBI’s 56 field offices and almost 80 overseas offices. McGarrity was continuously recognized for his strategic vision and performance and has served in some of the FBI’s most challenging and critical positions, including serving as the squad supervisor of the FBI’s extraterritorial squad, Director of Counterterrorism at the White House National Security Council, first Director of the USG’s Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell, Special Agent in Charge of the Criminal Division of the New York Field Office, and Assistant Director of Counterterrorism, the FBI’s priority mission. Prior to his career with the FBI, Mike was an Assistant District Attorney in the New York County District Attorney’s Office. He has received numerous awards from the FBI, DOJ, CIA, and ODNI.  Most notably, Mike is the recipient of the Presidential Rank Award – Distinguished where he was recognized for his strategic leadership and sustained efforts disrupting countless threats against America. A New Jersey native, McGarrity graduated from Delbarton School and holds certificates from Harvard and Northwestern. McGarrity obtained his undergraduate and law degree magma cum laude from The Catholic University of America.

Panelists:

DAVID RING

Section Chief of the FBI’s Cyber Engagement and Intelligence Section

David Ring is the Section Chief of the FBI’s Cyber Engagement and Intelligence Section where he leads the FBI Cyber Division’s private sector engagement and cyber-criminal intelligence missions. Mr. Ring joined the FBI as an Intelligence Analyst in 2004, and was assigned to the Counterterrorism Division after completing training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA. Prior to joining the Cyber Division, Mr. Ring served in a variety of capacities in support of the Counterterrorism mission, including as an Intelligence Analyst in support of multiple counterterrorism investigations to include the 2010 Times Square attack and the Boston Marathon Bombing. Mr. Ring served as the FBI Counterterrorism Division’s Senior Liaison Officer to the National Counterterrorism Center before being promoted to Assistant Section Chief over the FBI’s Domestic Terrorism and Homegrown Violent Extremist intelligence program in 2018. Mr. Ring holds a Bachelor Degree from Dowling College in New York and a Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security from Pennsylvania State University.

DALE BUCKNER

CEO and President, Global Guardian

Dale Buckner is the CEO of Global Guardian and has been leading Global Guardian since its inception in March 2012. He is a decorated Combat-Commander with multiple combat tours and classified operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Colombia, Haiti and Cuba and executed deployments to Russia, El Salvador, Honduras, Chile, Panama, Kuwait, and Qatar. Dale served in the United States Army Infantry (9 years), Military Intelligence (2 years), and Special Forces Green Berets (13 years). He commanded 5 organizations including an Infantry Reconnaissance Platoon, Special Forces Scuba Team, Special Force Counter-Terrorism Team, a Special Forces Counter-Terrorism Task Force, and a Special Troops Battalion. Dale has Bachelor’s Degrees in Criminal Justice and Business, Master’s Degrees in Public Administration and Business Administration, a Masters Certificate in Strategic Leadership from Cornell and was a Senior Fellow at the Tufts University School of Law and Diplomacy. Dale earned a total of 27 awards and decorations highlighted by his combat Bronze Star Medal and Defense Meritorious Service Medal.

Jeffery Stutzman

CISO, Global Guardian

Jeffery is a cyber security expert with over 30 years of experience. He oversees information security operations and Virtual Chief Information Security Officers protecting several high net worth families, and small and medium sized companies. He personally serves as the Virtual Chief Information Security Officer for Global Guardian, a Manhattan based Private Equity firm, a $3.5bn Oil and Gas, and for the US and LATAM risk operations for a 600,000-employee diversified services company. He has ‘boots on the ground’ risk management, cyber investigations and M&A experience in multiple high-risk cyber threat regions including China, Brazil, the Middle East, and South America. He holds a Bachelor's in Science from Excelsior College and MBA from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).

Managing Physical and Online Threats: Mitigating Risk in Today's World

March 16, 2021 | 11:00 AM (EDT)

The rise in crime that has accompanied the global pandemic and economic downturn has meant businesses are increasingly becoming targets for online and physical attacks. What can you do to prepare for such events and how can you minimize loss and damage? Our recent webinar answered these questions (and much more) as well as shared insights on how we protect our clients.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS 

John Wyman

Unit Chief (UC) of the FBI’s Behavioral Threat Assessment Center (BTAC)

John Wyman is the Unit Chief (UC) of the FBI’s Behavioral Threat Assessment Center (BTAC), a national-level, multi-agency, multi-disciplinary Task Force focused on the prevention of terrorism and targeted violence through the application of behaviorally-based operational support, training and research. UC Wyman joined the FBI as a Special Agent in 1998 and he has spent substantially all of his FBI career working on counterterrorism (CT) and targeted violence prevention. During his career, UC Wyman successfully led and managed numerous investigations and operations, resulting in disrupted attacks, mitigated threats, and arrest/conviction. UC Wyman has served as Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) supervisor and the terrorism program coordinator (PCOR) in the FBI's Washington Field Office (WFO) and the FBI's Richmond Division. In addition, UC Wyman has worked as program manager within the FBI's Counterterrorism Division, served in a joint duty capacity at the Guantanamo Detainee Prosecution Task Force (GDPTF), and conducted numerous domestic and overseas deployments in support of FBI CT operations. UC Wyman is a two-time recipient of the prestigious FBI Director’s Award for Outstanding Counterterrorism Investigation and a three-time recipient of the Anti-Defamation League’s “Shield Award.”

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Dale Buckner

CEO and President, Global Guardian

Dale Buckner is the CEO of Global Guardian and has been leading Global Guardian since its inception in March 2012. He is a decorated Combat-Commander with multiple combat tours and classified operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Colombia, Haiti and Cuba and executed deployments to Russia, El Salvador, Honduras, Chile, Panama, Kuwait, and Qatar. Dale served in the United States Army Infantry (9 years), Military Intelligence (2 years), and Special Forces Green Berets (13 years). He commanded 5 organizations including an Infantry Reconnaissance Platoon, Special Forces Scuba Team, Special Force Counter-Terrorism Team, a Special Forces Counter-Terrorism Task Force, and a Special Troops Battalion.

Dale has Bachelor’s Degrees in Criminal Justice and Business, Master’s Degrees in Public Administration and Business Administration, a Masters Certificate in  Strategic Leadership from Cornell and was a Senior Fellow at the Tufts University School of Law and Diplomacy. Dale earned a total of 27 awards and decorations highlighted by his combat Bronze Star Medal and Defense Meritorious Service Medal.

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Mike McGarrity

VP of Global Risk Services, Global Guardian

Mike McGarrity is Vice President of Global Risk Services at Global Guardian an international security and crisis response firm.  In this role, Mike works with Fortune 500 clients and organizations to provide comprehensive tailored security and crisis response solutions. With 28 years of public service, the last 23 years with the FBI, Mike has led teams at all levels to protect the American people. Mike most recently served as the FBI’s Assistant Director of Counterterrorism, with daily oversight of all counterterrorism operations in the FBI’s 56 field offices and almost 80 overseas offices. McGarrity was continuously recognized for his strategic vision and performance and has served in some of the FBI’s most challenging and critical positions, including serving as the squad supervisor of the FBI’s extraterritorial squad, Director of Counterterrorism at the White House National Security Council, first Director of the USG’s Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell, Special Agent in Charge of the Criminal Division of the New York Field Office, and Assistant Director of Counterterrorism, the FBI’s priority mission. Prior to his career with the FBI, Mike was an Assistant District Attorney in the New York County District Attorney’s Office. He has received numerous awards from the FBI, DOJ, CIA, and ODNI.  Most notably, Mike is the recipient of the Presidential Rank Award – Distinguished where he was recognized for his strategic leadership and sustained efforts disrupting countless threats against America. A New Jersey native, McGarrity graduated from Delbarton School and holds certificates from Harvard and Northwestern. McGarrity obtained his undergraduate and law degree magma cum laude from The Catholic University of America.

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Michael Ballard

Director of Intelligence, Global Guardian

Michael currently manages Global Guardian's intelligence network with international partners. He is responsible for providing clients with Global Guardian's intelligence report updates and real-time alerts. Prior to joining the Global Guardian team, Michael was the former lead intelligence analyst for the North American region at UnitedHealth group. He holds a Master's Degree in International Affairs from the University of Kentucky, and Bachelor's Degree in History from the University of Mary Washington.

Regional Spotlight: Travel Safety and Business Operations in Mexico

February 3, 2021 | 11:00 AM (EST)

Meet the Speakers

Tony Strickland

CSO, CSL Limited

Tony Strickland is Chief Security Officer of CSL Limited, a global biotechnology company with a dynamic portfolio of life-saving medicines, including those that treat hemophilia and immune deficiencies, as well as vaccines to prevent influenza. In this role, Tony has responsibility for protecting the company’s people, intellectual property and supply chain, as well as incident management and investigations. He is responsible for the physical protection of all of CSL’s 300-plus locations in more than 35 countries, including manufacturing sites, laboratories, its growing network of CSL Plasma collection centers, and world headquarters in Melbourne, Australia.

Since joining CSL as its first-ever Chief Security Officer, Tony has been the architect of the company’s protection strategy, related governance frameworks and enterprise security risk-assessment processes. He also has built the organization’s global, enterprise-wide Security team from the ground up to support both of CSL’s operating businesses, which include CSL Behring, one of the world’s largest biotherapeutics companies, and Seqirus, the second-largest influenza vaccine provider in the world and a leader in pandemic preparedness.

Most recently, Tony has played a crucial role in CSL’s response to the COVID-19 global pandemic, leading the company’s Global Crisis Management Team and helping to ensure the continuity of business operations and CSL’s ability to deliver on its promise to patients and improving public health. 

Prior to joining CSL, Tony managed global supply chain security at Hasbro. In that role, he was responsible for the management of Hasbro’s Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program. Additionally, he was responsible for a number of related security initiatives and providing direction for global partners, conducting supply chain investigations, and managing security training programs.

Previously, Tony also held various progressively senior roles with Matson Logistics and Wal-Mart, where he had responsibilities for operations management, quality and business development. His diverse experience has given him a strong understanding of business risks and how to align security organizational strategies.

Tony holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Homeland Security from Eastern Kentucky University and various security certifications.

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Dale Buckner

CEO and President, Global Guardian

Dale Buckner is the CEO of Global Guardian and has been leading Global Guardian since its inception in March 2012. He is a decorated Combat-Commander with multiple combat tours and classified operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Colombia, Haiti and Cuba and executed deployments to Russia, El Salvador, Honduras, Chile, Panama, Kuwait, and Qatar. Dale served in the United States Army Infantry (9 years), Military Intelligence (2 years), and Special Forces Green Berets (13 years). He commanded 5 organizations including an Infantry Reconnaissance Platoon, Special Forces Scuba Team, Special Force Counter-Terrorism Team, a Special Forces Counter-Terrorism Task Force, and a Special Troops Battalion.

Dale has Bachelor’s Degrees in Criminal Justice and Business, Master’s Degrees in Public Administration and Business Administration, a Masters Certificate in  Strategic Leadership from Cornell and was a Senior Fellow at the Tufts University School of Law and Diplomacy. Dale earned a total of 27 awards and decorations highlighted by his combat Bronze Star Medal and Defense Meritorious Service Medal.

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Michael Ballard

Director of Intelligence, Global Guardian

Michael currently manages Global Guardian's intelligence network with international partners. He is responsible for all COVID-19 intel report updates and has been providing regular reports to clients since the first case was reported. Prior to joining the Global Guardian team, Michael was the former lead intelligence analyst for the North American region at UnitedHealth group. He holds a Master's Degree in International Affairs from the University of Kentucky, and Bachelor's Degree in History from the University of Mary Washington.

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Mike McGarrity

VP of Global Risk Services, Global Guardian

Mike McGarrity is Vice President of Global Risk Services at Global Guardian an international security and crisis response firm.  In this role, Mike works with Fortune 500 clients and organizations to provide comprehensive tailored security and crisis response solutions. With 28 years of public service, the last 23 years with the FBI, Mike has led teams at all levels to protect the American people. Mike most recently served as the FBI’s Assistant Director of Counterterrorism, with daily oversight of all counterterrorism operations in the FBI’s 56 field offices and almost 80 overseas offices. McGarrity was continuously recognized for his strategic vision and performance and has served in some of the FBI’s most challenging and critical positions, including serving as the squad supervisor of the FBI’s extraterritorial squad, Director of Counterterrorism at the White House National Security Council, first Director of the USG’s Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell, Special Agent in Charge of the Criminal Division of the New York Field Office, and Assistant Director of Counterterrorism, the FBI’s priority mission. Prior to his career with the FBI, Mike was an Assistant District Attorney in the New York County District Attorney’s Office. He has received numerous awards from the FBI, DOJ, CIA, and ODNI.  Most notably, Mike is the recipient of the Presidential Rank Award – Distinguished where he was recognized for his strategic leadership and sustained efforts disrupting countless threats against America. A New Jersey native, McGarrity graduated from Delbarton School and holds certificates from Harvard and Northwestern. McGarrity obtained his undergraduate and law degree magma cum laude from The Catholic University of America.