Blog

Sydney Jackson brings extensive program management, investigative and leadership experience to her role as Director of Operations for AT-RISK in which she oversees client operations. As a safety and logistics leader with executive administrative and tactical field expertise, Ms. Jackson plays an important security role ensuring environments where individuals are safe and well-protected during high-risk and stressful situations.

Prior to joining AT-RISK, Ms. Jackson served as Chief of Police for the City of Woodinville, Washington where she increased police morale and improved public resources. In this role, she identified and administered policies and procedures for her staff of eleven officers and two city officials, including recruitment, hiring, training, assignments, performance appraisals and disciplinary measures. Most notably, as Chief of Police she lowered city crime rate by 19% within her first year, reduced it to 5.25% in the second year, 4.35% in third year and 1.34% in her fourth year.

From 2003-2010, Ms. Jackson was Search & Rescue (SAR) Air Support Sergeant for King County, Washington managing the SAR program while overseeing a team of five officer pilots and five helicopters. Among her accomplishments, key contributions include introducing a new strategy utilizing helicopter SWAT teams for insertion into emergency and terrorist situations for Washington State ferries and Homeland Security, including drafting Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Ms. Jackson has received her Executive Protection Agent Certification and has completed extensive training courses, including Tactical Combat Casualty Care, Active Shooter and Patrol Training, Internal Investigations and a multitude of specialized rescue and aviation training.

Matthew Speidel brings over 15 years of investigative and military experience to AT-RISK International. His impressive career in the security and protection industry includes extensive training in personnel recovery, critical systems protection and criminal investigations.

As an Operations Manager for AT-RISK, Mr. Speidel leads program development for new business services. Working with security personnel to screen potential threats, he provides strategic advice to clients, supports operations and facilitates safety measures at the client site. Through his commitment to this role, Mr. Speidel oversees the continuity of AT-RISK’s operational standards and protects our clients by cultivating safe environments.

Mr. Speidel began his career as a Civil Affairs Specialist for the U.S. Army Reserve, leading a squad of two-dozen soldiers and working as a military liaison to the United Nations. He served for three years as a Federal Air Marshal, conducting high-level surveillance and open-source intelligence on foreign countries. During his time as a Special Agent with the U.S. Secret Service, Mr. Speidel was responsible for investigating cyber and financial criminal activity, initiating protection operations in overseas environments and coordinating a protective intelligence response during active security breaches. He successfully showcased his tactical advantages by responding to a nationally televised White House intruder.

Throughout his career, Mr. Speidel has been recognized for his valiance and leadership and remains an active member of the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP) and the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) and is a proud advocate for Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

Amber Cooley has over 20 years of strategic marketing, business development and project management experience. Her background in both private start-ups and public firms highlights a proven track record of building brand strategies, analyzing program performance, developing integrated campaigns and increasing productivity through technology and collaboration.

Ms. Cooley has spent more than 11 years in the security consulting and investigation industry. She is responsible for the marketing strategy of the firm, defining measurable projects and initiatives to drive growth and profitability. Ms. Cooley plans, organizes, develops and launches cross-region and cross-service initiatives including corporate branding, PR/media relations, communications, thought leadership and large-scale event participation.

Previously, Ms. Cooley led marketing and communications efforts for GardaWorld (formerly Vance International, Inc.), a global investigation and security consulting firm. There she developed integrated marketing plans, positioned services and solutions, targeted key industry publications and executed events to enhance the company’s position as an industry thought leader.

Mr. Crockett began his career in the United States Marine Corps where he served as a Gunnery Sergeant. During this time, Mr. Crockett commanded a platoon of M1A1 main battle tanks and personally lead over 50 combat missions. He deployed to Iraq in 2005, serving as a Tank Commander and Platoon Sergeant for a provisional company of 28 marines. Through his years of service, Mr. Crockett received numerous commendations including the Navy/Marine Corps Combat Action Ribbon, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service medal among others.

After leaving the military in 2010, Mr. Crockett became a Sergeant of the Nampa Police Department. During his tenure in law enforcement, Mr. Crockett helped develop, implement and lead community safety/security efforts and coordinated with local, state and federal agencies to direct operations against large-scale narcotics and violent crime syndicates. Mr. Crockett was the Mobile Field Force Commander for a field team of over 20 officers and successfully resolved numerous officer-involved critical incidents throughout his highly commended career.

Mr. Crockett received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice, with an emphasis in Law Enforcement, from Boise State University. He is a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)-trained specialist and a member of the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP) and the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS).

Before joining AT-RISK, Mr. Concordia worked as an Associate Professor, Certified FBI Instructor, and New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services Instructor. He is credited with building, training, and managing Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management protocols for higher education, K-12 districts, community-wide threat advisory teams, and police department threat response units.

Mr. Concordia received his graduate degree in International Studies from St. John Fisher College and currently operates as the threat assessment and management expert for the New York Department of Education. He also represents AT-RISK as one of the cadres of K-12 experts for the National Center for School Safety.

Through the design and instruction of training programs, Mr. Concordia is committed to fostering safety through strategies that promote cultural competence and lessen the impact of biases within an organization.

Kristina Valts joined the AT-RISK Team in 2017 as a human resources intern and has grown with the organization in her current role as a Human Resources Generalist.

Ms. Valts works closely with management to identify and execute employee initiative goals to support the global vision for organizational progression. In her current role, she collaborates cross-functionally to support strategic HR planning, recruiting efforts, benefits, business expansion and company policies.

In support of organizational development, Ms. Valts implemented a company-wide human resources management system to streamline a number of functions and currently oversees the platform.

Ms. Valts is actively involved in the human resources community and serves on the Board as Student Relations Chair of the second largest SHRM Chapter – Northern Virginia SHRM (NOVA SHRM), an affiliate of The Society for Human Resource Management. As a Board Member, she works to encourage successful and inclusive networking, internship and employment opportunities to foster professional development.

John Gallo comes to AT-RISK as a 30-year veteran of specialized law enforcement. As Operations Manager, Mr. Gallo is responsible for protecting, consulting and training, as well as intelligence and investigations, in support of the overall operational requirements of AT-RISK International.

Before joining AT-RISK, Mr. Gallo served with the United States Capitol Police, spending most of his career across the agency’s Intelligence, Threat Assessment and Dignitary Protection Divisions. As a Special Agent, Mr. Gallo protected both life and property, by investigating, mitigating and managing threats for members of the U.S. Congress and the Congressional Community. Mr. Gallo spent his time with the Capitol Police actively preventing security threats and was successful in training employees at all management levels in best practices and proper response to security situations – including active shooter events.

Mr. Gallo was also selected to serve on the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), in Washington, D.C., where he was stationed with the FBI’s National Capital Response Squad. While assigned to the JTTF, Mr. Gallo received his Hazmat Operator certification and offered direct and immediate attention to suspicious packages, surveillance operations, possible terrorism-related incidents and hate crime-related shootings, including the Holocaust Museum Shooting in 2009 and the Family Research Council Shooting in 2012.

Along with his extensive experience providing security coverage for various high-profile events in the D.C. metro area, Mr. Gallo is also trained to lead in security operations and manage both surveillance and emergency response teams.

Mr. Gallo is a graduate of the Criminal Investigator Training Program in Glynco, Georgia and holds a bachelor’s degree from the Catholic University of America. He is also an alumnus of the Metropolitan Police Detective School, Washington D.C.

Glenn Sandford has over 30 years of experience in investigations, corporate security management, executive protection, security systems administration, law enforcement and guard force management. He has deep-rooted familiarity with sales and business development activities within the Latin America market and is fluent in Spanish.

Mr. Sandford is focused on cultivating new business for AT-RISK with local, national and multi-national corporations, private firms and U.S. and foreign government agencies. His responsibilities include identifying strategies across multiple markets and industries, delivering proposals, retaining clients as well as creating value-added services, negotiating contracts and managing relations with customers.

As a former police officer in Arlington, Virginia and head of security for a leading media and marketing company, Mr. Sandford designed the security and fire/life safety programs for the company’s high-rise buildings and 5-acre campus. He has also managed security at one of the largest worldwide management consulting firms. While serving as Vice President and General Manager for a security firm, he opened their Washington, D.C. branch offices, landing key contracts with a global non-profit organization and other prominent organizations.

Mr. Sandford is one of the original founders of the Association of Latin America Threat Assessment Professionals (ALATAP) and is active in numerous organizations including the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP), the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS), the Risk and Insurance Management Society (RIMS) and the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC). He is the acting Vice President for the San Diego ATAP Chapter Board of Directors and is a member of the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS), the Risk and Insurance Management Society (RIMS) and the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC). He served as a regional emergency preparedness task force member, a delegate of the Greater Washington Board of Trade and an Executive Volunteer and Corporate Liaison for the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial Fund and Museum. He is board certified in security management having earned a Certified Protection Professional (CPP) credential.

Kateryna Bender has been an integral part of AT-RISK since joining the organization in 2010. In her role as Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, Ms. Bender works to create a global vision for the administrative and operational growth of the organization.

She provides input in new business expansion strategies and planning, success forecasting and risk management, creates new business plans and leads international business administration and organizational development. Ms. Bender oversees finance, human resources and legal/regulatory compliance.

Born and raised in Ukraine, Ms. Bender has a master’s degree in Languages from the University of Ukraine and speaks Russian, native Ukrainian, English, French and German. Her linguistic skills are an asset to AT-RISK and its overseas personnel.

Ms. Bender takes an active role in the Human Resources community. Since 2016 she has been serving in a variety of Board-role capacities for the Northern Virginia Society for Human Resource Management (NOVA SHRM) chapter, wrapping up her Presidential term in 2019. At the beginning of 2020, she began her position as District Director for the SHRM Virginia State Council.

Ms. Bender is also a member of the National Association of Professional and Executive Women, which recognized her in 2012 as an exclusive member in the Women of Excellence Registry.

Meghan Blasi brings over 13 years of professional experience to AT-RISK. As Operations Manager, Ms. Blasi conducts protection, investigations, consulting, intelligence and training in support of the overall operational requirements of AT-RISK International.

Prior to joining AT-RISK, Ms. Blasi served as a Special Agent within the Threat Assessment Section of the United States Capitol Police in Washington, D.C. In this role, Ms. Blasi conducted over 1,000 assessments/investigations into threats and concerning communications that undermined the security of Congressional Staff, Members of Congress and their immediate family. These assignments allowed Ms. Blasi to work closely with Senior Congressional Staff Members and various Members of Congress. Ms. Blasi also served as a member of the Protective Intelligence team for three different Speakers of the House and other Congressional leaders within the United States Senate and the House of Representatives.

In 2017, Ms. Blasi assisted in the investigation of the Congressional Baseball Shooting, resulting in a commendation from the United States Capitol Police for her quick response and diligent investigation.

Throughout her career, Ms. Blasi has trained extensively in law enforcement operations, interviewing and interrogation, threat assessment, criminal investigations and active shooter response. Ms. Blasi has worked with countless Federal, State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies, as well as conducted training and presentations for the Congressional community.

Ms. Blasi is a graduate of the Criminal Investigator Training Program in Glynco, Georgia and a Saint Mary’s College alumni. She is also a current member of the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP).

Patrick Lennon brings over 48 years of in-depth security expertise to AT-RISK. As owner of Lennon Security Corporation for 21 years, he provided technical and physical security to government agencies and commercial clients. He is trained in technical surveillance countermeasures (TSCM), munitions countermeasures, integrated security systems, bioterrorism, anti-terrorism and weapons of mass destruction. He is Homeland Security Level V certified by the American College of Forensic Examiners International. Both FOX News and MSNBC have interviewed him on numerous occasions when security-oriented situations occurred.

In prior years, Mr. Lennon served as Director of Technical Security for a large security consulting firm in Virginia where he developed their TSCM program, conducted TSCM sweeps for Fortune 500 companies and provided services such as threat/risk and vulnerability assessments and executive risk analysis.

Serving 21 years in the U.S. Secret Service, Mr. Lennon, as a Security Specialist, planned, developed and implemented comprehensive security programs for the President and Vice President of the United States and for foreign dignitaries. As a representative of the Secret Service and the Department of the Treasury, he was on multi-agency advisory committees, which established standardized security practices, procedures and systems.

John Gallagher brings more than 30 years of security, law enforcement and private investigation experience to AT-RISK. Mr. Gallagher has expertise across all areas of the security industry, notably executive protection and firearms training.

Mr. Gallagher began his career with MTA Bridges and Tunnels as an Officer in New York City and was appointed as their Firearms Instructor, elected as the Benevolent Association’s Delegate and Secretary of the Officers’ Benevolent Association. He later served as Vice President and Director of Operations at Trachel, Inc. in New Jersey, where he provided security and executive protective services for several Hollywood personalities and dignitaries. Mr. Gallagher has also served for over 30 years as a Security Consultant to the Iranian Royal Family and still holds this position today.

Mr. Gallagher is a Security Specialist and Firearms Training Instructor and is certified by the NRA law enforcement firearms training division, the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice (DCJS), the New York State DCJS, the New Jersey State Police retired police training program and the Maryland state police firearms training instructors’ program.

He is an elected member to the ASIS National Capital Chapter Board of Directors as Program Chair/Sergeant at Arms. In 2018 the chapter presented him with the Meritorious Service Award for fostering the spirit of goodwill and professionalism within the chapter community.

Jennifer Otremba brings over 10 years of professional experience and over 20 years of military experience to AT-RISK. Her expertise leading multi-disciplinary teams responsible for responding to critical workplace violence situations and emergent crises assists AT-RISK in mitigating corporate liability and brand/reputation risks, while also protecting corporate assets and human capital.

Currently, Ms. Otremba collaborates with AT-RISK threat managers and clients to assess client needs while developing programs, training curriculums and strategies that foster a culture of safety and security. Leveraging her knowledge of threat assessment and management, she provides onsite security for clients both domestically and internationally. Her diverse international experience ranges from managing medical air crews to providing consultations to various corporate partners on how to navigate through multiple crises, including the Middle East uprising in Tahir Square, Egypt.

Ms. Otremba is an accomplished leader, air mission commander, instructor pilot and Blackhawk Helicopter Pilot for the Minnesota Army National Guard.

Christopher joined AT-RISK with over 17 years of training, human resource management and project management experience. His background in the United States Army, Homeland Security and the Department of Defense highlights a proven track record of driving talent management efforts, filling the gaps for the future and providing invaluable development opportunities to coach future leaders.

With AT-RISK, Mr. Hemphill is responsible for identifying potential sources for recruiting through hiring platforms, professional associations and military transition centers. Mr. Hemphill develops and implements sourcing strategies, processes and activities related to the identification and attraction of top talent across a broad array of functions and levels. He also oversees the vendor management program, building relationships with potential partners for our clients.

Previously, Mr. Hemphill was a human resource manager with the Department of Defense. There he developed and integrated training plans, managed all staffing and partnered with military officials on various projects. Mr. Hemphill was also a program analyst on the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center where he supervised all training, developed curriculum and served as the subject matter expert for instructors.

Daniil Davydoff is the Associate Director of Intelligence for AT-RISK, where he leads the intelligence service line and is responsible for the unit’s strategy, staffing, engagements and product innovation. Prior to joining AT-RISK, Mr. Davydoff was a consultant, project manager, and intelligence analyst at Eurasia Group. He has conducted research at ASTM International, the Cascade Policy Institute and the European Studies department at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). Additionally, he taught economics at Boise State University.

Mr. Davydoff is a columnist for Security Magazine and has been published by Security Management Magazine, Risk Management Magazine, The National Interest, Foreign Policy, The Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs and RealClearWorld. His work has also been cited by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the Tehran Times, The Center for Security Policy, The Judges’ Journal, The U.S. Naval War College and The Florida Times-Union.

Mr. Davydoff is a Pacific Delegate and Carnegie New Leader at the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs and is also Director of Social Media for the World Affairs Council of Palm Beach. He is a member of the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS), the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP), the International Association of Crime Analysts (IACA), the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) and the Southeast Analysts’ Roundtable (SEAR).

Chuck Tobin has 30 years of experience protecting people, facilities, operations and intellectual property for clients around the world.

Mr. Tobin is currently the chair of International Relations for the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP). As President of ATAP from 2013-2017, he oversaw the development of international education, professional standards and organizational resilience programs. As chairperson for the Certification Committee, he was responsible for developing the security industry’s first Certified Threat Manager (CTM) credential which provides proof of knowledge and management skills in violence risk assessment. Mr. Tobin has held a CTM since 2015. Mr. Tobin also serves on the International Protective Security Board (IPSB).

From 2007-2008, Mr. Tobin worked as the National Director of Security for the Hillary Clinton for President campaign, securing facilities throughout every state across the nation, as well as managing a variety of direct and indirect threats to the candidate. He has also served as security consultant to a Greek political party and its leader George Papandreou, designing integrated protection programs for the candidate, the family and the overall campaign.

Mr. Tobin is an internationally sought-after expert in the areas of threat assessment and management, executive protection program design and comprehensive security management strategy. He is an industry-leading speaker, author and on-camera contributor.

Henri Lubonja joined AT-RISK with more than 20 years of experience in the physical security and investigations industry. Serving as Operations Manager, Mr. Lubonja plays an important role in organizing and overseeing security operations and developing and implementing policies and procedures to maintain security standards for clients worldwide.

Mr. Lubonja has received over a dozen achievements including the Mission Honor Award from the U.S. Department of State, recognized by the U.S. Navy and the Federal Bureau of Investigations, and the Meritorious Honor Award also from the U.S. Department of State, for demonstrating the highest level of commitment in the face of challenging conditions.

Before joining the AT-RISK team, Mr. Lubonja was a long-standing team member at the Embassy of the United States, Tirana. From 1998-2017, he provided security oversight to high-level dignitaries and embassy officials, supervised local guards, liaised with law enforcement and security entities and performed criminal, fraud and workplace violence investigations. Mr. Lubonja also served as a Protective Detail Supervisor leading all operational aspects of the protective detail team, including coordination of the Ambassador’s daily movements outside of the embassy compound.

He is a certified Personal Protection Specialist and Private Investigator by the Department of Criminal Judicial Services (DCJS). He is also an American Red Cross certified instructor.