How My Background in Safety, Security, and Emergency Management Began
While working in the hospitality industry for many years, I had the tremendous good fortune of working for Westin Hotels & Resorts in Kansas City, MO. This property is unique to the Westin brand because it is owned by the company Hallmark - due to Hallmark being headquartered in Kansas City.
While employed for Westin, this hotel property adjoined the Hyatt Regency via a walkway system. In between these hotels, there were shops, restaurants, and an ice-skating rink. Prior to my arrival, the Kansas City Hyatt Regency experienced the worst hotel disaster in the country killing many people when the sky-walk collapsed.
Not long after that incident, a Critical Infrastructure Task Force was formed. When I started my journey at Westin Hotels & Resorts, I was sought after by our General Manager. He recruited me to lead their first-ever Threat Mitigation Task Force in partnership with the Critical Infrastructure Task Force.
How the Threat Mitigation Task Force Worked
As the leader of this Threat Mitigation Task Force, I was to cultivate relationships with business leaders, local nonprofits, first responders—such as law enforcement, the Transportation Security Administration, local fire departments—along with the convention and visitors bureau, the convention center, and other critical partners to keep our standard overnight guests and convention attendees safe from harm.
We were also the host of many military and political figures, along with recognizable celebrities, which required collaboration with the K-9 units and the CIA. This was the start of my safety, security, and emergency management journey for corporations and nonprofits that has spanned over 24 years.
How Our Team Protected 1,000 Conference Attendees
While hosting a large city-wide convention involving African-American participants, a local white supremacist group wanted to bring harm to the conference attendees. Due to mitigation planning, collaborative partners, advanced training, and experience, my team was able to assist in the arrest of two individuals who intended to injure or kill 1,000 conference goers.
Reasons for a Threat Mitigation Task Force
- To plan for unforeseen emergencies or threats by having a formalized written response document.
- To save the lives of those under the care of an employer along with their customers, volunteers, and donors.
- To protect the reputation of the organization and ensure their image is not tarnished by unfortunate incidents.
- To apprehend violent criminals and to send a message to prospective offenders intending to wreak havoc on a company or nonprofit.
- To protect other organizational assets like equipment, supplies, and critical infrastructure.
A Message From Our Founder
Because I have led Threat Mitigation Task Force groups, conducted Threat assessments, led Investigative interviews, responded to emergencies, led Security inspections, formulated Continuity and Emergency Response plans, and engaged in other safety, security, and emergency management protocols, our agency is ready to protect your corporate or nonprofits assets.
For further help in this area, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are happy to help and are uniquely skilled to serve your organization.