Ashley Barnes
Irvine,CA
Summary
Experienced security and investigations leader with 14+ years of success protecting high-value assets, leading enterprise risk programs, and building nationwide physical security frameworks. Skilled in crisis management, cross-functional leadership, and integrating technology and intelligence to preempt threats. Proven ability to collaborate with federal and local law enforcement, drive strategic growth, and enhance operational efficiency. Known for delivering results in fast-paced environments through adaptable leadership, strong communication, and a commitment to team development.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director – Field Asset Protection
Victra – Verizon Authorized Retailer
01.2022 - Current
- Expand team headcount & expand impact to reduce shrink below 1% of $3.5B in sales, drove fraud rates below 0.034% of sales, while keeping employees safe reducing robberies by 85% since 2017, and hardening the target for overnight burglaries with reduction by 20% YOY
- Built a Commission compliance matrix for the organization to drive $5M towards EBITDA
- Led national physical security and risk mitigation operations across 2,100 retail and operational sites, ensuring comprehensive protection against theft, fraud, workplace violence, and operational disruptions.
- Developed and executed enterprise-wide crisis management protocols and emergency response plans to safeguard employees and critical assets.
- Directed internal/external threat investigations, including organized criminal activity and insider risk, resulting in significant asset recovery and risk reduction.
- Oversaw a $20M+ department budget, balancing resource allocation for physical security systems, personnel, and high-risk market protections.
- Collaborated with legal, HR, and IT to integrate security technologies and operational controls that reduced overall incident rates and liability exposures.
- Led multi-agency ORC task forces in partnership with federal law enforcement.
- Designed and implemented corporate emergency preparedness and crisis response plans.
- Skilled in incident command structures and critical incident response leadership.
- Lead the development and implementation of comprehensive physical security strategies and policies.
- Manage the daily operations of security personnel, including hiring, training, and supervision.
- Conduct risk assessments and security audits, and recommend enhancements to improve security.
- Oversee the management of access control systems and surveillance technology.
- Collaborate with IT security to ensure a cohesive approach to overall company security.
- Ensure the GSOC operates effectively, maintaining global situational awareness and enabling rapid incident response and decision-making.
- Foster relationships with local law enforcement and emergency services.
- Prepare regular reports for executive management on security status and incident response.
- Interim-Head of Department 10 months (2024)
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
Regional Asset Protection Manager
Victra – Verizon Authorized Retailer
04.2018 - 01.2022
- Supported over 350+ retail locations across Western United States, including CA, WA, OR, NV, AZ, TX, UT, CO.
- Managed physical security risk assessments and investigations across multi-state regions, identifying vulnerabilities in facility design, operational processes, and staffing that informed corrective actions.
- Established and led public-private partnerships with law enforcement (local, state, and federal) to combat organized retail crime (ORC) and internal fraud schemes.
- Created and chaired industry security forums—including the Robbery/Wireless Industry Council—enhancing real-time intelligence sharing and situational awareness.
- Delivered security briefings and threat mitigation workshops at leading security conferences.
- Conducted robbery & fraud training for local, state, and federal law enforcement officers in partnership with CALORCA, CRIA, Texas-DPS, LV Metro, FBI, HSI, and U.S. Secret Service.
- Achieved 60% reduction in robbery incidents by implementing customer and associate safety protocols.
- Reviewed deactivation rate information to uncover and successfully recover over $3M in year 1 of the program implementation.
- Recovery + $1M in devices over multiple robbery investigations with 89% apprehension rate (utilization of GPS tracker)
- Collaborated with store management to develop and enforce policies for maintaining a safe and secure environment for employees and customers.
- Leveraged data analysis tools to identify trends in theft or loss, enabling targeted interventions that yielded significant improvements in asset protection outcomes.
- Partnered with local law enforcement agencies to share information about potential threats or suspicious activity in the area.
Market Investigations Manager
Toys “R” Us, Inc.
11.2016 - 04.2018
- Directed high-level physical security investigations into theft, workplace safety violations, and operational breaches across 220 locations.
- Partnered with Homeland Security, FBI, and local agencies to dismantle organized theft rings, resulting in multiple federal prosecutions and recovery of over $500K in stolen assets.
- Conducted comprehensive vulnerability assessments, improving site security posture and operational risk protocols.
HR Generalist / Training & Development Manager
Various Companies
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Delivered workplace safety training and security awareness programs to reduce risk exposure and support compliance with labor and safety regulations.
- Led sensitive personnel investigations ensuring adherence to company policy and risk mitigation standards.
Asset Protection Investigation Analyst
Toys “R” Us, Inc.
06.2011 - 02.2014
- Investigated theft and fraud activity across 240 stores, utilizing surveillance technologies and data analytics to detect and prevent security breaches.
- Conducted internal training on fraud recognition and emergency response best practices.
Education
M.S. - Forensic Psychology
Argosy University
Orange, CA05.2012
B.S. - Health Science & Psychology
California State University
Fullerton, CA05.2010
Skills
- Complex problem-solving
- Operations & Security Strategy
- Crisis & Emergency Management Programs
- Law Enforcement & Government Partnerships
- Organizational leadership
- Risk & Incident Mitigation - Business continuity
- Vendor & Security Technology Oversight
- Investigations & Insider Threat Detection
- Cross-Functional Leadership & Training
- Talent planning & development
- Relationship building
- Strategic planning
Certification
- Wicklander-Zulawski Advanced Interview & Interrogation Techniques – Certified
- Institute of Defense & Business - Duke University (Victra Leadership Cohort) 1 of 24 recipient in Inaugural class for Organization
- Completion of Achieve Institute Certification
Presentations & Leadership
- Speaker, Pacific Northwest Fraud Association (2021)
- Speaker, California Robbery Investigators Association (2020)
Timeline
Director – Field Asset Protection
Victra – Verizon Authorized Retailer
01.2022 - Current
Regional Asset Protection Manager
Victra – Verizon Authorized Retailer
04.2018 - 01.2022
Market Investigations Manager
Toys “R” Us, Inc.
11.2016 - 04.2018
HR Generalist / Training & Development Manager
Various Companies
01.2014 - 01.2016
Asset Protection Investigation Analyst
Toys “R” Us, Inc.
06.2011 - 02.2014
M.S. - Forensic Psychology
Argosy University
B.S. - Health Science & Psychology
California State University
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