Brandon McKnight
Wood Dale,IL
Summary
Dynamic professional with extensive experience in diverse security and administrative roles, offering a robust skill set that enhances operational efficiency and ensures safety. Proven ability to adapt to various environments while leveraging expertise to implement effective solutions. Committed to continuous learning and improvement, fostering a proactive approach to challenges. Prepared to contribute valuable insights and drive success in any organization.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Manager of Physical Security and Incident Response
Heartland Human Care Services
Chicago-land Area
12.2023 - Current
- Provide close protection and other security-related functions surrounding domestic travel assignments for the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operations Officer. Remain current on issues regarding changes to Federal, State and Local laws, organizational rules and procedures to ensure compliance.
- Responsible for overseeing day-to-day security operations, managing the organization’s team of security professionals, conducting risk assessments and implementing security protocols for (5) locations in the city of Chicago.
- Establish the appropriate levels of security for Heartland Human Care Services to ensure all applicable security protocols are being enforced, and in compliance with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and the United States Office of Refugee and Resettlement
- Full-Time – 40 Hours per week
- Description of Duties
Investigator
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
Northern Region of Cook County
02.2020 - 12.2023
- Under direct supervision, performing beginning level casework intervention and management duties related to families in need of child welfare services and/or children who have been abused or neglected. Received training in child welfare services, casework, counseling and intervention techniques and relevant Illinois laws.
- Refer families to community resources and determine the need for placement in foster care or substitute care facilities. Prepared detailed investigation reports and provide testimony in court. Work with law enforcement, schools, and other professionals to ensure the best outcomes for children.
- Transported children when taking protective custody or changing placement location.
- Full-Time – 40 Hours per week
- Description of Duties
Chief of Security
Chicago History Museum
Chicago Illinois
01.2018 - 02.2020
- Responsible for leading the organization’s security operations by ensuring the safety of personnel, assets, and information. Oversaw the implementation and maintenance of security technologies, such as surveillance and access control systems.
- Worked closely with the Chief Financial Officer, Director of Facilities and other senior management regarding Capital improvements. Determined scope of work, obtaining competitive bids, supervision of contractors and overseeing projects to timely completion within budgeted.
- Established safety protocols for special events by managing the security department’s scheduled coverage for events within budget to ensure resources are allocated effectively.
- Full-Time – 35 Hours per week
- Description of Duty
Head of Campus Security
Near North Montessori School
Chicago Illinois
01.2015 - 01.2018
- Coordinated safety planning and practice to support academic processes by creatively implementing best practices in safety, security and emergency preparedness with proper adaptation to the environment, creativity and innovation so the process of education can be enhanced rather than impeded by safety efforts.
- Worked with the appropriate departments to meet operational security needs within budget with Finance, Facilities and Maintenance departments for capital improvements.
- Advised and assisted site-based administrators in matters involving criminal activities on school campus and oversaw and updated the school’s pick-up and drop-off procedure which decreased pick-up/drop-off time by 30%
- Full-time- 40 Hours per week
- Description of Duties
Senior Security Specialist
Yelp Inc.
California & Chicago Office
02.2013 - 01.2015
- Assist in the design and implementation of project-related security strategies, security policies and standards and establish concrete courses of action for their implementation and review.
- Provide monthly report to the security management detailing all activities that have occurred in the previous months concerning security/safety issues.
- Perform administrative and office support activities for several supervisors. Duties include fielding telephone calls, receiving and directing visitors, word processing, creating spreadsheets and presentations, sorting mail and filing.
- Full-time – 40 Hours per week
- Description of Duties
Education
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice with a Concentration in Supervision and Management
Herzing University
01-2017
Associate of Science - Criminal Justice and Security Administration
Taylor Business Institute
01-2008
Skills
- Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook (Apple MacBook, Sales force software, C-cure IT System, Lenel IT Access Control, ADP Workday
- Leadership, Adaptability and Flexibility, Budgeting, Scheduling and Payroll, Organizing, Planning and Prioritizing
Certification
- Substitute Teacher’s License (Illinois Board of Education)
- Child Welfare Education for Leadership Certificate (DCFS)
- CHILD PROTECTION INVESTIGATION SPECIALIST Certificate (DCFS)
- Certified Security Specialist (Security Industry Specialist)
- 40 hours security/firearm training (Illinois Department of Financial Professional Regulations)
- Permanent Employee Registration card (Illinois Department Financial of Professional Regulations)
- F.O.I.D. Card (Illinois State Police)
- Conceal Permit (Illinois State Police)
- First Aid/CPR/AED Certification
Timeline
Manager of Physical Security and Incident Response
Heartland Human Care Services
12.2023 - Current
Investigator
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
02.2020 - 12.2023
Chief of Security
Chicago History Museum
01.2018 - 02.2020
Head of Campus Security
Near North Montessori School
01.2015 - 01.2018
Senior Security Specialist
Yelp Inc.
02.2013 - 01.2015
Associate of Science - Criminal Justice and Security Administration
Taylor Business Institute
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice with a Concentration in Supervision and Management
Herzing University
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
- Education: Earning my degree in criminal justice and security administration gave me the knowledge to understand the inner workings of security and public safety.
- Personal: I’m very determined to be successful at any given task. With experience ranging from investigations to executive protection and threat assessments in the public and the private sector, I can deliver solutions to meet organizational needs.