Melissa Ortiz
Skokie,IL
Summary
Experienced program manager and security professional with a proven track record of delivering excellent customer service, achieving impressive results, and fostering effective collaboration across departments. Known for creating a positive culture and empowering individuals to thrive. Skilled in building strong relationships while aligning with the organization's mission and vision.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Event Security Program Manager
Discover Financial Services
01.2016 - Current
- Responsible for the coordination of all Discover Events, company-wide, to ensure that risk to the company is minimized and security measures are incorporated into all planning efforts and activities
- Works with local Security POCs to coordinate and produce Security Event Plans and deploy Security personnel for all required events
- Use specialized knowledge regarding the safeguarding of Discover Employees during all events and provides recommendations and guidance for on-going program improvement
- Responsible for leading the development, implementation, and necessary updates of Event Security documents and programs
- Responsible for establishing and maintaining a positive working relationship with Discover Business Units
- Initiating and maintaining contact and serves as a liaison with other officials; federal, state, and local governmental officials; first responders; and private sector officials on coordinated response
- Responsible for evaluating the company hazards and risks, assessed through Event Security Program, and (if necessary) adjust and transform regarding changes in the operating environment to create process improvements
- Sequentially, working with our stakeholders to implement these changes within the program
- Responsible for coordinating with the SIOC during emergency events and oversee staffing for major events company-wide to include weather emergencies and other incidents that could impact an event
- Manage the outward-facing intake tool to process and evaluate event data
- Responsible for creating Event Security awareness throughout the company by coordinating with appropriate stakeholders
- Acting as the lead to all local Security Teams concerning Event Security, and ensuring all involved are appropriately briefed, organized, and engaged in the preparation and management of major planned and unplanned events
- Provide support/transportation for the Executive Committee and Board of Directors
- Provide First Aid, CPR, and AED training for all Enterprise Security team members
- Responsible for SIOC on-call management which includes managing and resolving complex issues and ensures solutions are consistent with current policy and objectives.
- Researched industry best practices in support of training development and program content.
- Identified program obstacles and communicated possible impacts to team.
Life Safety Supervisor
Discover Financial Services, DFS
01.2006 - 01.2016
- Responsible for managing all medical, fire and shelter in place drills
- Managed the incident reporting database for the enterprise
- Completed weekly New Employee Orientation presentations
- Responsible for facilitating quarterly First Aid, CPR, and AED classes
- Facilitated domestic violence interviews with impacted employees and created a safety plan
- Developed monthly scorecard to track incidents for the enterprise
- Facilitated bi-monthly training for the Discover Incident Response Team
- Responsible for all Enterprise Security marketing articles and awareness fairs
- Responsible for the ergonomic assessments which included monitoring the intake tool, scheduling, conducting, and documenting all workstation assessments
- Responsible for maintaining all Enterprise Security policy and procedure review/update schedules.
- Analyzed onsite incidents and instituted precautionary measures to reduce risk and severity of workplace injuries.
- Offered staff coaching on observed at-risk work habits to minimize accidents and increase workplace safety.
Security Lieutenant
Guardsmark
01.2001 - 01.2006
- Responsible for the oversight and management all security officers at DFS
- Responsible for carrying out regular safety inspections and audits which cover; buildings, fire protection systems, and evacuation procedure, to ensure compliance with regulations and the policies of DFS
- Responsible for training all security officers on systems, policies, and procedures
- Responsible for maintaining First Aid, CPR, and AED certifications for all officers at DFS
- Responsible for facilitating scenario-based drills on all shifts.
Education
A.S. Criminal Justice -
Triton College
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
Wilmington University
2026
Skills
- Program Management
- Project Management
- Deliberative
- Achiever
- Analytical
- Maximizer
- Systems Optimization
- Strategic Planning
Accomplishments
- Emergency Medical Technician since 2005
- First Aid, CPR, & AED Instructor since 2005
- Oatman Executive Protection 2018
- Vehicle Dynamics
- B-CON Instructor since 2016
- TCCC Certified 2016
Timeline
Event Security Program Manager
Discover Financial Services
01.2016 - Current
Life Safety Supervisor
Discover Financial Services, DFS
01.2006 - 01.2016
Security Lieutenant
Guardsmark
01.2001 - 01.2006
A.S. Criminal Justice -
Triton College
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
Wilmington University
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