Celena Lawson
Fairburn
Summary
Director with 23 years of expertise in security operations and training. Proven ability in team leadership and strategic planning, successfully integrating AI-driven analytics to improve threat detection and response times. Experienced in managing operations and staff development, with a focus on enhancing center performance through innovative strategies. Committed to maximizing resource utilization and fostering a productive, team-oriented environment that prioritizes client satisfaction.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Command Center Director | Trainer
Remote Security Solutions
Atlanta
07.2015 - 04.2025
- Lead comprehensive security operations at Command Center, overseeing threat monitoring, incident response protocols, and team coordination for enhanced protection across client networks.
- Direct command center operations with strategic oversight of security protocols, reducing incident response times and implementing advanced threat detection systems.
- Pioneered integration of AI-driven security analytics while directing command center operations, creating predictive threat models that transformed client protection strategies.
- Orchestrate cross-functional security teams as Command Center Director, fostering partnerships with IT departments to develop cohesive protection frameworks.
- Transformed remote security monitoring by implementing next-generation surveillance technologies, establishing industry benchmarks for threat prevention and response.
- Strategically lead command center security operations, implementing advanced threat detection systems that reduced response times and established new industry benchmarks.
- Demonstrated exceptional adaptability in fast-paced environments, consistently delivering high-quality results while maintaining strong attention to detail and meeting tight deadlines.
- Committed to continuous learning and professional growth, bringing positive energy to collaborative projects while maintaining strong communication skills and time management.
- Focused on delivering measurable outcomes through disciplined work ethic, strategic problem-solving, and efficient resource management while maintaining high standards.
- Valued team player with strong interpersonal skills, readily assisting colleagues, actively listening to diverse perspectives, and contributing to a positive work culture.
- Applied critical thinking to identify process improvements, analyze complex situations, and develop practical solutions while maintaining meticulous attention to accuracy.
- Streamlined operational workflows by identifying bottlenecks, implementing structured solutions, and establishing clear protocols that enhanced team productivity.
- Maintained the daily operations task of hiring, payroll, supplies, for 100+ employees.
- Negotiated contracts with clients to maximize profitability.
- Created comprehensive reports on account performance and presented them to senior management.
- Developed and maintained relationships with key accounts to ensure customer satisfaction.
- Participated in brainstorming sessions to develop new ideas for business development initiatives.
- Resolved customer complaints in a timely manner.
- Utilized problem-solving skills when dealing with difficult customers.
- Managed multiple accounts simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
- Provided training and guidance to new Account Managers.
- Acted as main point of contact in matters relating to client concerns and needs.
- Onboarded new team members to integrate into organization.
Protective Specialist/Training Instructor
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA)
Atlanta
11.2002 - 07.2015
- Responsible for providing high quality safety and security training for employees within the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA).
- Researched, planned, and administered mission driven safety and security training programs to support MARTA vision, mission, goals and objective to achieve stated outcomes.
- Developed, organized, and presented seminars, specialized educational courses, and conducted power point presentations to upper management and staff.
- Directed and selected the selection and application of appropriate problem solving, analytical and research methods and techniques.
- Responsible for reporting performance reviews for employees assigned.
- Kept abreast of the latest developments including proposed regulations, changes to current regulations, and new legislation.
- Designed and participated in safety and security table-top, functional, and full-scale drills.
- Interacted with transit officials with the Federal Transit Administration and other transit properties, to solicit best practices, in training and program implementation.
- Knowledge of the FTA 20 Top Security Action Items for transit security.
- Knowledge and extensive training in Incident Command Systems (ICS, NIMS).
- Worked with project management teams to plan, assess, analyze best practices for improving company goals, objectives and employee performances.
- Developed and coordinated staff training and community involvement.
- Solved problems and resolve disputes among staff and the public.
- Delegated assignments to staff members.
- Scheduled employees for work, conferences, meetings, travel, and special events.
- Utilization of all Microsoft Office Applications.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
American Intercontinental University
Atlanta, Ga, USA01-2020
Skills
- Team Leadership
- Strategic Planning
- Operational Efficiency
- Data Analysis
- Crisis Management
- Risk Assessment
- Project Coordination
- Threat assessment
- Security protocols
- Client relationship management
- Team leadership
- Effective communication
- Team development
- Recordkeeping requirements
- Training and coaching
- Delegation
- Task prioritization
- Policy development
- Staff scheduling
- Performance improvement
- Budget control
- Organizational skills
- Cross-functional team leadership
Personal Information
Title: Director / Manager
Affiliations
- employee of the year 2022, 2023 and 2024
Timeline
Command Center Director | Trainer
Remote Security Solutions
07.2015 - 04.2025
Protective Specialist/Training Instructor
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA)
11.2002 - 07.2015
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
American Intercontinental University
Similar Profiles
Devon WalkerDevon Walker
Assistant Manager at Remote Security SolutionsAssistant Manager at Remote Security Solutions
NINA STONENINA STONE
Security Surveillance Operations at Remote Security SolutionsSecurity Surveillance Operations at Remote Security Solutions
Tevin GarrettTevin Garrett
Service Technician at Remote Security SolutionsService Technician at Remote Security Solutions
Alicia A. KippinsAlicia A. Kippins
Elementary Educator at Stonewall Tell Elementary SchoolElementary Educator at Stonewall Tell Elementary School
Kade HaanKade Haan
Dispatch Supervisor at DSV RoadDispatch Supervisor at DSV Road