Security, Executive Protection, Safety & Investigative Professional
New Orleans,LA
Fall seven times; stand up eight.
Japanese proverb
Summary
Accomplished professional with over 25 years of experience in executive protection, safety, security, investigations, and asset protection. Successful tenure as a U.S. Secret Service Special Agent. Demonstrated executive protection and investigative expertise in leading organizations and leveraging relationships. Highly effective communicator capable of delivering clear direction and expectations. Team-building enterprise-wide leader and security professional recognized nationally and internationally.
As the CEO of Python Security Consulting, I leverage my extensive experience in executive protection, law enforcement and security management to provide comprehensive security solutions for various entities. With a career of experience in federal law enforcement, I have a proven track record of leading high-performing teams, managing complex investigations, and ensuring compliance with safety standards.
Skills
Collaborative Teamwork
Investigative Planning
Fraud Investigations
Courtroom Testimony
Forensic Investigations
Investigative Management
Certified Safety Professional
Physical Security Professional
Executive Protection
Safety Audits and Compliance
Protective Advance Execution
Policy and Procedure Adherence
Asset Protection & Investigations
Coaching and Guidance
Work History
Python Security Consulting, LLC
Greater Gulf Coast
Chief Executive Officer, Chief Consultant
01.2023 - Current
Job overview
Overhauled the design and implementation of an executive protection (EP) program for national client reducing redundancy and producing a savings of $470K in one fiscal year and a 50% reduction in overtime hours billed.
Implemented a digital asset protection and physical security program for 105 retail locations and 350 employees ensuring compliance and increasing lost time by 40% while maintaining a 100% on-time compliance rate with training requirements.
Conducted data-driven approaches to protective intelligence to identify trends in targeted activity toward executives and the proper allocation of investigative and protective resources.
Presented a business case justification to senior leadership, leading to a 75% increase in the EP budget and a 100% plan validation across 120+ real-world incidents.
Spearheaded the remediation of multiple security and safety audits in non-compliance by addressing three major deficiencies at the cost of $50K and the hiring of a full-time S&S Manager potentially saving $100K+.
Conducted internal and external monitoring of social media platforms for threatening or harmful activity involving executives utilizing emerging technologies and forensic software.
AT&T Digital Life
Director of Security Investigations
05.2015 - 12.2022
Job overview
Directed, coordinated, and evaluated investigators and investigative assistants in accordance with AT&T's policies and applicable laws.
Interviewed, hired and assisted with training investigators in addition to performance appraisals, directing work and resolving complaints or other issues.
Managed various programs designed to ensure case data is analyzed and interpreted to detect patterns or trends that may indicate fraudulent behavior.
Maintained experience and knowledge of various compliance requirements related to the security of communications and the FCC.
Maintained an expert-level of understanding of fraud investigation laws and internal policies regarding the rights of consumers.
Life Safety and Property Protection license holder and qualifier through the Louisiana State Fire Marshal's Office
U.S. Secret Service / U.S. DHS - CGIS
Special Agent in Charge
06.1996 - 05.2015
Job overview
Lead, directed, and oversaw 8 direct reports, 34 indirect reports, 9 subordinate offices and a $1.2M+ budget.
Planned, led, and participated in 200+ executive protection details for the U.S. Presidents and foreign dignitaries, including close protection, advance site surveys, motorcades, residential security, and threat assessments including National Special Security Events (NSSE's).
Conducted digital forensic examinations of electronic media for investigations involving cybersecurity and other electronic crimes receiving requests from 150+ field offices and state and local law enforcement agencies with a 97% completion rate year over year (YoY).
Identified a lack of operational experience for new agents undergoing the training process and fostered a culture of greater team collaboration and significantly increased productivity by providing opportunities not previously offered. This approach leveraged the totality of the workforce vs a select few, resulting in a 300% increase in arrests.
Collaborated with financial leaders on money laundering and fraud cases to identify potential threats to national infrastructure resulting in a 100% response rate for 200+ requests for assistance each year (YoY).
Led the design and implementation of a computer forensics unit serving 8 offices with established relationships throughout the space, leading to the seizure of $2M in laundered proceeds.
Certification
Certified Safety Professional
Physical Security Professional
Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE)
Executive Protection Certification
Certified Criminal Investigator
Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
Affiliations
Member, International Association of Chiefs of Police
U.S. Secret Service Electronic Crime Special Agent Program
Law Enforcement Leadership Institute
International Association of Professional Security Consultants (IAPSC)
Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
Education
John Jay College of Criminal Justice (Honorary)
New York, NY
Master of Arts from Criminal Justice
University of New Orleans
New Orleans, LA
Bachelor of Arts from Political Science And Government
Software
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Teams
Encase Forensic Software
MacOS
Linux
JavaScript
Python
IDE
Wiseshark
Accomplishments
At the helm of Python Security Consulting, my focus is on pioneering robust security measures and risk mitigation strategies. With over two decades of dedicated service in security and public safety, my leadership is defined by a commitment to fortifying organizations against evolving threats.
I hold multiple certifications from reputable institutions, including the International Association of Professional Security Consultants, ASIS International, ISACA, and FLETC's Communicating with Diplomacy and Tact and Inclusive Leadership. I am passionate about enhancing executive protection, data protection, revitalizing dormant systems, and providing security assessments and intelligence reporting for private business clients. My mission is to create a robust and secure environment for my clients, while fostering a culture of inclusivity and diplomacy.
Our team's efforts in enhancing data protection for government entities and revitalizing security systems for FEMA have established a new standard of excellence. By fostering a culture of proactive problem-solving and clear communication, we ensure the integrity and safety of our clients' operations.
"The Big Easy never described Don's New Orleans work ethic. I had the honor to work with Don and it is no surprise he continues to succeed in the private sector. Whether in management or as an agent, Don's impact was felt in every project, case and protective advance" - K. Gus Dimitrelos, Certified Cyber Forensics Expert in International, Federal and State Courts on Classified, Criminal and Civil cases.
"I have had the good fortune to have worked with Donald while we were Special Agents with the U.S. Secret Service. Donald was known for being an extremely talented investigator as well as a leader. Additionally, I attended several high tech crime and computer forensic training courses along with Donald as well as instructed him in the area of high tech investigative techniques. Not only was Donald a trusted go-to Agent in the New Orleans field office of the Secret Service, he was also called upon by USSS headquarters and other field offices to assist in various highly sensitive and complex investigations. Donald shows additional talent when it comes to being able to articulate complex investigative issues to a jury. Donald was recruited out of the Secret Service by the US Coast Guard criminal investigative service to run a major field office region as a Special Agent in Charge, as well as assist that agency in developing their computer forensic capabilities.
Most importantly, Donald is a loyal and dedicated professional, with great people and management skills. This has served to bring him success in the U.S. Govt and in the private sector." - Peter Cavicchia Chief Technology Officer at Fiserv
Availability
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Overview
29
years of professional experience
2
English & French
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimePart TimeContract Work
Work Location
On-SiteRemoteHybrid
Important To Me
Company CultureStock Options / Equity / Profit SharingPersonal development programsPaid sick leaveWork-life balancePaid time off