James McParlin
Coventry
Summary
Security and emergency management executive with 30+ years of progressive leadership experience in high-risk environments, including Director of Security for the Massachusetts Department of Correction and 20 years of U.S. Army service. Expert in multi-site security and surveillance operations, crisis response, facility security infrastructure, regulatory compliance, and incident command. Adept at leading senior managers, conducting risk assessments, coordinating with law enforcement agencies, managing vendor relationships, and implementing organization-wide safety and emergency training programs. Recognized for operational excellence, strategic leadership, and the ability to perform under pressure while supporting organizational goals and service standards.
Experienced with security operations management, risk assessment, and crisis response. Utilizes strategic planning to enhance security measures and ensure compliance with regulations. Track record of leading teams and implementing effective security protocols.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Security / Lieutenant / Sergeant
Massachusetts Department of Correction
100 Harvard Rd, Shirley, MA 01464
07.1996 - Current
- Led all security, surveillance, and emergency response operations across multiple correctional institutions serving thousands of staff, contractors, and visitors.
- Directed senior managers and supervisors, ensuring consistent operational performance, regulatory compliance, and safety standards.
- Managed high-risk incident response, including escapes, assaults, medical emergencies, natural disasters, and major security breaches.
- Oversaw facility operations involving key control, access control systems, building infrastructure, emergency equipment, and communications systems.
- Provided executive-level guidance during crises, coordinating evacuations, weather emergencies, and threat mitigation.
- Produced risk assessments, operational security plans, after-action reviews, and internal audits to improve organizational resilience.
- Maintained strong working relationships with local and state police, attorney general investigators, and regulatory bodies.
- Supervised vendor contracts and facilities maintenance, ensuring all systems remained operational and compliant with standards.
- Delivered annual training programs in active shooter response, emergency preparedness, OSHA safety, and use-of-force protocols.
- Ensured accurate incident reporting, timely communication, and coordination between security, surveillance, and facility leadership.
- Recognized with DOC Employee Awards in 2015 and 2023 for outstanding leadership and dedication.
Operations NCO / Recon NCO / Decon Line Leader / Section Chief
United States Army – Active Duty & National Guard
Various Locations
09.1988 - 08.2008
- Led teams specializing in Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) operations, reconnaissance, and decontamination.
- Systematic identification, preservation, documentation, and recovery of CBRNE-related evidence in hazardous environments, ensuring chain of custody, responder safety, and coordination with law enforcement and specialized agencies for analysis and prosecution.
- Worked with FEMA, Rhode Island Emergency Management, and federal law enforcement on joint emergency response operations.
- Conducted mission planning, disaster response training, and large-scale emergency exercises.
- Completed advanced NCO and leadership courses; selected for high-responsibility operational roles.
- Earned 8 Army Achievement Medals, 2 Army Commendation Medals, 3 Good Conduct Medals, and numerous commendation letters.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Sports & Health Science
American Military University
111 W. Congress Street Charles Town, WV 2541401.2023
Skills
- Security & Surveillance Operations
- Emergency Management & Crisis Leadership
- Facility Infrastructure & Access Control
- OSHA Compliance & Safety Programs
- Risk Assessments & Security Planning
- Incident Command & After-Action Reporting
- Law Enforcement Collaboration
- Policy Development & Regulatory Compliance
- Vendor & Contract Management
- Team Leadership, Training & Succession Planning
- Guest/Employee Service Resolution
- Multi-Site Operations Oversight
- Physical security
- Event security
- Executive protection
- Travel security
Certification
- 20 FEMA Emergency Management Courses
- U.S. Army Platoon Leader Course (2002)
- Basic NCO Course (2005)
- NCO Course (2006)
- OSHA & safety compliance training
- SALUTE National Honor Society, Inducted 2023
Timeline
Director of Security / Lieutenant / Sergeant
Massachusetts Department of Correction
07.1996 - Current
Operations NCO / Recon NCO / Decon Line Leader / Section Chief
United States Army – Active Duty & National Guard
09.1988 - 08.2008
Bachelor of Science - Sports & Health Science
American Military University
Additional Qualifications
- Strong comprehension of security best practices and regulatory standards
- Effective crisis manager able to perform under pressure
- Skilled communicator with experience advising executive leaders
- Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop large teams
- Experienced in incident documentation, reporting, and compliance review