Mark Harless
GA
Summary
I am a highly accomplished former FBI Supervisory Special Agent experienced in complex fraud, money laundering, counterterrorism, corruption, and sophisticated criminal enterprise investigation. As a two-time FBI Director's Award recipient, I hold a master's degree in criminology from Florida State University and I am a certified Physical Security Professional (PSP). I serve as an expert witness, conduct security assessments, and collaborate on investigative, physical security, and emergency preparedness strategies. My expertise in both federal law enforcement and corporate cybersecurity enables me to craft and execute advanced security and investigative measures to safeguard organizations from evolving threats.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Founder
Blackdog Advisory, LLC
11.2023 - Current
- Developed strong partnerships with other businesses to allow for collaboration and more significant opportunities for growth.
- Established a successful business by identifying market needs and developing innovative solutions.
- Provide expert testimony in security negligence cases, lead security projects from planning to execution, and design emergency preparedness plans, delivering customized risk management strategies and assessments that address specific vulnerabilities and align with client needs.
Partner Alliance Executive
Abacode Cybersecurity and Compliance
Tampa, FL
08.2022 - 11.2023
- Delivered exceptional service to all clients, fostering strong, long-lasting business relationships.
- Achieved successful client outcomes by identifying and addressing their unique needs and goals.
- Led the launch of a cybersecurity vertical focused on SEC compliance, driving revenue growth and expanding market reach through strategic planning, partnerships, and regulatory-focused solutions.
Manager of Cyber Threat Intelligence
IHG Hotels and Resorts Hotels Group
07.2019 - 07.2022
- Built and led IHG's Cyber Threat Intelligence program, managing a team to provide timely, actionable threat intelligence, improving organizational readiness against emerging cyber threats
- Collaborated with global teams and law enforcement to integrate physical and cybersecurity efforts, advising leadership on strategic threat responses and optimizing security resource allocation.
Special Agent
Federal Bureau of Investigation
01.1997 - 07.2019
- Led high-profile investigations into complex financial crimes, including insurance fraud, public corruption, and tax fraud, securing over $1B in settlements and key convictions while collaborating with federal prosecutors.
- Spearheaded counterterrorism finance and violent gang investigations, dismantling criminal networks through multi-agency task forces, advanced techniques, and partnerships with international intelligence and law enforcement.
- Developed intelligence-sharing strategies across multiple federal, local, and state agencies, as well as Special Investigation Units (SIU), enhancing global threat detection and operational integration.
- Cultivated strategic partnerships with C-suite executives and industry leaders, advising on security strategies, insider threat mitigation, and physical asset protection.
- Coached and mentored teams of investigators and analysts, overseeing budgets, training, and collaboration with interagency partners to ensure the success of complex, high-stakes investigations.
Special Agent
US Air Force Office of Special Investigations
Lackland Air Force Base, TX
03.1994 - 01.1997
- Directed violent crime, financial crime, narcotics, and counterintelligence investigations, implementing strategic plans and leveraging specialized techniques to dismantle complex criminal networks in collaboration with multiple agencies.
- Oversaw physical security operations for AFOSI, conducting vulnerability assessments and red team exercises, while providing expert testimony in court to achieve successful legal outcomes.
- Coordinated with other agencies during multi-jurisdictional investigations.
Education
Master of Science - Criminology
Florida State University
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Belmont University
Skills
- Complex Criminal Investigation
- Insurance Fraud
- Interview and Interrogation
- Interpersonal Skills
- Organizational Skills
- Security
- Intelligence Operations
- Computer Skills
- Data Analysis
- Written and Verbal Communication
- Strategic Partnerships
- Training
- Coaching
- Team Building
- Advisory and Consulting
- Problem Solving
- Business Plan Development
- Expert Witness
- Project Management
- Spanish Language (Native Fluency)
- Team Leadership
- Strategic Thinking
Personal Information
Title: Team Leader, Seasoned Investigator, Former FBI Agent
Awards
- InfraGard Regional Community Outreach Award - 2019
- Employee of the Year, Atlanta Federal Executive Board - 2017
- FBI Director’s Award for Excellence in Investigation - 2009
- FBI Director’s Award for Special Achievement- 2008
- FBI Sustained Superior Performance Award - 2002
- International Association of Special Investigation Units (IASIU) Investigative Leadership Award - 2001
Training
- FBI Advanced Interviewing and Interrogation
- FBI Advanced White-Collar Crime
- FBI Advanced Evidence Recovery and Crime Scene Investigation
- FBI Computer Crime and Child Sexual Exploitation
- AFOSI Special Operations Training
- Air Force Physical Security Manager's Course
- ASIS Physical Security Professional (PSP) Course
- Tactical Firearms and Self-Defense
Affiliations
- ASIS International
Certification
- Physical Security Professional (PSP), ASIS International, July 2024
- Intelligence Community Joint Duty Certified, FBI, 2006
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Founder
Blackdog Advisory, LLC
11.2023 - Current
Partner Alliance Executive
Abacode Cybersecurity and Compliance
08.2022 - 11.2023
Manager of Cyber Threat Intelligence
IHG Hotels and Resorts Hotels Group
07.2019 - 07.2022
Special Agent
Federal Bureau of Investigation
01.1997 - 07.2019
Special Agent
US Air Force Office of Special Investigations
03.1994 - 01.1997
Master of Science - Criminology
Florida State University
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Belmont University