Open To Work
Matthew Elam
Phoenix,USA
Work Preference
Summary
Accomplished security operations professional, adept at developing and executing extensive security plans that mitigate risks for C-suite executives and high-net-worth clients. Proven track record in managing complex travel logistics and conducting thorough threat assessments, enhancing safety and operational efficiency across diverse environments.
Overview
1
1
Certification
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive protection flex agent
Keelson strategic LLC
Remote, USA
03.2026 - 08.2026
- Delivered close-proximity protection for high-net-worth clients, C-suite executives, and families.
- Executed threat analysis and risk assessments in dynamic environments.
- Devised and implemented comprehensive security plans to mitigate risks.
- Patrolled residential properties to ensure safety and protection of principals.
- Managed access control for guests and vendors at entry points to enhance security measures. for guests and vendors to enhance security.
- Conducted package screenings on premises to identify potential threats. on premises to prevent potential threats.
- Monitored security systems and generated reports to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
- Drove security transport for principals and guests.
Travel protection program manager
DAGDA International LLC
Remote, USA
02.2025 - 10.2025
- Provides close-proximity protection for domestic and foreign clients including celebrities, elected officials, C-Suite executives, and their families.
- Coordinated advance logistics for c-suite executives and families during domestic and international travel, ensuring seamless and secure journeys.
- Devises and implements extensive security plans to eliminate security and liability risks.
- Developed SOP for protection team addressing emergency and non-emergency scenarios, enhancing response effectiveness.
- Executes threat analysis and risk assessments conducive to an ever-changing environment.
- Develop teams on the ground in various jurisdictions to receive the principals to ensure a safe and efficient visit.
- Collaborated with intel analysts and Global Security Operations Center to create comprehensive threat profiles, improving situational awareness.
- Coordinated closely with local law enforcement during operations.
- Demonstrated expertise in operating CCTV and access control systems.
- Addressed and resolved technical, financial, and operational concerns by working with team members and directors.
Travel executive protection manager
AHNA Group LLC
Remote
02.2024 - 02.2025
- Devised and implemented extensive security plans to mitigate security and liability risks, ensuring client safety and peace of mind.
- Developed protection team SOP for emergency and non-emergency scenarios, enhancing operational readiness and response efficiency.
- Executes threat analysis and risk assessments conducive to an ever-changing environment.
- Coordinated advance work for c-suite executives and their families for both domestic and international travel.
- Develop teams on the ground in various jurisdictions to receive the principals to ensure a safe and efficient visit.
- Work with intel analysts and our Global Security Operations Center to develop a threat profile.
- Demonstrated expertise in operating CCTV and access control systems for enhanced security.
- Coordinated closely with local law enforcement.
- Provides close-proximity protection for domestic and foreign clients including celebrities, elected officials, C-Suite executives, and their families.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
Executive Protection Agent GSS Travel team
AS Solutions Allied Universal
Bellevue, WA
02.2019 - 01.2024
- Provides close-proximity protection for domestic and foreign clients including celebrities, elected officials, C-Suite executives, and their families.
- Devises and implements extensive security plans to eliminate security and liability risks.
- Executes threat analysis and risk assessments conducive to an ever-changing environment.
- Developed protection team’s SOP for emergency and non-emergency scenarios.
- Ensures a safe environment while maintaining corporate etiquette, confidentiality, professionalism.
- Organized domestic and global travel plans for executive protection agents, including securing routes, vehicles, and lodging to ensure safe transport.
- Monitored and authorized entry and departure of all incoming/outgoing traffic, including employees, visitors, and residents, to prevent unauthorized access and theft.
- Operated CCTV and access control systems to strengthen security protocols.
- Coordinated closely with local law enforcement.
- Worked with local, state and government agencies regarding company security matters.
- Worked with clients and risk management specialists to provide meaningful solutions that met client needs.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Monitored surveillance cameras and alarm systems to detect suspicious activity.
- Acted as a team leader in group projects, delegating tasks and providing feedback.
- Gained strong leadership skills by managing projects from start to finish.
- Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
COMPLEX SITE SUPERVISOR
Aegis Defense
Kabul, Afghanistan
06.2015 - 06.2017
- Promoted from Security guard supervisor to Complex Sit Supervisor after one year.
- Controlled and countered multiple attacks on Embassy compound and facilities by insurgents resulting in minimizing casualties requiring triage, air evacuation via the use of multiple military assets, and subsequent emergency medical treatment.
- Countered direct and indirect terrorist attacks with minimal to no casualties sustained by guard force personnel.
- Trained 50-100 Afghan guard forces in operations, safety protocols, and threat assessments to ensure effective security practices.
- Executed security duties in various settings to ensure safety in both domestic security and high threat security environments.
- Supervised and documented all incidents, leading investigations that adhered to state department protocols to maintain security integrity.
- Conducted program evaluations to ensure compliance with state department policies and procedures.
- Implemented regular assessments of team members and guard posts based on consistency, measured performance, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Coordinated weekly training activities for local, national, and American guard force members to improve overall security readiness.
- Mentored security teams on the proper use and care of weapons systems, tactical movements, and response to security breaches.
Senior Guard Supervisor, US Embassy
Aegis Defense
Kabul, Afghanistan
06.2013 - 06.2014
- Maintained 24/7 safety and security for 5,000 dignitaries, VIPs, ambassadors, and personnel over two years at US Embassy and Department of State facilities.
- Mitigated security vulnerabilities avoiding many potential incidents at one of the most threatened facilities and patrolled 5 square miles inside and outside the 2nd biggest embassy and 2nd largest in the world.
- Defined site-specific security strategies to protect facilities and personnel from unwanted visitors, intrusions, terrorist attacks, or threats to life, property.
- Implemented strict state department communication protocols to maintain operational security by using encrypted two-way communication devices.
- Supervised and controlled 150+ systems, devices, and technologies to enhance guard performance and maintain vigilance and security of the campus.
- Directed training for 20-member guard force in radio communications, medical triage, combat lifesaver/casualty care, and casualty care under fire to enhance operational readiness.
- Coordinated triage and evacuation efforts using military assistance and air assets to expedite combat casualty care and reduce further injuries and loss of life.
- Assessed, updated six distinct state department facilities utilizing CPTED principles (proper lighting, appropriate access control (CAS), IP, forward-looking, infrared (FLIR) cameras, strategically positioned guard posts, positioning of natural barriers).
Deputy Sheriff/Detective
Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office
Phoenix, Arizona
12.2001 - 02.2013
- Investigated hundreds of cases, including racketeering, criminal syndicates, fraud, and drug trafficking, enhancing community safety.
- Led investigations into major crimes, managing a caseload of up to 55 cases, ensuring thorough case management and resolution.: As lead investigator, regularly managed caseload of up to 55 crimes, including simple theft, rape, aggravated assault, murder-for-hire.
- Investigated organized crime cases involving fraud and illegal activities.: Investigated complex, politically sensitive allegations of fraud, illegal activities.
- Achieved successful case resolutions, contributing to public trust in law enforcement.: Successfully prosecuted and disposed of all cases with no exceptions noted.
- Prepared and presented comprehensive written/verbal facts/reports to determine initiating action against individuals.
- Trained law enforcement personnel on policing techniques and standards, improving field readiness and operational effectiveness.: Certified as an Arizona Police Officer and Standards General Instructor and gained a demonstrated ability to teach both in the field, academy, and as an interpreter to convey the information in the best way possible for retention by the students.
- Supervised the training of new Deputy Sheriffs in the field.
- Result: Received exemplary performance reports throughout my tenure.
Civilian Police Advisor
DynCorp International
Babil, Iraq
06.2010 - 12.2010
- Trained line-level police officers and command staff at ten police stations in Babil Province, enhancing their operational readiness and effectiveness.
- Enhanced abilities at counseling, training, and mentoring police for the department of defense and the government of Iraq in the principles of modern, democratic policing procedures.
- Documented human rights violations while inspecting detention facilities, contributing to accountability and oversight in policing practices.
- Produced written reports and briefings for U.S. government officials, military command staff, and Iraqi government officials, facilitating informed decision-making and strategic planning.
Education
Master of Business Administration/MBA - Global Management
American Public University
Charles Town, WV01-2018
Bachelor of Arts/BA - Public Safety Administration
Grand Canyon University
Glendale, AZ01-2011
Skills
- Threat analysis
- Risk assessment
- Risk mitigation strategies
- Security planning processes
- Security operations
- Access control systems
- CCTV operation and monitoring
- Emergency planning
- Crisis management
- Operational readiness
- Personnel training
- Facility security management
- Physical security upgrades
- Threat assessments
- Situational awareness
- Security technology strategies
- Law enforcement investigations
- Team building
- Operations oversight
Certification
- California BSIS Guard Certificate, 2029
- TECC Certification, 2024
- CPR AED Adult and Child Certification, 2026
Training
- Gavin De Becker Executive Protection Academy, 05/19
- AS Solution Fixed Site Security Manager & Detail Lead, 05/19
- AS Solution Covert Executive Protection, 05/19
- Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC) Training, 05/24
Timeline
Executive protection flex agent
Keelson strategic LLC
03.2026 - 08.2026
Travel protection program manager
DAGDA International LLC
02.2025 - 10.2025
Travel executive protection manager
AHNA Group LLC
02.2024 - 02.2025
Executive Protection Agent GSS Travel team
AS Solutions Allied Universal
02.2019 - 01.2024
COMPLEX SITE SUPERVISOR
Aegis Defense
06.2015 - 06.2017
Senior Guard Supervisor, US Embassy
Aegis Defense
06.2013 - 06.2014
Civilian Police Advisor
DynCorp International
06.2010 - 12.2010
Deputy Sheriff/Detective
Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office
12.2001 - 02.2013
Master of Business Administration/MBA - Global Management
American Public University
Bachelor of Arts/BA - Public Safety Administration
Grand Canyon University