Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Affiliations
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Michael Palagonia

Jeffersonville

Summary

Experienced and results-driven Director of Public Safety with 22 years of leadership in higher education security and law enforcement. Proven expertise in Clery Act compliance, Title IX-related safety functions, and emergency preparedness planning. Skilled in managing campus safety departments, security technology systems (video surveillance, access control, mobile safety apps), parking operations, and criminal investigations. Certified in Clery Compliance with strong capabilities in risk assessment, policy development, and crisis response. Adept at building collaborative relationships with students, faculty, administrators, and local, state, and federal agencies to enhance campus safety. Recognized for developing and implementing security protocols, optimizing resources, and fostering professional, responsive teams to protect community members and institutional assets.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Director of Public Safety

Vermont State University
01.2024 - Current
  • Supervise all Vermont State University Public Safety Departments, consisting of approximately 40 employees across five campuses.
  • Oversee all Public Safety systems, including access control, security surveillance, parking management, the Vermont State College System's (VSCS) mass notification system, Rave Alert and VTSU SAFE (App Armor mobile safety app).
  • Develop standard operating procedures for VTSU Public Safety.
  • Travel frequently between campuses to meet and collaborate with Residence Life, Public Safety, and Facilities departments.

Associate/Director of Public Safety

Johnson State College/Northern Vermont University
08.2004 - 01.2024
  • Planned, implemented, and evaluated all functions and services of the Public Safety Department.
  • Conducted and led Title IX investigations.
  • Supervised all campus Public Safety patrol and administrative staff and student patrol officers.
  • Planned and conducted training programs and staff meetings; conferred regularly with staff to plan and coordinate activities.
  • Prepared required annual federal campus crime reports for compliance with the Clery Act.
  • Assisted in planning the department budget and recommended related capital expenditures.
  • Developed Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs).
  • Monitored operations assigned to staff.
  • Worked positively with students, faculty, and staff on a variety of issues daily.
  • Oversaw and carried out appropriate follow-up procedures and investigations of all reported incidents.
  • Investigated violations of university, municipal, and state rules and regulations. Assisted outside agencies and authorities with investigations when appropriate.
  • Planned and administered departmental records management.

Campus Safety Supervisor

Champlain College
07.2002 - 08.2004
  • Supervised five security officers.
  • Assisted the Director of Security in compiling crime statistics.
  • Responded to a wide variety of calls for assistance, including emergency 911 calls, thefts, vandalism, disturbances, trespasses, public intoxication, medical assists, and mental health evaluations.
  • Completed detailed incident reports and reviewed/evaluated patrol officer incident reports.
  • Performed vehicle and foot patrols.
  • Secured campus facilities, conducted routine checks, and engaged in proactive patrol.
  • Completed routine operational system checks, including verifying the operation of boilers and security monitoring equipment.
  • Provided student welfare checks and safety escort services in and around campus.
  • Worked frequently with local law enforcement as needed.

Education

Bachelor's Degree - Business Management

Johnson State College
Johnson, VT
05.2000

Skills

  • Clery Compliance
  • Emergency Management
  • Parking Management
  • Criminal Investigation
  • Certified Lead Title IX Investigator (10 years)
  • Threat assessment
  • Policy development
  • Operating budget management
  • Conflict de-escalation
  • First aid certified
  • Incident command

Accomplishments

  • Supervised team of 40 staff members.

Affiliations

  • Vice President of NECUSA (Northeast Colleges and Universities Security Association)
  • NAACOP (National Association of Clery Compliance Officers & Professionals)
  • IACLEA (International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators)

Certification

  • Clery Act Compliance Certification
  • Clery Act Compliance Training Academy, 2021 (D. Stafford & Associates)
  • 12-Passenger Van Driver Trainer Certification
  • Advanced Professional Communications and De-escalation
  • Behavioral Intervention/Threat Assessment
  • AED Certification

Timeline

Director of Public Safety

Vermont State University
01.2024 - Current

Associate/Director of Public Safety

Johnson State College/Northern Vermont University
08.2004 - 01.2024

Campus Safety Supervisor

Champlain College
07.2002 - 08.2004

Bachelor's Degree - Business Management

Johnson State College

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