Michel Howell
Sycamore,PA
Summary
Physical Security Manager with extensive experience in investigating financial crimes and conducting sensitive security operations for federal agencies. Over two decades of law enforcement experience in various roles, including Special Agent and Resident Agent in Charge. Developed and implemented security policies and procedures, and managed large-scale security projects, including the establishment of a centralized Physical Security Operations Center for PNC Bank. Expertise in coordinating with contractors and managing budgets to ensure effective security measures.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Physical Security Consultant Lead
PNC Bank Corporate Security
Pittsburgh, PA
11.2024 - Current
- As a Physical Security Specialist Lead/Project Manager, I have developed and updated local security policies and created post orders as well. I've identified risks and gaps in security, established mitigations plans and coordinated with the necessary lines of business for approval and funding as necessary for five major buildings and seventy bank branches. I examined the report writing standards of the nearly 200 contract security staff and enhanced the writing standards and training to bring the incident reports up to standard. I am HR 218 certified and compliant. I am part of the Senior Executive protection/driver team as well. As a Physical Security Project Manager I am the lead for all security upgrades (CCTV, Access Control, Alarm System, etc.) at my assigned buildings and branches.
- Hours Per Week: 50+
Physical Security Consultant Sr
PNC Bank Corporate Security
Pittsburgh, PA
08.2017 - 11.2024
- As a Physical Security Specialist Sr/Project Manager, I have developed and updated local security policies and created post orders as well. I've identified risks and gaps in security, established mitigations plans and coordinated with the necessary lines of business for approval and funding as necessary for five major buildings and seventy bank branches. I examined the report writing standards of the nearly 200 contract security staff and enhanced the writing standards and training to bring the incident reports up to standard. I am HR 218 certified and compliant. I am part of the Senior Executive protection/driver team as well. As a Physical Security Project Manager I am the lead for all security upgrades (CCTV, Access Control, Alarm System, etc.) at my assigned buildings and branches.
- Hours Per Week: 50+
Physical Security Specialist III
BNY Mellon GCS
Pittsburgh, PA
10.2014 - 08.2017
- As a Physical Security Specialist/Project Manager, I have reviewed and updated local security policies and have been requested to review and update certain GCS policies and post orders as well. I've identified risks and gaps in security, established mitigations plans and coordinated with the necessary business lines for approval and funding as necessary. I took a hard look at the report writing standards of the contract security staff and established writing standards and training to bring the Report Exec incident reports up to a minimum standard. I am HR 218 certified and compliant and have been identified to become the next Aircraft Safety Officer (ASO) for the BNYM Aircraft fleet. I am part of the Senior Executive protection/driver team as well. I've coordinated weapons training for the Pittsburgh staff who are authorized to carry weapons concealed.
- Hours Per Week: 50+
Special Agent in Charge
AFOSI 10 Field Investigations Squadron OL-B
Pittsburgh, PA
04.2005 - 09.2014
- Excelled as the leader of two full time agents and three reserve agents assigned to a satellite office with increased case load per agent and requiring superior self-management and initiative skills. Senior advisor to two wing commanders on counterintelligence and anti-terrorism/force protection issues, zero incident identified. Investigated full spectrum of criminal and multi-million dollar fraud investigations, targets brought to justice. Managed detachment confidential source recruitment and maintenance program, resulted in 100% support in opening investigations. Managed counterintelligence operations, investigations, projects, liaison, equipment and funds.
- Hours Per Week: 50+
Special Agent
AFOSI Detachment 101
Wright-Patterson AFB, OH
12.2001 - 04.2005
- Conducted criminal, fraud and counterintelligence investigations and operations within a six state AOR. Presented counterintelligence, antiterrorism, fraud, and criminal briefings to DoD personnel, and USAF personnel. Improved the focus of detachment’s counterintelligence, criminal investigations and informant handling programs. Conducted extensive liaison with local county, state and federal law enforcement agencies. Conducted interviews and interrogations of suspected drug suppliers; convinced suspects to perform as informants and provide intelligence on other users and suppliers, resulting in multiple subsequent investigations and convictions. Investigated a multitude of sexual assault and death investigations, to include search authorizations, crime scene management, countless victim/suspect/witness interviews and provided court testimony. Managed detachment narcotics program, which resulted in zero deficiencies during numerous compliance inspections.
- Hours Per Week: 50+
Sr. Patrolman/K9 Handler/Trainer
436th Security Forces Squadron
Dover AFB, DE
07.1998 - 12.2001
- Spearheaded explosive detection dog support for over $6.5 Billion worth of military assets and more than 12,000 military personnel, civilian employees and visitors. On scene commander during bomb threat situations both on and off the installation, zero incidents or injuries. Handpicked to provide explosive detection support for the President and First Lady of the United States as well as other foreign heads of State during their visits to and around the country. Responsible for the proficiency training, care and health of all assigned military working dogs and those transiting to and from overseas. Assistant flight chief responsible for OJT of all newly assigned Security Forces members, all personnel certified. Conducted and lead emergency responses to domestic disturbances, alarm activations, vehicle accidents, perimeter security and simple assault investigations, superb testimony resulted in a 100% conviction rate.
- Hours Per Week: 50+
Education
Masters of Science - Leadership and Business Ethics
Duquesne University
Bachelors of Science - Criminal Justice Administration
Park University
Associate of Applied Science - Criminal Justice
Community College of the Air Force
Clandestine Lab Course - undefined
St. Petersburg College
United States Air Force Noncommissioned Officers Academy - undefined
Air University
United States Air Force Airmen Leadership School - undefined
Air University
Skills
- Advanced writing skills
- Editing and proofreading documents
- Expertise in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel
- Writing awards and evaluations
- Excellent verbal communication skills
- Interviewing techniques and strategies
- Group presentations and training sessions
- Fostering inter-agency collaboration
Certification
- 2004 - 2008 Joint Counterintelligence Training Academy (JCITA)
- Counterintelligence Support to Force Protection Course (04)
- Counterintelligence Force Protection Source Operations Course (06)
- The Reid Technique of Interviewing and Interrogation (06)
- Off-Road Driver Enhancement Training (06)
- Cyber Counterintelligence Course (06)
- Counterterrorism Analysis Course (07)
- Anti-terrorism Offensive and Defensive Driving Course (07)
- Counterintelligence Threat Seminar Course – China (09)
- 2001 - 2014 Air Force Office of Special Investigations
- Special Investigations Academy (01)
- Reid Technique of Interviewing and Interrogation (00)
- Defensive Tactics Certification (00)
- Computer Search and Seizure (00)
- Career Enhancement and Counterintelligence Operations Training Course (01)
- Interview and Questionnaire Course (06)
- Protective Service Operations Antiterrorism Course (07)
Investigations
- Investigative oversight and organizational management skills resulted in 98% of detachment’s investigations being completed on time or within command standard.
- AFOSI 10 Field Investigations Squadron OL-B Criminal/Fraud/Economic Crime Programs Manager. Managed and directed all criminal investigative activities impacting the 171st Air Refueling Wing and the 911th Airlift Wing.
- Identified, vetted, and supervised confidential informants, facilitating numerous criminal related case initiations and subsequent prosecutions leading to convictions.
- Prepared complete Reports of Investigations, collected, documented and preserved evidence, conducted interviews and subject interrogations, and testified in criminal court proceedings.
- Directed joint teams of multidisciplinary specialists from several cooperating agencies during high-priority/sensitive criminal investigations.
- Managed and conducted multiple joint-agency Fraud investigations resulting in disbarment of private logistical supply organizations
- Utilized many different investigative tools such as FINCEN, Analyst Notebook, NLETS, NCIC, National Registry, etc.
Protective Services
Conducted Protective Service Operations for numerous executive and command level DoD, state, and foreign national officials including but not limited to: FLOTUS operations, U.N. Ambassadors, SECDEF, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff, SECAF, Combatant Commanders, Air Force Chiefs of Staff, NATO and African Air Chiefs, South American Defense Officials, and Air Force MAJCOM Commanders.
Surveillance/Countersurveillance
- Planned, prepared, and executed comprehensive surveillance operations in support of ongoing counterintelligence and criminal investigative operations impacting DoD and US Air Force personnel and assets, and national security.
- Served as Mission Coordinator/Lead managing all phases professional surveillance activities.
- Extensive knowledge of surveillance methodologies and detection; surveillance detection mission analysis and planning; counter-surveillance mission planning and execution; and route analysis and risk management.
- Produced broad and encompassing surveillance detection threat assessments for facilities containing sensitive classified information systems.
- Planned and executed multiple Surveillance Detection Routes in support of national-level counterespionage operations.
- Proficient in the areas of radio procedures and communications, cellular telephones, non-verbal communication, map reading and vehicular/foot surveillance.
- Versed in the use and operation of technical surveillance equipment (i.e. still photography and video).
- Obtained and disseminated mission essential intelligence through the effective use of shared contacts and liaison activities.
Analysis
- Collected data, compiled related information, identified probably hypothesis, provided clear and concise results within a written report.
- Coordinated intelligence analysis projects with analysts from the Defense Intelligence Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, and the FBI for multiple operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
- Proficient conducting intelligence analysis using the following systems and programs: Secret Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNet), Joint World Wide Intelligence Communications System (JWICS), analyst notebook, CIA Source, National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), and Portico-Cornerstone.
Physical Security/Project Management
- Operationally Manage nearly 200 contract security guards
- Identify security gaps and establish mitigation protocols for major buildings and bank branches
- Establish/Modify/Upgrade security policies and procedures to meet international standards such as ISO 27001.
- Accomplishing final walk throughs to ensure the project was completed in accordance with established guidelines.
- Approved final expenditures and final payments to contractors, etc.
- Complete project assessments – Identifying what Physical Security needs are required for each project.
- Coordinating with each vendor for proper equipment and cost estimates.
- Validating that only proper equipment and material were utilized for the projects in accordance with company standards.
Risk
- Updated and expanded Policies and Procedures to coincide with company needs as well as changing laws or regulations.
- Supervised a team to fully assess locations threats, vulnerabilities, risk, to determine best course of action.
- Directed constant adjustments to an environment that is always changing.
- Worked with cross-functional teams to accomplish the many different tasks within the risk assessments.
TECHNICAL EXPERTISE/CERTIFICATIONS/AWARDS
- 1993 - 2014 United States Air Force
- Basic Military Training (93)
- Emergency Response Hazardous Material Awareness Course (96)
- Military Working Dog Handler Course (98)
- Incident Command System (98)
- Airman Leadership School – Graduate (00)
- Noncommissioned Officer Academy – Graduate (03)
- AF Training Course (04)
- Explosive Ordnance Reconnaissance Course (07)
- Counter-Improvised Explosive Devise Course (09)
- 1998 – 2000 Delaware State Police Academy
- CPR Instructor Certification Course (98)
- Advanced Accident Investigations Course (99)
- Officer Survival/Violence in the Workplace Course (00)
- Criminal Justice Information System Course (00)
Timeline
Physical Security Consultant Lead
PNC Bank Corporate Security
11.2024 - Current
Physical Security Consultant Sr
PNC Bank Corporate Security
08.2017 - 11.2024
Physical Security Specialist III
BNY Mellon GCS
10.2014 - 08.2017
Special Agent in Charge
AFOSI 10 Field Investigations Squadron OL-B
04.2005 - 09.2014
Special Agent
AFOSI Detachment 101
12.2001 - 04.2005
Sr. Patrolman/K9 Handler/Trainer
436th Security Forces Squadron
07.1998 - 12.2001
Masters of Science - Leadership and Business Ethics
Duquesne University
Bachelors of Science - Criminal Justice Administration
Park University
Associate of Applied Science - Criminal Justice
Community College of the Air Force
Clandestine Lab Course - undefined
St. Petersburg College
United States Air Force Noncommissioned Officers Academy - undefined
Air University
United States Air Force Airmen Leadership School - undefined
Air University