Michelle Ferrell
East Newark,NJ
Summary
Security operations and investigations professional with 10+ years of experience supporting aviation, transportation, and facility security programs. Proven ability to conduct security investigations, mitigate risk, protect assets, and ensure regulatory compliance across high-volume, regulated environments. Experienced in incident management, security reporting, and cross-functional coordination with law enforcement, emergency command centers, and internal stakeholders. Recognized for strong judgment, investigative writing skills, and effective security oversight.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Aviation Security Cargo Clearance Agent (Supervisor)
FedEx Express
11.2024 - Current
- Provide technical and operational support to security professionals and business partners in compliance with TSA and DHS regulations.
- Plan, organize, and coordinate security initiatives and small projects, including workflow improvements, training refresh cycles, and audit readiness efforts.
- Conduct cross-functional team meetings with security staff and partners to ensure operational readiness, alignment on security initiatives, and timely information sharing.
- Oversee daily screening of 2,000+ international outbound shipments, coordinating with K-9 vendors and external security partners.
- Perform advanced X-ray interpretation and threat evaluation using X-ray and ETD systems, coordinating resolution with IED experts.
- Lead training and capability development, supervising and mentoring 10+ employees and tracking completion metrics.
- Serve as primary audit and compliance point of contact, reviewing federally regulated documents, coordinating corrective actions, and supporting audit closures.
- Produce regulatory and operational reports for site leadership.
Aviation Security Cargo Clearance Agent
FedEx Express
12.2020 - 11.2024
- Provided technical support to aviation security programs and systems by monitoring daily screening of 2,000+ international outbound shipments in compliance with TSA regulations.
- Coordinated screening operations by working collaboratively with security staff and K-9 screening vendors, supporting secure handling and transport of regulated freight.
- Performed X-ray interpretation and threat evaluation using X-ray and ETD systems, escalating and coordinating resolution of potential threats with IED experts.
- Prepared detailed regulatory activity reports for upper management, supporting visibility into TSA compliance and operational performance.
- Applied comprehensive knowledge of TSA security directives (SSPAC, FACAO) to support regulatory implementation and procedural adherence.
- Supported operational readiness by supervising screening activities and ensuring accurate freight assembly in accordance with secure packaging and transportation standards.
Security Professional (Shift Supervisor)
Allied Universal Security Services, Systems & Solutions
01.2020 - 12.2020
- Assisted K-9 vendor with observation and documentation of outbound international freight.
- Followed TSA guidelines for disposition / screening of suspicious shipments.
- Monitored screening equipment to identify and deter prohibited items from entering facility.
- Prevent losses and damage by reporting irregularities, incidents of policy violations to Management.
- Coached and mentored 10 team members through constructive feedback to develop long-term career goals.
- Conduct routine observation of building exterior to prevent breach of Federal Security Guidelines.
- Conducted pre-shift team meetings to brief officers on updates and security protocols, ensuring consistent communication and alignment with team.
- Collaborated with external security experts to stay updated on the latest security trends and threats.
Transportation Security Officer
Department of Homeland Security
06.2015 - 05.2019
- Analyzed critical and routine situations to determine appropriate and effective actions.
- Utilized government sanctioned equipment to screen, detect and analyze parcels and persons not permitted in secure, sterile areas.
- Managed screening checkpoints to protect the public and prevent deadly or dangerous objects from being transported onto an aircraft.
- Verification of authenticity of state identification, domestic / international passports and other forms of international identification.
- Supervised and trained others on policies, procedures and how to work in a changing environment.
- Coordinating national and local crisis management and incident response protocols.
- Assisted as a liaison to local law enforcement when investigating a breach of security policy violation.
Administrative Manager
Stores
10.2013 - 06.2015
- Assess multiple individuals simultaneously and uses defined methods to detect unusual behavior.
- Responds to breaches of security and/or emergency situations; taking appropriate actions to prevent unauthorized access to secured areas.
- Oversight of a mid-level Security Command Center.
- Provided an omni-presence & exercise sound judgement to deter internal and external theft of customer assets.
- Inspect customer assets to provide a root cause analysis of shortages and property security concerns.
- Utilized communication skills to interact with customers in person and over the phone as needed.
- Accepted role as training officer and ensured all new officers comprehended policies, risks and procedures.
Education
Criminal Justice
Essex County College
Skills
- Team management
- Coaching and mentoring
- Security Investigations & Incident Management
- Risk Mitigation & Threat Assessment
- Asset Protection & Physical Security Operations
- Regulatory Compliance (Aviation / Transportation Security)
- Investigative Report Writing & Case Documentation
- Security Metrics, Case Load & Data Tracking
- Law Enforcement & Emergency Response Coordination
- Anti-Terrorism Awareness & Operational Security
- Security Systems & Technology (CCTV, Access Control, MS Office)
- Security Training, Coaching & Stakeholder Communication
Timeline
Senior Aviation Security Cargo Clearance Agent (Supervisor)
FedEx Express
11.2024 - Current
Aviation Security Cargo Clearance Agent
FedEx Express
12.2020 - 11.2024
Security Professional (Shift Supervisor)
Allied Universal Security Services, Systems & Solutions
01.2020 - 12.2020
Transportation Security Officer
Department of Homeland Security
06.2015 - 05.2019
Administrative Manager
Stores
10.2013 - 06.2015
Criminal Justice
Essex County College