Silvana Sotillo
Toms River
Summary
Experienced Security & Investigations Officer with over 25 years of federal and military background. Expert in leading complex investigations, risk mitigation efforts, and crisis response operations on domestic and international platforms. Demonstrated expertise in counterintelligence, threat assessments, corporate investigations, and high-stakes crisis negotiation. Skilled in cross-functional leadership, regulatory compliance, and implementing proactive security programs. Recognized as an FBI-certified crisis negotiator, fluent in Spanish, and respected adjunct faculty instructor. Known for maintaining a distinguished record of integrity, discretion, and delivering mission-focused results. Possessing a current TS/SCI security clearance.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) Leader
Federal Bureau of Investigation, Newark Division
09.2009 - Current
- Led the FBI Newark CNT through over 100 high-risk crisis incidents, including hostage scenarios, barricaded subjects, and international kidnappings.
- Provided real-time crisis communication and negotiation strategies to support tactical operations.
- Collaborated with mental health professionals for de-escalation during emotionally charged incidents.
- Designed and delivered a comprehensive Regional Crisis Negotiation Course (RCNC) to certify thousands of negotiators across state and federal agencies.
- Created a de-escalation seminar for patrol officers statewide.
Special Agent - Crisis Response and Investigations
Federal Bureau of Investigation, Newark Division
09.2004 - Current
- Directed complex investigations targeting violent crime, organized crime, and money laundering operations.
- Conducted threat assessments, interrogations, and informant debriefings supporting case development.
- Delivered expert testimony in court proceedings, presenting reliable evidence leading to successful prosecutions.
- Fostered culture of continuous improvement, mentoring junior agents to develop their skills and advance their careers.
- Employed strong interpersonal skills when liaising with various stakeholders including victims' families or witnesses; successfully built rapport that aided investigations and case resolutions.
- Coordinated with other agencies during multi-jurisdictional investigations.
- Bolstered public trust in law enforcement by conducting community outreach programs, emphasizing transparency and accountability.
- Secured search warrants to investigate scenes of crimes and collect evidence.
Supervisory Transportation Security Officer
Transportation Security Administration, Palm Beach International Airport
09.2002 - 09.2004
- Led a team of security officers successfully through numerous audits and inspections, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Optimized scheduling processes for optimal staffing levels during peak times while reducing overtime costs.
- Collaborated closely with airport stakeholders to maintain clear lines of communication regarding ongoing operations or emerging concerns.
- Developed strong relationships with law enforcement agencies, enhancing collaboration efforts during emergency situations.
- Addressed potential security risks promptly, minimizing disruptions to passengers' travel plans.
Counterintelligence Agent
United States Army
05.1994 - 05.1998
- Conducted classified investigations, surveillance, and threat assessments involving hostile actors.
- Evaluated organizational vulnerabilities and implemented countermeasures.
- Trained personnel on intelligence protocols and classified material handling.
- Detected and neutralized espionage activities through rigorous surveillance and undercover operations.
Education
Master of Science - Information Technology
American InterContinental University
Schaumburg, IL06.2004
Bachelor of Science - Computer Science & Information Systems
Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TN05.2002
Associate of Arts - Business
University of Maryland University College
Hyattsville, MD05.1996
Skills
- - Corporate Security Strategy
- - Internal & Regulatory Investigations
- - Crisis Management & Emergency Response
- - Threat Assessment & Risk Mitigation
- - Physical Security Operations
- - Executive Protection Planning
- - Workplace Violence Prevention
- - Compliance & Ethics Oversight
- - Cross-functional Team Leadership
- - Strategic Policy Development
- - Business Continuity Planning
- - International Liaison & Coordination
- - Surveillance & Intelligence Gathering
- - Chain of Custody & Legal Documentation
Certification
- - FBI Certified Crisis Negotiator (NCNC)
- - FBI Adjunct Faculty Instructor | Crisis Negotiations & De-escalation
- - Advanced Kidnap for Ransom (KFR) Training
- - FBI National Academy Counselor (NA 290)
LANGUAGES
Spanish: Native/Bilingual
Affiliations
- - FBI National Academy Associates (FBINAA)
- - International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)
- - FBI Agents Association (FBIAA)
Timeline
Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) Leader
Federal Bureau of Investigation, Newark Division
09.2009 - Current
Special Agent - Crisis Response and Investigations
Federal Bureau of Investigation, Newark Division
09.2004 - Current
Supervisory Transportation Security Officer
Transportation Security Administration, Palm Beach International Airport
09.2002 - 09.2004
Counterintelligence Agent
United States Army
05.1994 - 05.1998
Bachelor of Science - Computer Science & Information Systems
Austin Peay State University
Associate of Arts - Business
University of Maryland University College
Master of Science - Information Technology
American InterContinental University
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