Chapter Leadership

Brendan Kelly

Brendan Kelly brings over two decades of profound expertise in the security industry, spanning across diverse aspects of security operations and industry compliance. As the CEO of GuardGuru, Brendan leverages this extensive experience to mentor and inspire companies and their leadership, employing cutting-edge practices and innovation to drive the industry's future. His commitment to principles like trust, compassion, commitment, and leadership underpins his leadership approach.

Previously serving as a Chief Security Officer and Corporate Compliance and Operations Division Manager at one of the United States' largest security firms, Brendan showcased exceptional skills in overseeing an extensive network of Managers and Trainers. His focus encompassed Corporate Operations, including SOC Operations, Fleet Management, and spearheading Technology Innovation and Implementation.

Moreover, Brendan actively contributes as a member of the CALSAGA Training Committee, holds certifications as a MOAB Instructor and CAL/OSHA Certified Inspector, and plays a pivotal role on client advisory boards for leading software companies in the industry. His objective is to elevate operational standards by aligning operator and vendor needs, ensuring a strategic advancement towards excellence.

Garrett Thomas, CPP

 Garrett Thomas, CPP is a private security professional. In 2010 Garrett founded Guardian Protection Force Inc with the strategic goal of specializing in executive protection, utilizing his skills learned in the field from prior employment. He currently serves as President and Founder of Guardian Protection Force Inc., an armed security and executive protection company, specializing in "Comprehensive Security Through Intelligence". Garrett holds bachelors in intelligence with a minor in criminal intelligence from the American Military University, an accredited and internationally recognized institution for Global Security Studies. 

 Stefanie Anderson

Stefanie Anderson has 20+ years of diverse management experience working for three Fortune 500 companies in primarily technology industries that included Telecommunications, Semiconductor chip manufacturing, and Consumer Electronics. She has demonstrated competencies in Physical Security Principles and Systems, Asset Protection, Threat, Risk and Vulnerability Assessments, Workplace Violence Prevention and Response, Business Practices, Contract Security, Emergency Response, Crisis Management, and Investigations. Stefanie holds an MBA degree from Northeastern University, a B.A. degree in Criminal Justice from Sonoma State University and has her Private Investigator’s license. 

In her current role as the West Regional Security Supervisor at Progressive Insurance, Stefanie manages the Physical Security Operations for the state of California and assists with supporting 9 other western states. 

Ken Nakamura

I have been employed as a peace officer since 1999.  I began with the San Jose Police Department and lateralled to the Roseville Police Department.  I have held a variety of assignments in patrol, gang enforcement, investigations, digital forensics, UAS (unmanned aircraft systems) and terrorist liaison officer.

I am currently assigned as a detective in our Threat Assessment Unit where my duties include the identification, assessment and management of subjects of concern, conducting vulnerability assessments for City infrastructure, churches and schools, conducting  training on targeted violence and workplace violence for the community and the investigation of firearm violations and high risk sex offenders.    

Besides being a member of ASIS, I am also a member of the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP) and a designated CPTED professional through the National Institute of Crime Prevention (NICP).  

Ashlee Cervantes

 Ashlee Cervantes, MBA is a seasoned security management professional passionate about all things related to Security Solutions, Physical Risk Mitigation and Management. Skilled in bringing solution-based services to a broad range of clients and customers to ensure the physical safety of their employees, customers and property. In addition to serving as the Executive Director of Operations with Guardian Protection Force Inc., Ashlee currently serves as a Northern California board member for California Association of Licensed Security Agencies, Guards & Associates (CALSAGA).  

Tommy Green

Tommy Green 

Business Development Manager – GardaWorld Security Services

Tommy is a business professional that specializes in Security Program Management and Development. He has more than a decade of experience in customer facing roles with a majority of that background in corporate security management, emergency response team coordination, and security program optimization. His strengths lie in program leadership, relationship development, and driving a security program to meet the needs of the business. 

After serving in various operational leadership roles at the local, regional and national levels for some of Silicon Valley’s tech and creative leaders, Tommy decided to apply that background to the growth of the industry and joined Whelan Security as the Business Development & Operations Manager in California. Whelan has since become GardaWorld and has grown to become the largest global privately owned security services company in the world. Tommy is an active member of the American Society of Industrial Security (ASIS), the Silicon Valley Security Group and other industry groups throughout Northern California. When not engaged in work activities, Tommy loves spending time with his wife and two daughters as well as serving his community through multiple charity events he chairs committees for. 

Bryon Bayer

 I have over 46 years of experience in the Contract Security Industry, including Security Operations, Security Programs, Security Education and Security Management, dedicated to the mitigation of security risk for companies operating in California. I started in the security industry in 1976 during college and have founded, led and successfully grown many well-known security brands in the Sacramento area since then.

As a previous founder / owner of SmartGuard my individual brand was synonymous with the company’s. Many of my client relationships reflect decades of trust placed in me individually and in the teams I have led. It also helped that I have deep knowledge of the security industry. I am a past President of CALSAGA, held many leadership positions in the local ASIS International chapter as well as the Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers Board.