Joe Desantis

About Joe Desantis

Dedicated professional with thirty-six years of international experience in law enforcement, intelligence, security, and the private sector. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with persons at every level of government and business. Extensive protective and investigative background that includes domestic and international expertise in executive protection and security planning, electronic and financial crimes, and intelligence. Proactive and resourceful, with a record of contributing outside the expected scope of work and executing initiatives that improve efficiencies and mitigate potential risks. AREAS OF EXPERTISE - Physical Protection of Executives, Facility Security and National Special Security Events - Investigative & Protective Experience in 34 Countries -Extensive Liaison and Information Sharing with International, Federal, State & Local Law Enforcement Agencies - Developing, Evaluating and Managing Security Policies, Programs, Procedures and Operations - Risk/Threat Assessments pertaining to Personnel, Facilities and Other Key Assets - Management of Complex Fraud, Financial Crimes, Intelligence and Background Investigations - Emergency Preparedness, Crisis Management and Continuity of Operations Planning - Information Security and Operational Security Program Compliance - Development and Implementation of Employee Training Programs -Personnel Supervision, Performance Evaluation and Administration of Employee Discipline

Experience

1. Principal Security Advisor

   Washington Gas

   Sep 2016 — Present · Springfield, VA, US

   Responsible for providing strategic and technical security guidance to ensure safety of our company’s assets, personnel, and infrastructure in the District of Columbia, MD, VA, and West Virginia. Implements, administers, and manages the corporate physical security programs for all WGL facilities. Plans and executes security support for special events, executive protection, and WGL corporate functions. Manages the work of Corporate Security Team, including hiring, evaluating, training, performance management, compensation, motivating, coaching, and developing goals and procedures. Ensures all physical security assessments evaluating fencing, lighting, locks, security systems (alarm, card access systems, CCTV, etc.) are conducted according to industry best practices. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to develop security awareness and training programs for employees, contractors, and partners. Maintain an effective interface with regulatory industry and law enforcement agencies. Provide day-to-day guidance/point of contact support to contract guard service personnel. Independently scope and manage complex physical security capital projects. Gathers requirements, collaborates with business units to determine priorities, identifies appropriate solutions, obtains necessary approvals, ensures funding, and manages contractors and stakeholders. Serve as subject matter expert on security matters to executive leadership, including providing regular updates on the company’s security posture, risks, and incidents.

Education

• SUNY Brockport

  Criminal Justice & Sociology, Criminal Justice

  1983 — 1986