Kenton D. Terrell

About Kenton D. Terrell

Strategic security executive with progressive experience leading enterprise safeguards, protective operations, investigations, and emergency management across federal, corporate, media, and large public campus environments. Proven ability to design and govern integrated security programs that protect personnel, facilities, intellectual property, and mission-critical operations while ensuring regulatory compliance and operational continuity.Trusted advisor to executive leadership and government partners on risk mitigation, crisis response, protective force operations, and security governance. Known for building scalable security architectures for high-profile organizations, coordinating multi-agency operations, and leading preparedness for complex threat environments.Former federal supervisory criminal investigator (LEOSA HR-218 Certified) and homeland security professional demonstrating keen skill in planning, directing, and overseeing complex, high-priority criminal/corporate investigations, and law enforcement/executive protection programs. Extensive experience collaborating with federal agencies, law enforcement, and diverse stakeholders to implement integrated physical, personnel, and emergency management programs across geographically dispersed operations.Key strengths include:• Enterprise Security & Emergency Management• Strategic Risk Intelligence • Safeguards & Protective Operations• Crisis Management & Business Continuity • Incident Management & Response • Physical & Personnel Security• Security Governance & Compliance• Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement Liaison• Critical Infrastructure Protection• Program & Contract Management• Cybersecurity Partnership & Awareness• Stakeholder Engagement & Executive AdvisoryProven success leading large enterprise-wide physical security programs with extensive knowledge of security building systems and associated code requirements in both public and private sectors.

Experience

1. Head of Security, Obama Presidential Center

   Obama Foundation

   Aug 2024 — Present · Chicago, IL, US

   Provide executive leadership for security strategy, emergency preparedness, and protective operations for a nationally significant 20-acre campus serving global visitors, dignitaries, and senior government officials.Key Contributions:Direct development of enterprise security architecture including access control, screening operations, surveillance systems, and emergency preparedness frameworks.Advise senior leadership on organizational risk posture, protective measures, and operational readiness for high-visibility events and VIP engagements.Coordinate multi-agency security operations with U.S. Secret Service, federal partners, and local law enforcement.Designed comprehensive security policies and SOPs covering access control, incident response, VIP protection, and threat mitigation.Led procurement of a $2.5M multi-year security services contract enabling scalable protective capabilities.Developed the Center’s Emergency Preparedness Plan addressing natural disasters, medical incidents, active threats, and continuity of operations.Guided integrated security planning for museum collections, facilities infrastructure, and public engagement spaces.

Education

• Chicago State University

  Master of Science, Criminal Justice and Corrections

• US Office of Personnel Management

  Leadership Education & Development - Executive Level, Leadership Education and Development — Executive Level U.S. Office of Personnel Management

• Harvard University

  Certificate, Senior Executive Fellows

• Chicago State University

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Criminal Justice and Corrections

Skills

• Corporate Security
• Counterintelligence
• Intelligence
• Physical Security
• Counterterrorism
• Police
• Preparedness
• Law Enforcement
• Criminal Justice
• Crisis Management
• Security
• Internal Investigations
• Emergency Planning
• Criminal Investigations
• Government
• Executive Protection
• Crime Prevention
• Policy
• Security Operations
• Budgets
• Security Training
• Intelligence Analysis
• Emergency Management
• Investigation
• Asset Protection
• Firearms
• Access Control
• Security Awareness
• Protection
• Interrogation
• Public Safety
• Enforcement
• Homeland Security
• Surveillance
• Strategic Planning
• Private Investigations
• Security Management
• Risk Assessment
• Cctv
• Evidence