Michael Licitra

About Michael Licitra

Highly accomplished security and emergency management professional with over 30 years of experience in law enforcement and incident command. Offering a proven track record of exceptional leadership, strategic decision-making, and crisis management expertise. Adept at leading high-performing teams in complex and high-stakes environments, providing clear and effective direction in times of crisis. Known for a calm, methodical approach under pressure, with a strong ability to quickly assess situations, identify key challenges, and implement immediate and long-term solutions. Demonstrates a keen ability to address a broad range of security and emergency issues, driving successful outcomes through a combination of analytical thinking, decisive action, and collaborative teamwork.

Experience

1. Head of Safety and Security

   New York Road Runners

   Sep 2022 — Present · NY, US

   Lead the planning, management, and execution of all safety and security operations for New York Road Runners’ (NYRR) events, including the TCS New York City Marathon. Develop and refine a comprehensive Safety and Security Plan, incorporating a Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP), Master Security Plan and a Medical Action Plan to ensure a proactive, scalable, and adaptable approach to event safety.Establish organization-wide safety and security policies and procedures, covering a wide array of mission-critical elements such as emergency response protocols, access control measures, evacuation strategies, threat mitigation procedures, and incident documentation standards. Maintain a risk management posture, regularly evaluating and updating plans in collaboration with law enforcement and emergency management partners.Serve as the NYRR Incident Commander during the TCS NYC Marathon—designated a SEAR Level 1 national security event—as well as other large-scale events. In this capacity, oversee the strategic management of public safety, coordinating thousands of personnel and multiple agencies to ensure smooth execution under complex, high-pressure conditions.Design and implement secure credentialing systems for event personnel, ensuring controlled access and identification across all event zones. Manage logistics surrounding VIP attendance, including advance planning, transportation coordination, and security escort assignments.Act as NYRR’s primary liaison with city, state, and federal agencies, including the NYPD, FDNY, NYC OEM, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the FBI. Facilitate joint planning, intelligence sharing, and unified command efforts.Advise NYRR C-suite executives and senior leadership on all matters related to event safety, security operations, and organizational risk, ensuring that executive decisions are informed by real-time intelligence, operational insight, and best practices in public safety and emergency management.

Skills

• Criminal Justice
• Dignitary Protection
• Investigation
• Executive Protection
• Crime Prevention
• Counterterrorism
• Patrol
• Firearms
• Physical Security
• Criminal Investigations
• Homeland Security
• Swat
• Police
• Emergency Management
• Public Safety