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A partner you can trust

About
Protos Security

Protos Security provides technology enabled-security program management backed by a service first culture and an ongoing commitment to innovation.

Our Services
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Protos Security's Commitments

  • cloud technology icon for protos labs Unrivaled innovation

    Protos Security was the first, and remains the only, security management company providing uniformity through its proprietary platform.

  • Security guard standing in front of supplier network orb Vendor network

    With more than 4,000 vendors in our network, we have a surplus of officers for your staffing needs.

  • Protos service first icon showing a star at the top of a platform Service first culture

    Delivering the best possible service is central to everything we do, from our technology advancements to our operations center.

  • Icon showing three people on a team standing in front of a graph showing successful upward trend Industry-leading team

    With our 97% customer retention rate, Protos Security proves our team's commitment to the industry.

Team Protos

Our forward-thinking team is comprised of focused, dedicated and experienced security industry leaders. Their knowledge and expertise come together to create a better organization for our clients, vendors, employees and other stakeholders. Meet the leaders of Team Protos:
Mark Hjelle, CEO of Protos headshot

Mark Hjelle

Chief Executive Officer

Mark Hjelle is the CEO of Security Services Holdings, LLC as well as Protos Security and its subsidiaries. Mark is an experienced Chief Executive Officer and Board Member who has led large national business and facilities services firms for nearly 25 years delivering strong top- and bottom-line growth while building high-performing teams with strong culture. Most recently, he was CEO for CSC ServiceWorks, a B2B2C provider of technology-enabled consumer services. Prior to CSC, Mark was President of Brickman/Valleycrest a national provider of exterior landscape and snow removal services. Over the course of his 18-year tenure at Brickman, he held numerous leadership positions in operations, finance and business development. Mark holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from The Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Government Administration from the University of Pennsylvania Fels Institute of Government and a Law Degree from Case Western Reserve School of Law.

Tony Escamilla Headshot, Protos Security, Team Protos

Anthony Escamilla

Chief Financial Officer

Anthony “Tony” Escamilla joined Protos Security in 2018 as Chief Financial Officer. With over 35 years of diverse industry experience, Tony is an accomplished senior executive who brings significant expertise across all core operating functions after having led finance, accounting, HR, IT, legal and operations departments at numerous companies. He also has an extensive background in debt and equity capital markets transactions as well as mergers & acquisitions. Tony’s diverse corporate background includes investment & commercial banking, media & entertainment, financial consulting and public accounting. He is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Tony holds a bachelor’s in accounting from The University of Connecticut and an MBA with a concentration in finance from The University of Texas at Austin.

Mike Jacobs, Protos COO, Headshot

Mike Jacobs

Chief Operating Officer

Mike Jacobs joined Protos Security in 2023 and currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer. Before joining Protos, Mike served as Chief Operating Officer for an amenities provider to the multifamily housing industry. He has a diverse background in consulting for senior leaders of companies owned by private equity, leading continuous improvement efforts in manufacturing, distribution, financial services and food service. Prior to that, Mike was the Senior Vice President of Manufacturing for the Eastern Division of Simmons Bedding, drastically improving customer satisfaction and increasing profitability while supporting the introduction of new channels and the largest product redesign in the company’s history. Mike graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He is a Certified Lean Six Sigma Sensei from Villanova University.

Peter Platten Headshot, Protos Security, Team Protos

Peter Platten

Chief Revenue Officer

Peter Platten is the Chief Revenue Officer for Protos. Prior to joining the company in December 2020 as the Senior Vice President of Sales & Strategic Accounts, he spent a decade working for a large global security organization. During his tenure, he held various roles including Vice President of National Sales and Region Vice President of Sales & Operations. Peter has also held executive level positions with Fortune 500 companies in the financial and technology sector. Throughout his career, Peter has established a proven track record within enterprise sales, leadership and the security industry. Peter’s expertise includes optimizing processes throughout the sales journey as well as implementing innovative client retention programs. As a leader, he has developed and led highly successful sales teams while consistently exceeding targets. Peter holds degrees in finance and computer science from Ferris State University.

Alyssa Wilson Headshot, Protos Security, Team Protos

Alyssa Wilson

SVP of Marketing

Alyssa Wilson joined Protos Security in 2020 and currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Marketing. With over 12 years of experience, she brings extensive knowledge in multichannel marketing. Alyssa is a data-driven marketing leader with a proven history in organizational digital transformation. Throughout her career, she has worked in B2B and B2C companies including security, consumer goods, software development, events and manufacturing. Alyssa is skilled in marketing strategy, digital marketing, email marketing, user experience, product-to-market project management and market research. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and public relations from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania.

Angela Flood, SVP and Corporate Controller of Protos Security headshot

Angela Flood

SVP & Corporate Controller

Angela Flood joined Protos Security in 2019 as the Corporate Controller. With over 18 years of diverse industry experience, she is an accomplished controller who brings significant expertise across all core accounting functions, including general, technical, and acquisition-related accounting as well as internal controls and accounting operations. Prior to joining Protos, Angela served as the Corporate Controller for HomeServe USA and as the Global Platform Controller for Louis Dreyfus Commodities. She is also a Certified Public Accountant in New York State. Angela holds a bachelor’s in accounting and finance from Marist College and a Master of Accountancy from the University of Connecticut.

Cameron Tabor Headshot, Protos Security, Team Protos

Cameron Tabor

SVP of Software Engineering

Cameron Tabor joined Protos Security in 2014 and currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Software Engineering. With over 20 years of experience, Cameron has made a distinguished career of building and managing software systems. His past roles include Software Architect for companies including InnovaSystems International and Reynolds & Reynolds. Now, as the lead software architect for Protos, his contributions are essential as we continue to innovate, delivering new value-added benefits to our clients. Cameron holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the Virginia Military Institute.

Dan Arnold headshot

Dan Arnold

SVP of National Operations

Daniel “Dan” Arnold joined Protos in 2021 and currently serves as the Senior Vice President of National Operations. His industry experience includes ten years with a large security company, first as a District Manager and then as an Area Vice President. He also has six years of experience in the retail security industry working for a national retail chain. Dan is currently a member of ASIS International, the world’s largest association for security professionals and has held various board member positions for the Omaha chapter. He holds a MBM from Doane University and a bachelor’s in business administration from Nebraska Wesleyan University.

Ryan Wessendorf, Vice President, Financial Planning and Analysis of Protos Security headshot

Ryan Wessendorf

SVP of Finance

Ryan Wessendorf joined Protos Security in 2022 and is the Senior Vice President of Finance. Prior to joining the company, he served as Director of Commercial Finance for Rizing, where he was responsible for multiple aspects of the finance function for a private equity backed IT services and software firm. Ryan has a diverse background in accounting and finance holding multiple roles at other firms such as Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and IBM. Ryan holds an MBA from Quinnipiac University and holds bachelor’s degrees in both accounting and management from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh.

Adam Sammons Headshot, Protos Security, Team Protos

Adam Sammons

VP of Financial Systems

Adam Sammons joined Protos Security in 2013 and currently serves as the Vice President of Financial Systems. He started as an Operations Supervisor and has also held the positions of National Account Manager as well as Director of Compliance & Remote Monitoring Operations. Adam helped establish Protos Security’s Remote Monitoring Division and continues to use his years of experience in the industry to support operations. Adam holds a bachelor’s in economics and commerce from Hampden-Sydney College.

Blake Vaughan, Protos Security, Team Protos

Blake Vaughan

VP of Finance

Blake Vaughan joined Protos Security in early 2017 and is currently the Vice President of Finance. Prior to starting this role, he worked in a variety of capacities for Protos including finance, accounting, integration, operations and analytics. In his current role, Blake uses his experience with Protos and in the industry to oversee finance and accounting along with corporate strategy and integration through mergers and acquisitions. He holds a bachelor’s in finance from Virginia Tech.

Brian Stewart headshot

Brian Stewart

VP of Off-Duty Operations

Brian Stewart joined Off Duty Services, a Protos Company, in 2023 and currently serves as Vice President of Off-Duty Operations. With over 17 years of experience, he has an extensive background in operations management and service delivery specific to the security guarding and off-duty law enforcement industry. Brian has held various managerial roles for a Fortune 500 company operating as a managed services provider. He holds a degree in business management from Western Governors University and a degree in graphic design from Westwood College of Technology. Brian is Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certified.

Gail Funk Headshot

Gail Funk

VP of Guarding Operations

Gail Funk is the Vice President of Guarding Operations for Protos. With over 18 years of both MSP and security industry operations experience, he brings extensive expertise to the Protos team. Prior to joining the company, he served as an executive with a large international security company, where he was responsible for leading an operations team of over 3,000 employees. He has also had an extensive career in healthcare administration, where he grew a provider network for a comprehensive enterprise health system. Gail holds a Masters of Healthcare Administration.

Glen Sider

VP of Vendor Management

Glen Sider joined Protos Security in 2022 as the Vice President of Vendor Management, bringing with him over 25 years of operational and leadership experience in Vendor Relations, IT, Law Enforcement Support, Procurement, Security and Investigations. With significant start-up experience, Glen’s expertise in identifying efficiencies and deploying solutions brings an entrepreneurial approach to Protos’ Vendor Management team. Glen’s dedication to the security industry is evident in his maintaining a NY State Armed Guard license and standing a post when time permits. He has been awarded a citation by FBI Director Robert Mueller for Exceptional Service in the Public Interest.

Jennifer Araujo, VP of Human Resources headshot

Jennifer Araujo

VP of Human Resources

Jennifer Araujo joined Protos Security in 2023 as the Vice President of Human Resources. With over 20 years of experience, Jennifer has an extensive background as a human resource leader who is skilled in aligning HR policies, programs and practices to engage employees and drive business success.  Prior to joining Protos, Jennifer held various roles in human resources at Charter Communications where she led a national team of 39 people who delivered strategic and tactical support to 700 domestic locations. Jennifer holds a Master of Science in Education from Indiana University Bloomington.

John Culver headshot photo

John Culver

VP of National Sales

John Culver currently serves as the Vice President of National Sales. John has more than 15 years of senior leadership experience in the security industry, and has previously led both operational and sales teams for a global security company. In his leadership roles, John has helped companies from numerous industries maximize their security effectiveness and spend. John holds a Bachelor of Science degree specializing in Public Relations from Texas A&M University.

Julie Fraser, VP and Associate Counsel of Protos

Julie Fraser

VP & Deputy General Counsel

Julie Fraser joined Protos in 2022 and serves as the Vice President and Deputy General Counsel. Prior to joining Protos, Julie gained extensive experience in commercial practice at law firms in both Massachusetts and Connecticut. She also worked on the commercial teams at a market leading legal research and publishing company as well as the largest global alternative legal service provider for several years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Stonehill College and a law degree from Suffolk University Law School in Boston.

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Kristine Vece

VP of Strategic Accounts

Kris Vece has worked within Protos companies since 2004, starting as a Client Relations Manager, and has been promoted three times to reach her current role as Vice President of Strategic Accounts. In her current role, she is responsible for overseeing all aspects of sales and client relations. Through relationships cultivated over the years, and a dedicated focus on excellence, Kris has earned a reputation as a security and loss prevention expert. She is a member of the Loss Prevention Foundation (LPF) and NJ Food Council. Kris also holds an LPQ certification from LPF.

Regina Foti headshot photo

Regina Foti

VP of IT

Regina has worked within Protos companies since 2012. She has performed in various roles within the organization that include networking & communications, human resources, investigations, client relations and project management. In her current role, Regina oversees network, communication and information systems and enterprise-wide cyber security. She also is responsible for implementation of Protos’ extensive IT Infrastructure Road Map which includes full-system integrations, software rollouts and management of cross-functional external teams to achieve IT deliverables within tight, client-focused timelines.

Prior to her career with Protos companies, Regina worked as an IT consultant on system migration projects for a large energy provider in Southern New Jersey and worked for PriceWaterhouseCoopers in Philadelphia as a member of their Global Technology Solutions group.

Regina holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Rowan University.

Vipin Kalra, headshot

Vipin Kalra

VP of Mergers & Acquisitions

Vipin Kalra joined Protos Security in 2022 and currently serves as the Vice President of Mergers and Acquisitions. Prior to joining the company, he was part of the Mergers & Acquisitions team at Broadridge, where he executed over 20 transactions of mid-market businesses. Vipin has a diverse background as a seasoned M&A, finance and strategy leader across corporate and private equity backed businesses. Vipin holds an MBA from the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business and a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Columbia University.

Mark Hjelle, CEO of Protos headshot

Mark Hjelle

Chief Executive Officer
Tony Escamilla Headshot, Protos Security, Team Protos

Anthony Escamilla

Chief Financial Officer
Mike Jacobs, Protos COO, Headshot

Mike Jacobs

Chief Operating Officer
Peter Platten Headshot, Protos Security, Team Protos

Peter Platten

Chief Revenue Officer
Alyssa Wilson Headshot, Protos Security, Team Protos

Alyssa Wilson

SVP of Marketing
Angela Flood, SVP and Corporate Controller of Protos Security headshot

Angela Flood

SVP & Corporate Controller
Cameron Tabor Headshot, Protos Security, Team Protos

Cameron Tabor

SVP of Software Engineering
Dan Arnold headshot

Dan Arnold

SVP of National Operations
Ryan Wessendorf, Vice President, Financial Planning and Analysis of Protos Security headshot

Ryan Wessendorf

SVP of Finance
Adam Sammons Headshot, Protos Security, Team Protos

Adam Sammons

VP of Financial Systems
Blake Vaughan, Protos Security, Team Protos

Blake Vaughan

VP of Finance
Brian Stewart headshot

Brian Stewart

VP of Off-Duty Operations
Gail Funk Headshot

Gail Funk

VP of Guarding Operations

Glen Sider

VP of Vendor Management
Jennifer Araujo, VP of Human Resources headshot

Jennifer Araujo

VP of Human Resources
John Culver headshot photo

John Culver

VP of National Sales
Julie Fraser, VP and Associate Counsel of Protos

Julie Fraser

VP & Deputy General Counsel
Kris Vece headshot photo

Kristine Vece

VP of Strategic Accounts
Regina Foti headshot photo

Regina Foti

VP of IT
Vipin Kalra, headshot

Vipin Kalra

VP of Mergers & Acquisitions
01 / 20

Protos Guiding
Principles

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Mission

To provide differentiated, best total-value security solutions that deliver world-class service to our customers.

Vision

To be the leading technology-driven security services company in North America, enhancing customer experience through innovative solutions. We empower customers through our proprietary software platforms which provide transparency and drive efficiency.

Values

We truly care about and recognize the hard-working people that are part of our business ecosystem. Integrity, accountability, innovation and excellence are at the center of what we do and define how we strive to grow the company:

Integrity

We provide opportunities for our team members to succeed and we provide value to our stakeholders. We do business the right way.

Innovation

We are a thought leader in the security industry. We are committed to continuing our innovation through software development, operating models and technology solutions that meet and predict customer needs.

Accountability

We hold ourselves responsible to our employees, vendors, customers and community members to earn their trust. We do what we say we are going to do.

Excellence

We pledge to provide world-class service and a differentiated customer experience through an integration of our business operations, technology and values. We create transparent solutions that customers can trust.

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Protos Headquarters

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Latest News

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Security Goals for Businesses in 2024

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