Executive Protection: Private Executive and Corporate Protective Operations

Executive and corporate security professionals are required to have a specific knowledge and skill set to ensure the safety of individuals they protect. These foundational concepts include various methodologies which can be applied to domestic and foreign protective matrices.

Students will learn about the laws governing use of force and liability by corporate security practitioners. They will learn the elements involved in securing locations including residences, hotels, aircraft, boats, and other venues. Students will learn how to secure vehicle and aircraft assets within the protective matrix, leverage technological and cyber based resources used in security operations, and apply physical protection strategies and deployment formations all within the business operational environment. 

The Executive Protection program will bridge the gap between industry needed knowledge and skills and the academic rigor of a university to provide career readiness for individuals looking to enter the executive protection, security fields, or hone their existing skill sets in law enforcement. The program will address the need for individuals to develop or refine their existing skills set in a niche industry related to corporate, private or executive protection and security. The program also will provide opportunities for Veterans to reintegrate into the workforce upon completion of their service duty as there are a multitude of transferable skills and knowledge they can leverage to be successful in a security related field. 

Who Should Enroll

The Executive Protection certificate program is ideal for:

• Security professionals looking to specialize in executive protection
• Law enforcement officers tasked with protection details or transitioning to private security
• Military personnel or veterans aiming to leverage their skills in a civilian context
• Corporate security personnel seeking to enhance their protective skills
• Individuals interested in a challenging and rewarding career in personal protection

The program will prepare individuals for careers in a variety of security settings including the following potential career opportunities:

• Private Security Guards or Theft Protection Agents: Working in a retail setting to prevent theft and protect shoppers and store owners
• Executive Protection Agent: Providing personal security to high-profile clients such as celebrities, politicians, and business executives
• Security Consultant: Advising organizations on security measures and risk management strategies
• Corporate Security Manager: Overseeing security operations for a corporation, ensuring the safety of executives and employees
• Government Security Specialist: Working with government agencies to protect officials and dignitaries
• Private Security Contractor: Offering specialized security services on a contract basis for various clients
• Event Security Coordinator: Managing security for large events, ensuring the safety of attendees and VIPs

Program Benefits

• Learn and employ the tactics and strategic planning methodology employed in Executive Protective Operations
• Understand the laws applicable to the corporate and business protective environment
• Coordinate with law enforcement and other public/private sector partners
• Understand security paradigms and operations for security operations of executives and individuals
• Plan for site security, technical and cyber considerations
• Demonstrate proficiency in employing various protective methodologies in real world protective scenarios

Eligibility and Requirements

Courses must be taken in sequence (beginner, intermediate, advanced).

Course Director

Lorenzo Robert Savage III, a native of Herndon, Virginia, has been the Chief Executive Officer of a private security company in Beverly Hills, California, since his retirement from the United States Secret Service in April 2018.

Mr. Savage was appointed to the Senior Executive Service as the Special Agent in Charge of the Los Angeles Field Office in July 2015. His leadership responsibilities included the overall protective and investigative missions of the United States Secret Service within the Los Angeles area. This district including three Resident Offices in Santa Ana, Riverside, and Ventura, is the 3rd largest of the 42 U.S. Secret Service Field Offices.

During his career, Mr. Savage rose through the ranks, having begun his Secret Service career in 1993 as a special agent assigned to the Washington Field Office. He has since served in numerous managerial assignments which include: Assistant Special Agent in Charge — Los Angeles Field Office 2012-2014; Assistant Special Agent in Charge — Dignitary Protective Division 2010-2012; Assistant Special Agent in Charge — Las Vegas Field Office 2007-2010; Assistant Inspector — Inspection Division 2006-2007; and Assistant to the Special Agent in Charge of the Presidential Protective Division 2004-2006. Mr. Savage’s law enforcement career began in 1988 where he was employed as an honors intern for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Subsequently, while employed by the Fairfax County, Virginia Police Department for three years, Mr. Savage held the position of uniformed patrol officer in the Mason District and West Springfield District Stations. He has received numerous citations of merit as well as public service and law enforcement awards.

In October 2012, Mr. Savage was nominated to receive the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary’s Award of Excellence for his work as the Event Coordinator for the 38th designated National Special Security Event, the 2011 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders’ Meeting held in Honolulu, Hawaii. This award recognizes achievement or innovation by an individual engaged in work to advance the DHS mission and has resulted in superior performance, significant operational improvement or notable innovation.

Mr. Savage holds a Bachelor of Science in Commerce, with a major in accounting from the University of Virginia.