POWHATAN GROUP - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Audit Investigator for the City of Richmond
- Visionary Leader
Mr. Harris is a visionary leader with diverse, comprehensive experience in long- and short-term global strategic security, workforce management and financial management. Harris brings his demonstrated expertise establishing partnerships domestically and abroad with government and private entities, and more than 35 years experience in law enforcement with him to Powhatan Group.
Harris began his career serving the Durham, North Carolina Police Department where he served for ten years as a detective and public safety officer. He joined the U.S. Secret Service in 1987 as a Special Agent, where his exemplary performance allowed him to quickly move through the ranks, serving on the Presidential Protective Division, the Office of Inspections, the Security Clearance Division, the Dignitary Protective Division, and the Office of Protective Operations. Harris' tenure with the U.S. Secret Service culminated with his appointment as Special Agent in Charge of the Richmond Field Office, where he prepared operational and strategic contingency plans relating to financial crimes, computer security, employee embezzlement, identity fraud, physical security, personal protection and antiterrorism.
Harris currently serves as Audit Investigator for the City of Richmond, Virginia, where he provides complex investigative services to the Office of the Inspector General within the Auditor's office.
Mr. Romano is renowned in counterintelligence/counterterrorism operations, training supervision and oversight of security personnel.
Prior to joining Powhatan Group, Romano served as an Internal Investigator for the Office of Investigations/Internal Affairs Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). In this role, Romano conducted investigations, interrogations, testimony and reports of possible misconduct by agency employees. Romano also served as Senior Instructor for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), as a subject matter expert assigned to law enforcement areas of investigative skills, operations and procedures.
Prior, Romano was the Counterintelligence Training Program Manager for the U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service Training Academy (FLETC), and the former Senior Special Agent for the U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service. During his tenure, Romano conducted and supervised criminal, counterintelligence, counterterrorism investigations and operations pertaining to the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps.
Mr. DeVita is the Founder and Managing Director of Powhatan Group. He is responsible for all aspects of business strategy, client relationships, training and development and company operations.
Mr. DeVita has more than 40 years of experience in security, risk mitigation and management. He brings his extensive professional experience in law enforcement, security planning, training and development, along with his proven leadership in the government, nonprofit and private sectors to serve the clients of Powhatan Group.
Prior to founding Powhatan Group, Mr. DeVita served as the Director of Training and Development for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). As Director, he was responsible for the oversight, planning, strategy policy, and implementation of ICE operational training and professional development. He also held the position of Worldwide Director of Corporate Security for MBNA Bank.
At MBNA, Mr. DeVita was responsible for directing the domestic and international staff in identifying developing implementing and maintaining security processes across the organization to reduce risks, respond to incidents and limit exposure to liability in areas of financial, physical and personal risk.
Mr. DeVita is the former Vice President for Global Safety and Security for the American Red Cross, where he was responsible for developing a corporate security and emergency-planning infrastructure that impacted more than 35,000 employees, 1.5 million volunteers, and Red Cross delegations in over 40 countries worldwide.
Mr. DeVita began his career in the United States Secret Service, serving as Assistant Director. In the Secret Service, Mr. DeVita served as Assistant Special Agent in Charge for the Presidential Protective Detail and was responsible for the Secret Service Training Academy's curriculum, methodology and content of training and education programs for all employees.
Mr. Sullivan specializes in major event security planning, change management and travel security for both private and public organizations. Prior to joining Powhatan Group, he served as the former Director of Law Enforcement at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). In this role, Sullivan was responsible for the law enforcement efforts at more than 400 airports, and maintained operational oversight of various programs, including training and supervising airline pilots as well as establishing countermeasures to deter hostile launch against civil aviation.
Prior to the TSA, Sullivan spent 22 years in the United States Secret Service, and retired as the Special Agent in Charge of the Secret Service Major Events Division. During his tenure, he was responsible for planning, coordinating and implementing security for National Special Security Events. This included the Winter Olympics at Salt Lake City, the Superbowl in New Orleans, the 2002 State of the Union Address, and several economic Forum conferences.
Sullivan began his career in the United States Marine Corps, and participated in numerous major operations such as Operation Hue City during the 1968 Tet Offensive, and has received several decorations, including the Purple Heart.
Mr. Stephens is nationally distinguished in evidence-based problem-solving, community policing and relations, technology implementation, personnel management and financial accountability. Stephens is currently a distinguished faculty member of the Johns Hopkins University, Division of Public Safety Leadership where he also serves as Director of State and Local Programs. He has more than 20 years of experience as a police executive, earning a national reputation as an innovator in policing, having assumed difficult and challenging opportunities.
Stephens served as Chief of Police in four U.S. cities, and spent two years as the City Administrator in St. Petersburg, Florida. In this role he was responsible for a work force of approximately 3,000 employees and a budget of $380 million. Stephens is a past President of the Major Cities Chiefs Association, a professional organization comprised of the Chiefs of Police of the 64 largest police agencies in the United States and Canada.
Stephens received his M.S. in Public Service Administration from Central Missouri State University and B.S. in Administration of Justice from University of Missouri. He is also a graduate of several Kennedy School of Government Executive Sessions at Harvard University, the Federal Bureau of Investigation's National Executive Institute, and the FBI Leadership in Counter Terrorism Program.
Job Titles:
- Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police
Mr. Mitchell is the Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police, University of Maryland at College Park, and is nationally recognized in crisis management, communication and law. Mitchell also serves as an advisor to the Center for Preparedness and Catastrophic Event Response, established by the Department of Homeland Security, and as an Adjunct Professor, School of Education, Division of Public Safety Leadership at Johns Hopkins University.
Prior to joining Powhatan Group, Mitchell served as the former Secretary, Safety and Homeland Security for the State of Delaware, and the former Superintendent of the Maryland State Police where he held the concurrent role as Maryland State Secretary for the Department of Maryland State Police, a cabinet-level position. He is also the Retired Chief of Police, Prince George's County, Maryland.
Mitchell received his J.D. from University of Maryland, and is a member of the Maryland Bar. Mitchell is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the FBI National Executive Institute.
Mr. Gambatesa brings extensive experience in audits, contract oversight, crisis operations management, along with his knowledge in leading large, complex organizations.
Prior to joining Powhatan Group, Gambatesa served as the Inspector General at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). In this chief executive role, he was presidentially appointed to oversee worldwide audits and investigations of the agency programs and operations to ensure economy, efficiency and effectiveness. Gambatesa also formerly served as the Deputy Director of the United States Marshals Service where he had oversight of all business operations, including budget formulation and execution. He maintained responsibility for planning, policy development and continuity of operations and directed all law enforcement and protective operations.
Gambatesa began his career as a special agent of the United States Secret Service. Serving for over 24 years, he maintained several leadership positions managing both protective security and investigative operations domestically and overseas.
Mr. Mead has specialized experience in immigration policy and enforcement, budget management, human resources and training.
Prior to joining Powhatan Group, Mead served as the former Executive Associate Director, Enforcement and Removal Operations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, under the Department of Homeland Security, where he was responsible for overseeing a $2.5 billion budget and leading 8,395 employees. In this role, Mead promoted public safety and national security by removing national security threats and ensuring safe and effective custody management for more than 30,000 illegal aliens. Mr. Mead was a member of the Senior Executive Service for more than 25 years.
Mead also served as the former Assistant Director of the U.S. Marshals Service where he was responsible for Prisoner Operations, Asset Forfeiture, JPATS, Management and Budget, Human Resources and the U.S. Marshals Service Training Academy. Previously, Mead was also a private self-employed criminal justice and immigration consultant. Mr. Mead is the recipient of two presidential rank awards.
Dr. Blatstein provides extensive training on course topics that include strategic planning, change management and leadership for both private and public organizations.
Mr. Calucchia brings 25 years of extensive federal law enforcement experience in physical protection and advance surveys for dignitaries to Powhatan Group clients.
Mr. Patton provides a wealth of experience in executive management, protective services, investigations and travel operations for Powhatan Group clients.
Prior to joining Powhatan Group, Patton served as the former Special Agent in Charge of the Dallas field office for the United States Secret Service where he had senior executive responsibility for the protection of all dignitaries and protectees in the jurisdiction during their visits. In this role, Patton worked with the Federal Air Marshall Service to bolster its forces after September 11. Patton was also responsible for interfacing with Department of Homeland Security personnel to ensure the availability of government resources for hurricane season in the state of Texas.
While in the United States Secret Service, Patton also maintained leadership roles as the Deputy Assistant Director of Protective Operations. Patton also served as the Assistant Director for Investigations at the General Accounting Office (GAO). He is the recipient of the Presidential Rank Award and the Department of the Treasury Award. Patton is also one of the original Principal Federal Officers serving the Department of Homeland Security.
Ms. Barry provides skilled and specialized knowledge in tandem with extensive experience in event security and physical protection security measures for private sector organizations, universities, and law enforcement agencies.
Prior to joining Powhatan Group, Barry served in the United States Secret Service for 24 years. She retired as a Special Agent in Charge, with responsibility for all criminal investigations as well as logistical and operational management of protection and security resources, staffing of presidential campaign details and coordination of major events. She was assigned to the Presidential Protective Division during President Reagan's term in office.
Barry has also served as liaison with private sector organizations on the national and state level, coordinating with state and local law enforcement agencies and Universities to provide training to law enforcement. As a premiere security consultant, she has management experience at the strategic planning level, providing training and site security consultation. Barry has provided site security for the Democratic National Convention, Los Angeles; the Republican National Convention, Washington, D.C.; and the President Bush Inaugural Ceremonies. Barry has also served as Program Manager for site security for a Fortune 500 company's Board of Directors at the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City; Torino, Italy; Beijing, China; Vancouver, Canada; and most recently, London, England.
Ms. Barry provides skilled and specialized knowledge in tandem with extensive experience in event security and physical protection security measures for private sector organizations, law enforcement agencies and Universities.
Mr. Merletti possesses extensive experience in planning and operations, training and instruction, and leading large organizations.
Mr. Schiliro provides a wealth of experience and expertise in the supervision, management, and leadership of both public and private organizations. He has extensive experience in both Domestic and International terrorism cases and is a Court qualified expert in Organized Crime.
Job Titles:
- Director of ClubFed LLC
- Special Agent
Mr. Fallon brings to Powhatan Group more than 30 years of federal law enforcement experience, specifically as the former Assistant Director, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and the former Director, Naval Criminal Investigative Service Training Academy. He is internationally recognized in counterterrorism and training transformation.
Fallon is also Director of ClubFed LLC, advising governments, corporations and institutions on policy, strategy, security, and risk management. Fallon assists clients with knowledge development and implementing strategies to enhance performance in alignment with mission objectives.
Fallon was a former Senior Vice President of The Soufan Group. In this role, he was responsible for all learning and knowledge development, as well as designing and implementing training and development strategies for investigators, counterintelligence officers, judicial officials, and security services worldwide.
In the wake of the 9/11 attacks, Fallon was appointed as the Special Agent in Charge of the task force created to investigate the al-Qa'ida terrorist network and he led units in Afghanistan, Iraq and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Known for his leadership in crisis situations, his actions have been published in numerous articles and books. He was commended by Common Cause for Uncommon Courage. Fallon has appeared on CNN, Fox News, NBC, MSNBC, BBC, as well as in television documentaries.
Fallon currently serves on various boards, associations and research committees including the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Impact Executive Committee, and Research Committee for the U.S. Governments High Value Detainee Interrogation Group (HIG).
Mr. Ahlerich is the former Assistant Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the former Chief of League Security, National Football League. He possesses specialized experience in security assessments, investigations and event security.
Mr. Haggerty provides expert knowledge of physical protection, criminal investigations, emergency preparedness and sales management experience for Powhatan Group clients.
Haggerty has more than 29 years of combined professional law enforcement experience and extensive training and experience in the areas of planning, managing, coordinating and directing all areas of protective details. Currently, Haggerty is the DHS/DoD Government Sales Team Manager for LexisNexis Special Service Inc. In this role, Haggerty provides leadership direction to sales professionals to meet revenue targets and new customer acquisitions.
Haggerty was previously the former Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service Office of Protective Operations. While in the Secret Service, he was responsible for overseeing emergency management for major security events, foreign and domestic presidential travel and ensuring compliance with policies, procedures, and training.
Job Titles:
- President of Strategic Services International
- President of Strategic Services International LLC
Mr. Cavicchia is President of Strategic Services International LLC. He provides expert advice in executive protection, overseas risk analysis, due diligence, computer systems intrusions, electronic countermeasures and strategic planning. He has advised the U.S. Dept. of the Army in counter terrorism training and protective operations after the WTC attack on 9/11.
Cavicchia is the former Special Agent in Charge of an elite U.S. Secret Service Criminal Investigative Division and two major Field Offices (Philadelphia, PA & Newark, NJ) during his 30 year career. He had complete oversight of Agents, technical and administrative personnel, multi-million dollar budgets for complex protective and criminal investigative operations. He has worked and directed Units operating overseas combating counterfeiting of U.S. Currency and conducting protective intelligence cases. Cavicchia was given Presidential Decision Authority to plan and direct the security for Pope John Paul II's visit to New Jersey and Authority to plan security for the Republican National Convention in Philadelphia in 2000.
Cavicchia has taught courses in organizational behavior/leadership management for Graduate studies programs at Seton Hall University.
Mr. Cavicchia is the President of Strategic Services International, LLC. He provides expert advice in organizational strategic planning, human resource utilization and review of organizational effectiveness and development.
Mr. Hast is the former Director of Event Security for the National Football League (NFL). He brings extensive experience in global infrastructure security, physical protection and identity theft investigations to Powhatan Group clients.
Mr. Meale provides expert knowledge in intelligence/information collection, surveillance detection training and implementation of operational activities in various government organizations.
Prior to joining Powhatan Group, Meale was a former consultant for Northrop Grumman where he served as a team member providing surveillance detection training. Prior to Northrop Grumman, Meale was a Military Police Intelligence Doctrine Developer tasked to assist in the development of a Concept of Operations (CONOPS) for the U.S Army, supporting the integration of Police Intelligence Operations across full spectrum operations. Meale was the former Senior Advisor, Client Liaison and Services for the U.S. Department of Treasury Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). As a Senior Advisor, he assisted senior FinCEN official in oversight and implementation of the USA Patriot Act.
Meale began his career with the U.S. Department of Justice's Drug Enforcement Administration, and retired as the Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Caribbean Field Division. He was responsible for planning and carrying out a full range of criminal and regulatory investigations, supervising over 110 employees to include six foreign offices covering 19 island nations.
Job Titles:
- Professor of Management at the Johns Hopkins University
- Specialist
As a specialist for Powhatan Group, Dr. Greenberg is responsible for designing and implementing specialized training and education solutions.
Dr. Greenberg began his career with the Police Department in Howard County, Maryland, and has more than 30 years experience in building training curricula for various organizations. These courses vary from managing change and strategic planning, to case studies in management and leadership.
With extensive experience in leadership roles in state, local and international police organizations, Dr. Greenberg has published numerous research articles and books on topics including Stress and the Helping Professions, Stress and the Teaching Profession, and Police Executive Contracts. He is currently working on his fifth book on Managing Community Fear.
Dr. Greenberg currently serves as a Professor of Management at the Johns Hopkins University, School of Education, Division of Public Safety Leadership. For more than a decade, he served as the Associate Dean where he led graduate and undergraduate degree programs and University partnerships with the Police Executive Leadership Program, maintaining partnerships with various organizations including the U.S. Secret Service and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He is also a Board Member of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Accreditation Board.
Prior to Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Greenberg served as Associate Director of the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), a police research organization that provides assistance, support and educational services for law enforcement agencies.
Mr. Chodosh brings 36 years of extensive experience in counterfeit investigation, protective services, credit card fraud investigations and global corporate security to Powhatan Group.
Chodosh is the former Vice President of Medbook Systems, LLC, a healthcare startup that matches clients to rehabilitation facilities. He is also the former President and Founder of Leosa-HR218 Self Defense Protection LLC. In this role, he provided self-defense liability insurance to retired law enforcement officers.
Prior to joining Powhatan Group, Chodosh served as the Corporate Security Manager for The Home Depot Inc., responsible for all external crimes, credit card fraud, workplace violence and organized retail theft in the western US. He is also a former Vice President and Regional Manager for Citigroup Investigative Services responsible for the oversight of credit card fraud investigations in the western U.S. and Pacific regions.
Chodosh began his career as a United States Secret Service Special Agent. In this role, he was responsible for executive protection and protective intelligence for US and foreign dignitaries as well as the investigation of counterfeit U.S. currency and credit card fraud statutes both domestically and internationally. He has specialized experience in the Asia -Pacific region.
Mr. Katana is a celebrated and highly decorated U.S. Navy SEAL Captain and lawyer who previously founded a consulting practice that delivered innovative leadership and organizational development solutions for companies worldwide. Mr. Katana currently serves as Principal Trainer/Advisor for the U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Security Service, Center for Development of Security Excellence. In this role, he is responsible for designing, implementing and managing training, education and leadership development programs for security professionals across the Department of Defense.
To his role at Powhatan Group, Mr. Katana brings a career history of specialization in leadership development, needs assessment and program design together with his proven history of success in developing, implementing and evaluating comprehensive executive development experiences for diverse audiences and clients worldwide.
Mr. Albracht is the former Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Washington D.C. United States Secret Service Office, and Manager of Ford's Executive Security Operations. He provides expert experience in site security assessments and protective advancements.
Prior to joining Powhatan Group, Albracht was responsible for the executive operations and corporate security for Ford Motor Company. He managed oversight of the protection duties that encompassed foreign and domestic travel. Albracht was also responsible for the security at Ford World Headquarters, the Research & Engineering Center, and Ford Flight Ops.
Albracht began his career with the United States Secret Service. Throughout his 25 year tenure with the Secret Service, he protected seven presidents and numerous heads of state and supervised the investigation of significant violations of state and federal law. In addition, he was a Certified Senior Course Instructor at the USSS Training Academy and was the Course Director for the Dignitary Protection Seminar.
Albracht served with the 5th Special Forces in Vietnam and is the recipient of 3 Silver Stars, 5 Bronze Stars, 3 Purple Hearts, 2 Air Medals and several other awards, citations and decorations for distinctive military service.
Mr. Cameron brings expertise in building continuity and business recovery plans and loss prevention measures for both the public and private sectors to his role with Powhatan Group.
Prior to joining Powhatan Group, Cameron was a Former Agent and Division Chief for the U.S. Secret Service Emergency Preparedness Program for the United States Secret Service. He was responsible for developing emergency plans, policies and procedures for all Secret Service offices worldwide. In addition, he provided emergency delegation of authority, safekeeping of vital records, improvisation of emergency acquisition of vital resources and established relocation procedures for essential personnel.
Previously, Cameron was Manager of Corporate Security Service for Dunkin' Brands Inc., where he developed and deployed comprehensive security strategies, including an information protection policy and a business recovery and continuity plan. Cameron was also the former Director of Corporate Security and Asset Protection for Reebok International. While at Reebok, Cameron spearheaded annual risk analysis, business impact analysis and security assessments at domestic and international locations.
Mr. Esposito is the former Deputy Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation and former Member, President's Commission on Integrity and Efficiency (PCIE). He holds extensive experience in corporate due diligence, compliance and anti-corruption programs, and safety and security matters in the government and banking industry.
Prior to joining Powhatan Group, Esposito co-founded Freeh Group International Solutions (FGIS), an independent global risk management firm specializing in investigations and due diligence, business integrity and compliance, and safety and security. Esposito also served as former Director of Corporate Security, Director of Facilities, and Director of Human Resources and Education for MBNA Bank. During his tenure with MBNA, Esposito was a member of MBNA's Management Committee where he maintained oversight for all Administrative Services.
Esposito began his career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and held various management positions within the agency over his 33 year tenure, including Special Agent in charge of the San Diego field office and Assistant Director in Charge of the Criminal Investigative Division. Esposito retired as the Deputy Director, managing the day-to-day operations of the FBI, reporting directly to the Director of the FBI and the Attorney General of the United States.