Our Team

Chief Operations Officer

Nick Spencer

Whether it be in the boardroom, on a battlefield, or within his community, Nick Spencer isn’t just the Chief Operations Officer at Strategos International; he’s a seasoned leader whose career arc is a testament to resilience, skill, and the ability to adapt in rapidly changing environments. From the unforgiving terrains of Bosnia and Iraq, where he served as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army, to the unpredictable streets as a patrol officer and tactical team leader in Missouri, Nick’s journey is an inspiring blend of courage and ingenuity. At Strategos, his rapid rise through the ranks—from Project Manager to Vice President of Operations to his current position as C.O.O.—underscores his relentless pursuit of operational excellence and an uncanny knack for building high-performance teams.

Off the clock, Nick switches gears but not intensity. Whether it’s embarking on family adventures with his wife, Nikki, and their two spirited children or fulfilling dreams as wish granters for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Nick approaches life with the same zest and commitment that has characterized his professional journey.

VP of Business Development

Myron Ashley

Myron emerges as a distinguished executive and accomplished pilot, weaving a narrative of leadership, innovation, and unwavering devotion to family. His expertise spans business management and aviation, seamlessly blending professional prowess with personal dedication.

In his current capacity as the VP of Business Development at Strategos International, Myron assumes a pivotal role in sculpting the company’s growth trajectory. Harnessing his extensive experience, he identifies nascent opportunities, nurtures strategic alliances, and spearheads forays into untapped markets.

The narrative of Myron’s extraordinary career, punctuated by his aviation prowess and familial commitments, presents a holistic persona. His proficiency in leadership, propensity for innovation, and capacity to inspire serve as a testament to his unwavering commitment to both professional excellence and deeply cherished personal values.

Office Manager

Janet Lowe

Janet Lowe is the Office Manager at Strategos International, where she specializes in supporting C-level executives. With a Master’s degree in Education, Janet was a special education teacher prior to joining the Strategos team. She excels in office management, multitasking, and communications, effectively juggling complex calendars, travel coordination, and report preparation.

Highly skilled in Microsoft Office Suite and database management, Janet’s commitment to excellence and ability to anticipate executive needs make her an invaluable asset to Strategos. Outside of work she is actively involved in her community through service at Abundant Life Church in Blue Springs, MO.

Accounting Manager

Jennifer Akin

Jennifer works at Strategos as their Accounting Manager. Jennifer has also been involved in various accounting related projects to include traveling to Florida to work with the Florida Department of Emergency Management during the COVID-19 response.

Proposal Development Manager

Krista Mansfield

Krista Mansfield is a highly skilled professional currently serving as the Proposal Development Manager for Strategos International. With a robust background in proposal writing, marketing, and legal services, Krista holds a Certified Foundation-level Accreditation for Proposal Management Professionals (CF APMP), showcasing her expertise in the field. She is adept at developing and delivering compelling, winning proposals and has a proven track record in managing complex projects. Krista’s educational background in Communication Studies and Public Relations from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of Missouri-Kansas City respectively, provides a solid foundation for her exceptional communication and organizational skills. Outside of work, Krista has a passion for running and has successfully completed two marathons. Her dedication to training and perseverance in achieving her personal goals mirrors the commitment and drive she brings to her professional life. Whether on the racecourse or in the office, Krista consistently pushes herself to excel and deliver her best.

Manager – Firearms Training Division

Todd Burke

Todd Burke has served for 35-years as a police officer, firefighter, and paramedic in both career and volunteer capacities as a line officer, supervisor, and chief officer. He holds a wide variety of certifications and instructor’s credentials, he is a Certified Police Specialist and Generalist Instructor with the Missouri Department of Public Safety, he has had numerous articles published in professional journals, and he has offered expert witness testimony in high-profile felony and capital crime prosecutions. Todd helps organizations and individuals realize their training needs and objectives and then exceed those requirements with a cadre of talented and experienced staff.

Director of Training

Gabe Coale

Gabe Coale is the Director of Training for Strategos International. Gabe is from Southwest Missouri and a graduate of Missouri Southern State University. Gabe came to Strategos after 20+ years in Law Enforcement, spending the last 16 years with the Independence (MO) Police Department. During his tenure at IPD, Gabe spent over a decade on the SWAT team, served as the Sniper Team Leader, and a lead Instructor for the Department in Firearms and Tactics. Gabe finished out his law enforcement career with IPD in the Criminal Investigations Unit where he was assigned to the Gun Squad as a Federal Task Force Officer.

Security Services Manager

Brandon Bird

Brandon Bird is a dedicated professional known for his expertise in security services. With a background as a Navy Corpsman for over 5 years, including 3 years serving with Marine Corps units, Brandon has honed his skills in critical situations. He furthered his education with college courses in Business Management, which have contributed to his success as the Security Services Manager at Clarence M Kelley and Associates.

In addition to his role as Security Services Manager, Brandon is the FPV Drone Operator at Strategos International and is responsible for capturing and documenting training sessions. He collaborates closely with the marketing team to produce dynamic footage that enhances both training and promotional content. His work in this area brings a modern and innovative approach to how security and safety protocols are recorded, reviewed, and presented to a broader audience.

Brandon’s commitment to safety and preparedness extends beyond his professional responsibilities. With a passion for sharing knowledge, he has served as an assistant instructor in Firearms and Civilian Casualty Care (CCC). During his time in the military, he excelled in teaching Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) and Combat Lifesaver (CLS) techniques.

Brandon’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that preparation and continuous learning are the keys to success.

Director of Special Projects

Chris Farrell

Chris Farrell is currently the Director of Special Projects for our organization. Working primarily within the security and protection verticals, he consults with clients and recommends protective security solutions. He is a Marine Corps veteran that has served honorably and faithfully and led Marines in combat operations in Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. Chris holds a bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management and Homeland Security, is a Certified Protection Officer and has been recognized as a Situation Awareness Specialist.

Director Of School Safety And Security Solutions

Steve Anderson

501.617.4718

Prior to joining Strategos, Steve served 38 years as a teacher, coach and administrator in Arkansas public schools. The last 13 years he served as superintendent of the state’s 20th largest district. Throughout his administrative career, he made school safety and security his number one priority and has made many presentations on school security. His school district was visited by the President’s Commission on School Safety due to it’s unique approach to school safety & security. In addition to other school leadership responsibilities, Steve served as a Commissioned School Security Officer in the district for 17 years.
His positive experience as a satisfied repeat Strategos Client led him to join the Strategos Team after his retirement in 2019. His role is to help schools identify ways to improve safety & security through staff training and assessing campus security.

Brand Manager

Kyle Baker

Kyle Baker serves as the Brand Manager for Strategos International, a leading organization specializing in safety and security solutions. In this multifaceted role, Kyle is instrumental in upholding and enhancing the company’s brand identity. He wears multiple hats, from providing E-learning support and managing social media platforms to extending customer support and overseeing logistics. His expertise ensures a seamless and enriching experience for both clients and the community.

Beyond his professional responsibilities, Kyle has a deep-seated passion for playing and coaching high school basketball. He finds immense fulfillment in mentoring young men through coaching, helping them grow not only as athletes but also as responsible and ambitious individuals. This holistic approach to development mirrors his own versatile skill set and commitment to excellence, making him a valuable asset to both Strategos International and the community he serves.

Creative Director

Tim Peterson

Tim Peterson is a dedicated and experienced professional who has spent over two and a half decades as a successful business owner. His entrepreneurial journey has not only provided him with valuable leadership skills but has also shaped his strong work ethic and commitment to excellence. As a former law enforcement reserve officer and medical first responder, he has demonstrated a deep sense of responsibility and a keen understanding of community service and public safety, which he now applies to his role in Church Security Solutions at Strategos. Tim leverages his business and public safety experience to help ensure the safety and well-being of congregations across the US. As Security Director at his home church, Tim takes on the important responsibility of preserving a secure environment for comfort and refuge, worship and learning, and sharing the Gospel.

Tim’s faith serves as a cornerstone in his life, guiding his actions, decisions, and interactions with others. Tim treasures his role as a loving father and grandfather, and celebrates over three decades of a happy and fulfilling marriage. His commitment to family values is mirrored in his dedication to the safety and well-being of the church community, as he strives to create an environment where all can worship in peace.

Lead Trainer and Business Development

Dr. Travis Hux

Dr. Travis Hux led the response to three active shooter events during his career. In 2010 a homicide
occurred where a mother was gunned down in front of her children, as well as students who were
boarding the bus. In 2014 a homicide/hostage situation occurred at the entry of the alternative school
during morning drop off. In 2018, during a middle school track meet, an armed assailant began shooting
from the parking lot. Thankfully, during each of these tragic events, no students or staff were harmed.
Dr. Hux’s distinguished career spans 25 years, 21 of which were in impactful administrative roles such as
school superintendent. Dr. Hux has left an indelible mark on education systems, particularly in the realm
of school safety. His commitment to fostering secure learning environments led to the implementation of a
comprehensive range of safety initiatives that address prevention, mitigation, and response. His tireless
efforts to develop and execute comprehensive safety protocols have not only enhanced the security of
educational environments but have also set a benchmark for proactive, responsive, and effective
emergency management within the education sector.