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.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Jim Emmitt

Jim Emmitt is the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Strategos International, where he plays a critical role in shaping the company’s financial strategy and long-term vision. With a strong background in financial management, he brings unparalleled expertise to the role, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainable growth. Before joining Strategos, Jim served for several years as the CFO for The Kincaid Group, a large family-owned conglomerate of companies. There, he successfully navigated complex financial landscapes, gaining invaluable experience that he brings to his current position.

Away from the spreadsheets and financial statements, Jim’s passions lie in his family and faith, which provide him with a strong foundation in his busy life. When he’s not at the office, he’s often found spending quality time with his loved ones or engaging in community activities related to his church. An avid sports fan, Jim brings the same level of enthusiasm and optimism to his support for Michigan football as he does to his seemingly endless and hopeless optimistic loyalty for the Los Angeles Chargers.

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

Leanda Warren

Leanda began her career with AAFES in Stuttgart, Germany while her husband was serving in the Army. After returning to the US, she worked at Wal-Mart as a Customer Service Manager. When her husband’s career moved them to the Kansas City, MO area in 1985, she worked as a clerk and then Office Manager for the MO State Probation and Parole Office. In 1997, Leanda moved back to the corporate world as Office Manager for AccessMED, a pharmaceutical consulting company in Overland Park, KS. In early 2014, God opened the door for her to join Strategos as the Office Manager.

Executive Assistant

Janet Lowe

Janet Lowe is an Executive Assistant 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.

Accounts Receivable Specialist

Kirstie Gleason

Prior to working for Strategos, Kirstie received her Associates in Arts degree from Blue River Community College, then moved to Pennsylvania and worked as an EMT for three years. She moved back to Kansas City in 2015 and began working for Strategos shortly after. She started her journey as the Assistant to the Office Manager and has since transitioned into her current role as the Accounts Receivable Specialist. She strongly believes in the Strategos Core Values (Excellence, Synergy, Integrity and Humility) and strives to do all things with excellence.

Bookkeeper/AP Specialist

Jennifer Akin

Jennifer works with the Accounting team at Strategos as their Bookkeeper and Accounts Payable Specialist. 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.

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.

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.

Program Manager

Bear McCulley

Bear McCulley’s journey is a testament to his unwavering commitment to service and protection. With five years of experience in the infantry, including Iraq combat deployments, Bear developed a resolute demeanor and a keen sense of responsibility. Transitioning into the realm of law enforcement, he dedicated 14 years to the police force, gaining extensive expertise in ensuring community safety and upholding the law. His remarkable journey led him to a pivotal role within the School Resource Officer (SRO) unit for five years, where he fostered a secure learning environment while building meaningful connections with students.

Today, Bear McCulley is the Program Manager at Strategos International, where his leadership and expertise shine. In his role as the program manager over school protection specialists, he draws upon his multifaceted background to design and implement comprehensive strategies for safeguarding educational institutions. Bear’s deep understanding of both military and law enforcement dynamics, coupled with his years of experience within the SRO unit, uniquely position him to lead this critical initiative. His passion for security, combined with his empathetic approach, continues to make a positive impact on the safety of schools and the well-being of the communities they serve.

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.

Director of Church Security Solutions and Lead Instructor

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 as the Director of 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.

Asst. Director of Chaplaincy & Spanish Church Security Programs

Mark Rivera

Pastor Mark is the Lead Pastor at Riverside Church located in Haverhill, MA and Asst. Director of Chaplaincy & Spanish Church Security Programs for Strategos International.

He formally served as Deputy Director of Youth Services in Massachusetts overseeing 6 juvenile prisons. In addition to his time with DYS he also enjoyed a 7 year career in various law enforcement roles throughout Essex County and Massachusetts.

Mark has been serving as a First Responder Chaplain for the past 5 years. He holds certifications in Advanced Critical Incident and Stress Management, and Advanced Crisis Negotiations. He is a member of the state-wide Peer to Peer Support Unit who offer services to area Police Departments.

Born in Puerto Rico, he has the added benefit of being fluent in both English and Spanish. During his free time he enjoys reading, writing, deep sea fishing, and spending time with his family.

He is a gifted conference speaker and trainer. Topics include: church safety, executive protection, leadership development, organizational management, capital campaigns and church planting. Mark is a graduate of the Massachusetts Criminal Justice Training Council, the Waltham Police Academy and is presently enrolled in a Masters degree program at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary.

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.

Lead Trainer and Business Development

Dr. Tim Young

Dr. Tim Young’s distinguished career in education spans over two decades, having served in multiple
capacities such as instructor, coach, activities director, building administrator and district-level director.
Throughout his career, his dedication to cultivating secure environments has been instrumental in the
expansion and implementation of comprehensive safety initiatives across various levels and
environments.

Dr. Young also played a pivotal role in 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.

Lead Instructor & Business Development

Raashid Brown

Raashid Brown is a seasoned and dynamic leader known for his exceptional skills in security management and leadership. With a passion for ensuring safety and protecting others, he has built an impressive career spanning over a decade in law enforcement and executive security leadership between Dallas, Texas and Kansas City, MO. Currently, Raashid serves as the Executive Director of Safety & Security at one of the fastest growing churches in America. His proactive approach to risk management, crisis response, and emergency preparedness has significantly strengthened organizations and businesses.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Raashid is committed to ongoing personal and professional development. He actively seeks opportunities to expand his knowledge and skills, staying abreast of the latest trends and technologies in security and law enforcement. His unwavering dedication to the safety and well-being of others is a testament to his character and values. With a remarkable track record and a passion for making a difference, Raashid continues to elevate the standards of security management/leadership, leaving a lasting impact wherever he serves.