Security Expert - Retired US Secret Service

Specialties & Experience of this Expert Witness

Additional Information

With an extensive career as a police officer, Secret Service agent, Senior Director of Security for the NBA, and security advisor, G. Michael Verden understands how to apply security best practices to your unique setting to safeguard people, property, and assets. Mike’s project management experience includes leading engagements with Fortune 100 companies, hospitals, higher education, professional sports, financial services, wealth management, family offices, high net worth individuals (HNWI), commercial real estate, manufacturing plants, industrial sites, corporate headquarters, pharmaceutical, cannabis (medical and retail), and residential security. Mike employs methodologies learned in a 21-year career as an agent for the United States Secret Service protecting the President, First Lady, and other heads of state and large-scale events such as the Olympics and the Super Bowl to every engagement. He understands how to identify vulnerabilities and implement proper risk management techniques to offer the appropriate level of protection—without adversely affecting your culture. Throughout his career, Mike has gained unique perspectives on how to work with law enforcement, first responders, and private sector partners to evaluate physical, technical, procedural, and personnel security and conduct security assessments to determine what you’re doing well and where you’re exposed to risk—resulting in a best-in-class security program. As a Senior Vice President/Managing Director and the first employee hired by Hillard Heintze, Mike directed the Strategic Security Services for the firm by providing strategic thought leadership, trusted counsel, and end-to-end services to public and private corporations, government agencies, and major public service organizations. In his capacity as Senior Director of Security for the NBA, Mike managed and coordinated global security and designed and implemented site security measures, emergency evacuation programs, and contingency procedures. He was responsible for monitoring all NBA criminal investigations and security-related incidents throughout the league. He also implemented and supervised security for the NBA All-Star Game, NBA Finals, and the FIBA World Championships. Mike was a Special Agent with the United States Secret Service for 21 years and finished his career as the Assistant Special Agent in Charge for the Dignitary Protective Division at USSS Headquarters in Washington, D.C. This assignment allowed him to be an event coordinator for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City and a security adviser to the 2003 and 2004 Super Bowls. He was also assigned to the Presidential Protective Division, where he was responsible for protecting the President and First Lady, and the Counter Assault Team. His major event experience provides an institutional knowledge in securing and protecting facilities and people on a large scale. Additionally, he assisted with creating security plans for major events including the Super Bowl, Kentucky Derby, Indianapolis 500, Breeders’ Cup, and the Women’s Soccer World Cup. Mike is the Second Vice President on the Board for the Illinois Security Professionals Association (ISPA) and on the Detective Board for the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Mike is a member of the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Security Council, American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS), Association of Former Agents of the United States Secret Service (AFAUSSS),), International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police (ILACP), Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), and International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS). Mike currently holds an Illinois Private Security Contractor License (119001167) and Illinois Private Detective License (115001986).