Andrew Pappas brings years of diverse experience in the areas of personal and corporate security, investigations and business management. He has consulted extensively with corporations, public figures, individuals and governmental agencies to provide expertise in security planning and evaluation. His general business background, along with his extensive focus on modern risk management techniques and technology, makes him an industry-recognized resource. Pappas has instructed corporate employees and individuals in a wide range of topics, including risk assessment, violence prevention, retail theft deterrence, terrorism awareness and more. A graduate of Loyola University Chicago, his certifications include personal protection, self-defense, defensive driving, investigations, counter-terrorist training, firearms instruction and others.

One of the most important benchmarks in the security industry is the trust placed in Pappas by recognized experts in the field. He has earned the respect and cooperation of such organizations as the United States Secret Service, Department of State, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Federal Emergency Management Agency and has participated with these agencies in investigations, consulting, training and protection details.

The Democratic National Convention hired Pappas to provide service and consulting for four of its most critical high-profile operations:

Credentials Center - Designed and implemented alarm and control systems that insured the safety and distribution of the credentials used to access the Convention Center. This included providing 24-hour armed security coverage.

Hyatt Hotel / Democratic National Convention Committee Headquarters and accommodations. At this site Pappas coordinated controlled access to the critical areas of staff offices and information. He assured the integrity not only of the headquarters offices but also floors occupied by Chairmen Fowler and Dodd.

Sheraton Hotel/ Clinton/Gore ‘96 Campaign offices. Pappas ensured the safety and confidential nature of information systems used throughout the offices. He also coordinated 24- hour coverage to prevent physical harm to individuals and property.

Celebration Committee – Pappas worked in conjunction with the Secret Service and Federal Explosives Team to coordinate the placement and security of balloons, confetti, banners and other items used in the “Gala Event,” President Clinton’s acceptance speech. Throughout the convention he interfaced with various local, state and Federal agencies to ensure security.

When it comes to Personal Protection, Pappas’ greatest endorsement is the fact that he provided protection for 10 incident-free years to the internationally known human rights leader, Reverend Jesse L. Jackson. Lesser public figures have been embarrassed, injured and even killed when their personal security failed to live up to the requirements of the job, making all the more remarkable Pappas’ performance on Reverend Jackson’s behalf . He has earned a distinguished reputation for providing discreet and effective personal protection services and training for the staffs of presidential candidates, foreign heads of state and entertainment celebrities for Universal Pictures, PolyGram and other film and music producers. Pappas has not only provided protection for individuals but is often engaged to evaluate and train a client’s existing personal protection staff.

When TriStar Pictures filmed its hit film “My Best Friend’s Wedding” on location in Chicago, Pappas was chosen for his discretion to secure its Oscar-winning star, Julia Roberts. Just as importantly, his expertise was used to ensure secure escort for the film “dailies” because its loss or damage would set back the production and cost untold millions of dollars. He also consulted on set security and physical risk management. Primary among the qualifications for this assignment: discretion, vigilance and the ability to plan and execute day in, day out.

General Abdulsalami Abubakar, the former president of Nigeria, brought his family and entourage to Chicago and on to a goodwill tour of the United States. His government chose Pappas to provide necessary protection because they determined he knew the lay of the land, had experience working with high-ranking government officials and had the necessary social skills and presence of mind to deal with cultural differences and political disruptions.

Outlined below are a few other highlights of Pappas’ career:

Safeway Corporation, a major grocery retailer, needed help assessing and improving their loss prevention programs. They needed somebody perceptive enough to find the problems and skillful enough to solve them by creating new and more effective ways of handling store, warehouse and corporate office security.

The Harris Bank, one of Chicago’s leading financial institutions, needed to update and upgrade the training of its private security force in techniques of detention and use of force; they knew that practical experience was important. What’s more, they needed training that would reinforce their policies and would not be just another watered-down version of something out of a law enforcement manual.

The Chicago Public Library was concerned that it’s showplace facility, the Harold Washington Library, could be a target for terrorists and wanted its security force to sharpen its skills they hired Pappas. He conducted training seminars for their security force, bringing a broad view, knowledge of current law and the practical experience to help their officers understand the methods and destructive potential of political terrorists.

Department of the Navy at the Great Lakes Naval Base engaged Pappas to train and provide armed security for control of ingress and egress. On that site he also was given responsibility fo protecting the real property, inventory, personal safety and center computers for the United States Selective Service clearinghouse.

Federal Aviation Administration in Aurora, Illinois utilized his expertise in providing protective and consulting services for the world’s largest air traffic control center.

Clients on this list could have taken their pick of any number of people to conduct training, provide personal protection, consulting services and investigative services or develop programs on topics as diverse as personal protection, risk management, investigations, writing effective incident reports and emergency response in time of disaster.

They chose Andrew Pappas.