Nicholas Bentley

Operations & Security Leader | Program Management | Government Mission Support | TS/SCI Cleared | Army Veteran | Law Enforcement Professional

Wichita, Kansas, United States

About

After more than 20 years in military, law enforcement, and government contracting environments, I've learned that leadership is less about authority and more about building teams, solving problems, and helping organizations succeed through change and uncertainty. My career has taken me from Army infantry deployments to law enforcement and corrections, and ultimately to leading security and operational teams supporting U.S. government missions around the world. Along the way, I've developed a passion for organizational leadership, risk management, emergency preparedness, operational excellence, and continuous improvement. Today, my focus is on expanding beyond traditional security roles and applying my experience to broader program management, operations management, and organizational leadership opportunities. To support that goal, I am pursuing a Master of Science in Management with a graduate certificate in Executive Quality Management, also Google's Project Management Certificate. My educational background includes Security Management, Emergency Management & Business Continuity, and Cybersecurity Forensics complementing more than two decades of real-world leadership and operational experience. I believe the best leaders never stop learning, never stop improving, and never ask others to do what they are unwilling to do themselves.

Experience

  • Protection Specialist at Salient Operations Group
    Jan 2026 - Present · 6 mos

    • Provide close protection and security services for clients in dynamic environments • Conduct counter-surveillance operations and threat assessments to identify vulnerabilities and mitigate potential risks • Perform protective advance planning, site evaluations, and operational coordination to support client safety and mission success • Maintain situational awareness and respond quickly to evolving security concerns while ensuring professionalism and discretion

  • Constellis (On-site)
    • Regional Chief of Security, National Security Division
      Dec 2011 - Present · 14 yrs 7 mos

      • Lead security operations supporting U.S. government missions in overseas and high-risk environments • Supervise personnel, daily operations, access control, emergency response activities, and mission continuity for classified facilities and sensitive programs • Developed and standardized program-wide SOPs, operational documentation, and reporting procedures to improve accountability and operational efficiency • Redesigned employee evaluation and counseling processes, modernizing performance documentation and establishing clearer accountability standards • Coordinated infrastructure upgrades, contractor activities, and physical security enhancements involving CCTV, access control, alarm systems, and secure facilities • Conduct risk assessments, site evaluations, and operational planning to identify vulnerabilities and improve security readiness

    • Security Team Lead
      2016 - 2019 · 3 yrs

      • Supervised and trained security personnel supporting classified government operations in high-threat environments • Coordinated daily operations, contractor activities, and security response procedures to ensure mission continuity and compliance • Managed access control, incident reporting, emergency response coordination, and operational accountability measures • Assisted with facility security upgrades, infrastructure coordination, and implementation of physical security enhancements • Delivered security briefings, operational guidance, and training to improve team readiness and performance

    • Security Operations Specialist
      Dec 2011 - Apr 2016 · 4 yrs 5 mos

      • Supported security operations for U.S. government missions in overseas and high-risk environments • Conducted access control, patrol operations, incident response, and security monitoring for classified facilities and sensitive areas • Assisted with operational planning, emergency response procedures, and mission support coordination • Maintained compliance with security protocols, reporting requirements, and operational standards in dynamic environments • Supported physical security operations involving CCTV systems, access control measures, alarm response, and facility protection • Built a strong operational foundation that led to advancement into leadership and supervisory roles

  • Police Officer at United States Department of Defense
    Apr 2009 - Jun 2012 · 3 yrs 3 mos

    • Conducted law enforcement, force protection, and security operations within secure military installations and government facilities • Responded to emergencies, investigations, security incidents, and high-risk situations while ensuring compliance with federal regulations and installation procedures • Served on the Emergency Services Team (EST), supporting tactical response operations, high-risk incidents, and crisis management activities • Managed access control, patrol operations, incident reporting, and protection of restricted and sensitive areas • Coordinated with military leadership and emergency personnel to support operational readiness and installation security

  • Corrections Officer at Kansas Department of Corrections
    Mar 2006 - May 2009 · 3 yrs 3 mos

    • Maintained safety and security operations within Kansas’ largest correctional facility through inmate supervision, incident response, and security enforcement • Selected for the Special Operations Response Team (SORT) to support high-risk incidents, emergency response operations, and tactical security activities • Conducted security searches, transportation operations, vulnerability assessments, and emergency response procedures • Coordinated with local and federal agencies to support operational effectiveness and maintain institutional safety • Delivered training and operational support involving less-lethal systems, emergency procedures, and crisis response activities

  • Infantryman at United States Army
    Jan 2001 - Feb 2006 · 5 yrs 2 mos

    • Led infantry personnel in high-tempo operational environments, supervising mission execution, training, and team accountability • Coordinated convoy operations, patrol activities, site security, and operational planning during overseas combat deployments • Managed personnel scheduling, training development, counseling, and performance evaluations for subordinate team members • Supported mission readiness through operational coordination, risk assessment, and tactical planning activities • Served in overseas combat operations supporting U.S. military objectives and security missions