A Higher Standard of Security

Justin Hale brings over 20 years of leadership in private security to his role as CEO of Citadel Security Group. A former Airborne Infantryman in the U.S. Army, Justin draws on his military background to lead with discipline, accountability, and mission-first focus. 

Since founding Citadel in 2007, Justin has overseen its growth into one of the largest disabled-veteran-owned security firms in the country. Under his leadership, the company has expanded its regional footprint, enhanced its training and compliance programs, and adopted industry-leading technologies to support real-time transparency and operational excellence. Today, Citadel protects more than $4 billion in assets across sectors including healthcare, government, commercial real estate, and critical infrastructure. 

Justin is known for his commitment to developing talent from within and building a culture rooted in service, integrity, and continuous improvement. He launched a leadership development program to help officers advance in their careers and remains actively involved in coaching and mentorship, both inside and outside the organization. 

A past Staff Sergeant and lifelong advocate for community service, Justin also serves on the board of the GP M.A.D.E. Foundation and was named City Year’s 2025 Idealist of the Year for his leadership and impact. 

Ryan Snyder brings more than 30 years of financial leadership to his role as Chief Financial Officer at Citadel Security Group. Since joining the company in April 2025, Ryan has been instrumental in guiding strategic financial planning, operational efficiency, and long-term growth initiatives. 

Ryan began his career at Arthur Andersen and KPMG, where he spent over a decade as a senior manager advising clients on accounting, compliance, and financial operations. His career trajectory spans multiple sectors, including real estate, consumer products, and technology. Most recently, he served for 11 years as CFO of a $2 billion real estate investment trust, overseeing corporate finance, reporting, and capital structure strategy. His experience also includes serving as controller for a $3 billion consumer products firm and helping launch a technology startup as a founding member. 

Ryan earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Missouri–Columbia in 1996. He brings a sharp analytical mindset and steady executive presence to his work at Citadel, supporting the company’s continued expansion with disciplined financial oversight. 

Outside of work, Ryan is deeply engaged in his community. He has served on the boards of several nonprofit organizations, including the Rainbow Center for Communicative Disorders, the Center for Developmentally Disabled, and the Guadalupe Center. He also supports his wife, Dr. Abby, in managing two veterinary clinics they co-own. 

When he’s not working, you can find Ryan on the golf course, out for a run, or spending time with Abby and their two adult children. 

Chris Villalpando brings more than 30 years of leadership experience across law enforcement, private security, and public service to his role as Chief Revenue Officer at Citadel Security Group. Known for his operational discipline and relationship-driven approach, Chris plays a key role in driving strategic growth, strengthening client partnerships, and expanding Citadel’s presence across key markets.

Prior to joining Citadel, Chris served as Founder and CEO of Code 4 Security Services, where he spent nine years building and scaling the organization into a trusted regional provider. Under his leadership, the company developed a strong reputation for integrity, professionalism, reliability, and client-focused service—principles that continue to guide his work today.

Chris began his career in law enforcement, where he developed a deep understanding of risk, response, and operational accountability. He combines that field experience with executive leadership expertise, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership.

At Citadel, Chris focuses on aligning business development with operational execution, ensuring clients receive not only responsive service but also structured, well-managed security programs that support long-term success.

Outside of work, Chris enjoys spending time with his wife of 30 years, Becky, and their three children, Cass, Christian, and Gabrielle. An avid golfer and sports enthusiast, he values competition, teamwork, and continuous improvement both on and off the course.

Walter Chi brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in security operations, strategic planning, and organizational development to his role as Chief Operations Officer at Citadel Security. Known for his disciplined, data-driven approach to leadership, Walter focuses on building high-performing teams, strengthening operational systems, and delivering consistent service across complex security environments.

At Citadel, Walter provides strategic leadership across business and security operations, helping guide the company’s continued growth while reinforcing operational excellence and accountability. His work centers on improving decision-making processes, implementing best-practice operational standards, and ensuring Citadel’s security programs scale effectively while maintaining the professionalism and reliability clients expect.

Prior to joining Citadel, Walter spent 17 years with Securitas Security Services, where he served as Vice President within the Global Clients Americas Division. In that role, he oversaw operational programs supporting national and global clients, including site operations, compliance initiatives, client engagement, and new account transitions. He also contributed to the planning and operational management of major events, including the Masters Golf Championship Tournament and Oracle OpenWorld.

Earlier in his career, Walter served as Director of Training and Operations for the Archangel Group, an anti-terrorism training and consulting firm supporting U.S. military, law enforcement, and government agencies. During that time, he trained SWAT teams and U.S. Army Special Forces in close-quarters tactics and contributed to the assessment team following the Virginia Tech shooting.

Walter holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Boston University. He is Colorado POST certified, a graduate of the British SAS veterans’ bodyguard program, and a member of the Professional Bodyguard Association.

Todd DeJong is a seasoned entrepreneur and executive with a proven track record of building and scaling businesses across the security, healthcare, consulting, and real estate sectors. As Chief Administrative Officer, Todd plays a central role in expanding the company’s footprint, forging strategic partnerships, and driving operational innovation. 

Todd’s career spans multiple industries, unified by a common thread of visionary leadership and business transformation. He founded his first security company with the goal of elevating industry standards through integrity, professionalism, and innovation—principles that continue to guide his work at Citadel. In addition to his security experience, Todd brings a strong background in emergency services, having managed ambulance operations and earned certification as an EMT. 

Prior to his current role, Todd served as a financial advisor with Edward Jones Investments, where he helped individuals and business clients achieve long-term financial goals through tailored planning and investment strategy. He also held corporate recruitment roles, where he oversaw full-cycle talent acquisition efforts for growing organizations. 

An executive MBA graduate from Colorado Technical University, Todd also holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Kentucky. His multidisciplinary background and entrepreneurial spirit make him a dynamic force in Citadel’s continued growth and client-focused evolution. 

Outside the boardroom, Todd is deeply committed to giving back. He has supported numerous charitable efforts, including work with Schools for the Children of the World, and regularly advises nonprofit organizations on business development and fundraising strategy. 

Whether scaling new markets or mentoring emerging leaders, Todd DeJong brings energy, expertise, and a relentless drive to help organizations thrive. 

Jessica DeJong serves as Controller at Citadel Security, bringing over 15 years of experience in operational management, financial oversight, and client services. With a background that spans hospitality, design administration, and security services, she plays a key role in optimizing Citadel’s internal processes and supporting scalable growth. 

Prior to joining Citadel, Jessica led multi-million-dollar project tracking and development initiatives for one of Colorado’s largest resort organizations. There, she managed complex cross-functional teams, streamlined financial workflows, and played a hands-on role in systems integration and technology adoption. Her ability to evaluate both people and processes has consistently led to stronger operational outcomes and improved client satisfaction. 

In her current role, Jessica oversees Citadel’s accounting infrastructure, supports budgeting and reporting, and ensures alignment across departments. Known for her attention to detail and solution-oriented mindset, she is a trusted partner to leadership and a key contributor to Citadel’s operational success. 

Jessica Hale serves as Vice President of Finance at Citadel Security Group, overseeing core financial operations and supporting the company’s long-term strategic goals. With more than 15 years of experience in financial management, Jessica brings deep expertise in payroll, billing, accounts payable and receivable, and collections. 

Jessica began her career with Citadel as a contract manager for one of the firm’s largest clients. Her strong operational acumen, attention to detail, and leadership potential led to a series of promotions that reflect her growing impact on the organization. In her current role, she is responsible for driving financial efficiency, maintaining regulatory compliance, and aligning fiscal strategy with Citadel’s mission of delivering dependable, high-quality security services. 

Known for her hands-on leadership style and cross-functional collaboration, Jessica plays a key role in ensuring that Citadel’s financial operations scale with the company’s rapid growth. Her institutional knowledge and steady approach make her a valued member of the executive team and a trusted steward of the company’s financial health. 

Michael Vermillion brings over 20 years of experience in systems and process integration to his role as Senior Vice President of Integration at Citadel Security Group. He plays a critical role in supporting the company’s continued growth by leading the integration of people, processes, and technology across newly acquired teams and locations.

Michael joined Citadel as part of the Code 4 Security Services acquisition and has been working within the security industry since 2016. He is known for his ability to drive operational efficiency and build scalable systems that support long-term organizational growth. At Citadel, he focuses on ensuring seamless integration across the business, helping maintain consistency, performance, and alignment as the company expands.

Michael holds a degree in Organizational and Innovation Management from Colorado State University and has earned multiple professional certifications in management, leadership, entrepreneurship, and supervision.

Outside of work, Michael enjoys spending time in the mountains, camping at his cabin, and participating in outdoor activities such as kayaking and fishing. He is also an avid sport fisherman and enjoys traveling to Canada for trophy fishing. At home, he spends time with his cat and dog and enjoys staying active.

Brent Jagger is a veteran leader with over 30 years of operational, training, and security expertise across both military and private-sector environments. As Vice President of Operations for the western region at Citadel Security Group, Brent oversees large-scale security programs spanning healthcare, government, transportation, and critical infrastructure—driving operational strategy, workforce readiness, and regional performance. 

Brent’s career began with two decades of service in the U.S. Army, where he held leadership roles as a communications specialist, recruiter, trainer, and paratrooper. After retiring as a combat veteran in 2008, Brent brought his mission-first mindset to Citadel, helping to shape the company’s training programs, compliance protocols, and field operations. 

Since joining Citadel in 2007, Brent has played a pivotal role in scaling complex, multi-site operations. His leadership has supported a diverse portfolio of security deployments, including four regional hospitals, multiple county courthouses, and one of Colorado’s largest county-wide patrol programs. He also developed and led the company’s involvement in major event security, overseeing operations for large-scale music festivals and public venues. 

A certified instructor in firearms, OSHA compliance, CPR/AED, and de-escalation tactics, Brent manages the ongoing training and certification of more than 250 officers across the region. He holds advanced credentials from the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA in emergency planning, incident response, and command systems. 

Known for his decisive leadership and operational discipline, Brent continues to elevate Citadel’s impact through hands-on training, thoughtful mentorship, and a deep understanding of risk in high-pressure environments. His contributions remain central to Citadel’s growth and its reputation as a trusted security partner across the western U.S. 

Clay Langston is a founding member of Citadel Security Group and a seasoned leader with over 18 years of experience in private security operations. Since helping launch the company in 2007, Clay has played a pivotal role in Citadel’s strategic growth across the Midwest and Mountain West, overseeing complex security programs across government, critical infrastructure, residential, and commercial sectors. 

In addition to his leadership at Citadel, Clay currently serves in the U.S. Army, where he has held key responsibilities as a Physical Security Officer and Level II certified Anti-Terrorism Officer (ATO). His military background reinforces his expertise in risk mitigation, regulatory compliance, and site-specific security planning—core pillars of Citadel’s operational approach. 

Clay has directed security operations for a diverse portfolio that includes courthouses, manufacturing facilities, food production plants, large residential communities, and high-traffic commercial centers. He has also served as Security Director for major public events, managing staff deployment, real-time response, and safety coordination at scale. 

A strong advocate for continuous training and certification, Clay holds advanced credentials in crowd management, food defense awareness, and is an NRA-certified firearms instructor. His wide-ranging knowledge and disciplined leadership style make him a trusted partner to clients and a key driver of Citadel’s operational success. 

Albert Duff brings more than 15 years of technology leadership experience to his role as Vice President of Technology Operations at Citadel Security Group. He leads the organization’s technology strategy and technical operations, supporting security services, remote monitoring, and enterprise systems across multiple states.

Albert joined Citadel as part of the Code 4 Security Services acquisition, where he previously served as Vice President of Technology. In that role, he led digital transformation initiatives, implemented advanced analytics, strengthened cybersecurity controls, and aligned technology investments with business growth.

At Citadel, Albert is responsible for the design, deployment, and ongoing management of the company’s Security Operations Center (SOC), video surveillance platforms, access control systems, cybersecurity posture, and supporting IT infrastructure. His work focuses on building scalable, integrated systems that enhance operational visibility, improve response coordination, and support consistent service delivery across all locations.

Earlier in his career, Albert spent over a decade as an IT Project Manager at Broadcastvision Entertainment, where he managed complex infrastructure deployments and large-scale technical projects.

Albert holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from Colorado State University and has completed advanced training in artificial intelligence, information systems management, and network security. He also holds certifications including CompTIA A+ and Network Pro, along with multiple credentials in information systems management, network architecture, and cybersecurity.

Outside of work, Albert enjoys spending time with his family and taking advantage of Colorado’s outdoor lifestyle.

Todd McGuire brings extensive leadership experience in security operations and client service to his role as Regional Vice President at Citadel Security. Known for his steady leadership style and operational discipline, Todd focuses on building strong teams, maintaining high service standards, and ensuring that security programs run reliably across the environments Citadel protects.

At Citadel, Todd oversees regional operations, supporting officers, supervisors, and clients while ensuring security programs are executed with consistency and accountability. His leadership helps strengthen communication between field teams and clients, ensuring that each security program aligns with operational needs and delivers dependable protection.

Todd has spent much of his career leading security teams and managing complex environments where professionalism, responsiveness, and clear procedures are critical. He is recognized for developing strong client relationships and fostering a culture where officers are supported, well-trained, and equipped to perform at a high level.

As Citadel continues expanding its regional presence, Todd plays an important role in maintaining the operational standards and leadership oversight that clients rely on.

Valerie Johnson serves as Director of Recruiting at Citadel Security Group, bringing more than 18 years of experience in talent acquisition, recruiting operations, and human resources leadership. She leads Citadel's recruiting strategy, focusing on attracting, hiring, and onboarding top talent to support the company's continued growth across multiple states.

Valerie joined Citadel as part of the Code 4 Security Services acquisition, where she most recently served as Vice President of Human Resources. Throughout her career, she has held progressive leadership roles, including Recruiting Manager, HR Generalist, and HR Manager, developing extensive expertise in full-cycle recruiting, workforce planning, employee onboarding, and organizational growth.

Known for her relationship-driven leadership style, Valerie partners closely with operations leaders and hiring managers to develop recruiting strategies that meet business needs while creating a positive candidate experience. She is passionate about identifying talent, building high-performing teams, and helping employees begin successful careers with Citadel.

At Citadel, Valerie oversees recruiting operations, hiring initiatives, and workforce planning efforts that support the company's continued expansion while ensuring a consistent and efficient hiring process across all locations.

Outside of work, Valerie enjoys spending time with her husband of 38 years, Jim, their two adult children, and their three granddaughters.

Jennifer Bonder serves as Director of Human Resources at Citadel Security Group, bringing more than 15 years of human resources leadership experience across multiple industries, including security, manufacturing, construction, and oil and gas. She is known for her strategic, people-first approach to human resources, balancing business objectives with employee engagement, compliance, and organizational growth.

Jennifer joined Citadel as Human Resources Manager and was promoted to Director of Human Resources in recognition of her leadership, strategic vision, and commitment to building scalable HR programs that support the company's continued expansion.

At Citadel, Jennifer leads human resources for a multi-state workforce, partnering with executive leadership on compliance, employee relations, organizational development, acquisitions, and scalable HR initiatives that support the company's continued growth. She has extensive experience navigating complex employment matters, developing policies and procedures, strengthening organizational compliance, and implementing HR systems that improve both the employee and manager experience.