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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

With over 15 years of comprehensive HR experience, Jennifer Bonder serves as the Human Resources Manager at Citadel Security USA, where she brings a strategic yet compassionate approach to people operations.

Originally from the Midwest and a proud Colorado transplant since the late 1990s, Jennifer earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and Marketing from Mesa State College. She began her career with a Fortune 500 company in the Denver Metro area, but quickly discovered her passion for supporting small to mid-sized businesses—places where she could make a direct and lasting impact.

Jennifer has built a strong foundation in human resources across the oil and gas, construction, and manufacturing sectors. Her expertise includes aligning HR strategy with business goals, reducing organizational risk, and fostering environments where employees feel seen, heard, and supported.

She leads with transparency, empathy, and a commitment to continuous improvement—believing that trust and clear communication are essential to successful HR leadership.

For Jennifer, safety and service are personal values rooted in her deep family ties to the military and law enforcement. Her role at Citadel is more than a job—it’s a way to honor those values while supporting a mission she believes in.

Jennifer is a certified Professional in Human Resources and an active member of both the Society for Human Resource Management and the Western Colorado Human Resources Association, staying well-versed in evolving employment laws and industry best practices.