Chris E. Shelton
Hernando
Summary
Enterprise Compliance & Governance Executive with more than 30 years of progressive leadership spanning local law enforcement, federal law enforcement, and private enterprise. Proven record of developing nationally significant regulatory programs, leading enterprise-scale operations, strengthening governance frameworks, and building high-performing organizations in highly regulated environments. Recognized for translating complex regulatory requirements into practical operational strategies while fostering organizational accountability, compliance, and measurable business performance. Trusted advisor to executive leadership and Congressional stakeholders with extensive experience managing multimillion-dollar budgets, enterprise assets, and geographically dispersed teams.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
VICE PRESIDENT
MSA Security/Enhanced Protection Services
Memphis
10.2019 - Current
- Provide executive leadership for TSA-regulated aviation security programs, enterprise compliance initiatives, operational strategy, client engagement, and business expansion.
- Drive organizational performance through strategic planning, technology implementation, regulatory compliance, and cross-functional leadership while supporting sustained business growth.
- Direct enterprise security operations supporting more than 170 operating locations across the United States while leading 400 security professionals and maintaining accountability for organizational assets exceeding $50 million.
- Directed enterprise compliance efforts to ensure adherence to TSA regulatory requirements, strengthening operational consistency across nationwide security programs.
- Cultivated executive-level partnerships with government agencies, Fortune 500 clients, and industry stakeholders to advance organizational objectives and enhance regulatory initiatives.
- Led development of strategic plans to maximize effectiveness of security operations, collaborating with industry partners to implement plans from conception to execution.
- Presented emerging industry concerns to congressional representatives and committees, while partnering with a lobbyist group to provoke positive industry changes.
Supervisory Air Marshal in Charge
DHS/TSA/Federal Air Marshal Service
San Antonio
01.2015 - 10.2019
- Spearheaded development of a congressionally mandated aviation security screening program, incorporating activities across government agencies and commercial industries to develop a security standard.
- Entrusted to deliver congressional-level security briefings and advisory services as a subject matter expert on security planning and risk mitigation.
- Led more than 300 personnel in delivering targeted security support to 400 locations.
- Designed comprehensive security team and canine screening training for more than 100 federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
- Maintained accountability and operability of infrastructure valued at $30M.
- Meticulously managed $20M annual operating budget.
- Evaluated program policies, standards, and guidelines for effectiveness, identifying opportunities for growth and operational efficiency.
- Partnered with the US Army Corps of Engineers to build 7 training facilities to support the DHS/TSA mission.
Assistant Supervisory Air Marshal in Charge
DHS/TSA/Federal Air Marshal Service
Chicago
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Directed more than 200 personnel in conducting worldwide security operations, developed strategic plans and deployed teams to assess, address, and mitigate potential risks and threats to transportation systems and travelers.
- Ensured compliance of all operations with regulatory standards and agency policy to uphold safety and security.
- Introduced processes that enabled real-time visibility of all personnel as they carried out global missions.
- Designed procedures and protocol to optimize mission outcomes.
- Cultivated relationships with Federal Law Enforcement agencies in the region to enhance information sharing and operational support.
- Compiled detailed reports to document incidents and investigations, enhancing situational awareness and response strategies.
Supervisory Federal Air Marshal
DHS/TSA/Federal Air Marshal Service
Seattle
03.2008 - 01.2014
- Skillfully directed an inaugural Visible Intermodal Intervention and Response team charged with partnering with agencies throughout the U.S. to safeguard the country’s transportation infrastructure from terrorist acts.
- Led small and large teams in conducting security threat site assessments at transportation venues nationwide, identifying vulnerabilities and recommending corrective actions.
- Supervised and trained personnel in Armed Security Officer program, strengthening aviation security protocols.
- Fostered cohesive performance in high-pressure team environment, enhancing operational effectiveness.
- Executed complex internal investigations to uphold agency integrity and ensure accountability.
- Forged collaborative relationships with dozens of federal, state, and local agencies, enabling elevated security measures for both transportation venues and high-traffic events.
- Promoted through a series of administrative and operational leadership roles.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
American Military University
Charles Town, WVCustoms and Border Protection Leadership Institute -
University of Maryland
College Park, MDDuke Corporate Education -
Duke Corporate Education
Durham, NCSkills
- Aviation Security Management
- Enterprise Compliance & Governance
- Enterprise Risk Management
- Regulatory Strategy and Policy
- Strategic Planning & Execution
- Crisis & Incident Management
- Operational Security Strategy
- Budget and Asset Management
- Corporate Investigations
- Security Technology Solutions
- Executive Leadership
- Organizational Transformation
- Stakeholder & Government Relations
- Ethics & Integrity Programs
- Executive Briefings
Earlier Relevant Experience
- DHS/TSA/Federal Air Marshal Service, Seattle, WA, 01/01/02, 01/01/08
- Senior Patrol Officer, Anchorage Police Department, Anchorage, AK, 01/01/91, 01/01/02
Academic Leadership Training
- Customs and Border Protection Leadership Institute, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
- Duke Corporate Education, Durham, NC
Recognition Highlights
- DHS Secretary Meritorious Service Silver Medal, DHS Secretary K. Nielsen
- Letter of Recognition, TX Congressman W. Hurd
- Letter of Recognition, TSA Administrator P. Neffenger
- Letter of Recognition, DHS Deputy Secretary C. Grady
- Letter of Recognition, Federal Air Marshal Director R. Bray
- Letter of Recognition, Federal Air Marshal Assistant Director J. Novak
- Federal Employee Honoree, Seattle Executive Board
- Letter of Recognition, South Coast British Columbia Police Service
- Letter of Recognition, Phoenix Police Department
- Letter of Recognition, Port of Seattle Police Department
- Letter of Recognition, Nampa Idaho Police Department
- Letter of Recognition, Idaho Federal Security Director
- Letter of Recognition, Hawaii Federal Security Director
- Letter of Recognition, 202d Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division
- Letter of Recognition, King County Washington Sheriff
- Top Gun Award, FLETC
- Distinguished Weapons Expert, FITP-FLETC
- Most Wanted Partner or Backup Award, FLETC
- Chief’s Letter of Recognition, Anchorage Police Department
- Lifesaving Award, Anchorage Police Department
- Meritorious Conduct Award, Anchorage Police Department
- Canine Team of The Year, Anchorage Police Department
- Citation, Alaska State Legislature
Select Award
Department of Homeland Security Secretary’s Meritorious Service Silver Medal, 2018, In recognition of exemplary leadership in developing a new government security screening program, effectively partnering with airlines, cargo companies, airline/cargo associations, and private security companies.
Executive Highlights
- Led implementation of a Congressionally mandated National Air Cargo Security Program, establishing a national aviation security standard through collaboration with government agencies, airlines, cargo carriers, and private industry.
- Direct enterprise security operations supporting 170+ operating locations, 350 personnel, and accountability for more than $50 million in organizational assets.
- Delivered 66% revenue growth by expanding security operations through strategic client development, operational planning, and organizational growth initiatives.
- Maintained 100% compliance with TSA-regulated aviation security requirements while strengthening operational performance across enterprise operations.
- Managed annual operating budgets exceeding $20 million while directing national security programs and complex organizational initiatives.
- Regularly briefed Congressional committees, Department of Homeland Security executives, and industry leaders on aviation security, enterprise risk, and national program implementation.
- Awarded the Department of Homeland Security Secretary's Meritorious Service Silver Medal for exemplary leadership in developing a nationally significant government security program.
Executive Profile
Enterprise Compliance & Governance Executive with more than 30 years of progressive leadership spanning local law enforcement, federal law enforcement, and private enterprise. Proven record of developing nationally significant regulatory programs, leading enterprise-scale operations, strengthening governance frameworks, and building high-performing organizations in highly regulated environments. Recognized for translating complex regulatory requirements into practical operational strategies while fostering organizational accountability, compliance, and measurable business performance. Trusted advisor to executive leadership and Congressional stakeholders with extensive experience managing multimillion-dollar budgets, enterprise assets, and geographically dispersed teams., Enterprise Compliance & Governance, Enterprise Risk Management, Regulatory Strategy & Policy, Executive Leadership, Organizational Transformation, Strategic Planning & Execution, Corporate Security Operations, Ethics & Integrity Programs, Crisis & Incident Management, Stakeholder & Government Relations, Budget & Asset Management, Corporate Investigations, Physical Security, Technology Integration, Executive Briefings, Top Secret
Timeline
VICE PRESIDENT
MSA Security/Enhanced Protection Services
10.2019 - Current
Supervisory Air Marshal in Charge
DHS/TSA/Federal Air Marshal Service
01.2015 - 10.2019
Assistant Supervisory Air Marshal in Charge
DHS/TSA/Federal Air Marshal Service
01.2014 - 01.2015
Supervisory Federal Air Marshal
DHS/TSA/Federal Air Marshal Service
03.2008 - 01.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
American Military University
Customs and Border Protection Leadership Institute -
University of Maryland
Duke Corporate Education -
Duke Corporate Education