Executive BiosDebby G. Levy - Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer
Today, Debby Levy owns both Levy Security Corporation and Premier Security Corporation, in Chicago, Illinois and serves both organizations as Chairperson and CEO. In 2006, Ms. Levy was recognized as the "Woman Business Owner of the Year" by the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO/Chicago). She also holds a Certificate of Membership, and is an active member, in the Women's Business Enterprise Initiative ("WBE"), the National Association of Female Executives, NAWBO, and the American Society for Industrial Security ("ASIS"). As a woman-owned business, Levy Security Corporation has been listed several times in both Crain's Chicago Business and Working Woman 500 as one of Chicago's top woman owned businesses. In addition, Ms. Levy was awarded the Women's Business Enterprise Initiative Member of the Year Award for 1997. Ms. Levy is active in several community related programs. She volunteers and actively supports the American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association. James C. Taff, CPP - President
In his role of President, Mr. Taff is actively involved at the leadership level of the many facets of this fast growing security company. These responsibilities include field operations, client retention and customer relationship management, training initiatives, policy development, investigations, and security assessment. His expertise ranges across a broad scope of property and facility types – to include commercial, retail, residential and hospital related security. Mr. Taff holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Iowa in Sociology with an emphasis in Criminal Justice. While in college, Mr. Taff interned for the Special Prosecutions Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington D.C.. He is currently pursuing his Master’s degree in Business and Organizational Security Management from Webster University. He is among a select few security industry executives who have been awarded the designation of "Certified Protection Professional" (CPP) by the Professional Certification Board of the ASIS International. He is licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) as a Private Security Contractor and Private Detective. He makes significant contributions to the Chicago business community by his active involvement in various security related organizations, an example being his current service on Emergency Preparedness Committee for the Greater North Michigan Avenue Association. Mr. Taff has authored several security articles and continues to be a recognized expert in the security field. Tony Simmons, CPP, CHS-V - Chief Operating Officer
Mr. Simmons holds a BS degree in Behavioral Sciences from Pacific Western University. He has been awarded the designation of "Certified Protection Professional" (CPP) by the Professional Certification Board of ASIS International. He is board certified in homeland security at the highest level (CHS-V) by the American Board for Certification in Homeland Security. He currently serves on the ABCHS Curriculum Committee reviewing national training initiatives for homeland security certification and on the ABCHS National Awards Committee. In 2007, he was awarded Diplomate status with the American Board for Certification in Homeland Security in recognition of his contributions to homeland security and to the certification program. Mr. Simmons is a member of the American College of Forensic Examiners International, The American Board for Certification in Homeland Security, ASIS International, the Illinois Security Chiefs Association, the Illinois Chiefs of Police Association and the Executives' Club of Chicago. Steven Forrestal - Chief Financial Officer
Prior to joining Levy, Mr. Forrestal held senior level financial and process management positions for over twenty years within various industries. Specifically, Mr. Forrestal has provided financial leadership for both the service and product arenas by his experience within the manufacturing, publishing and consulting industries on a local and global basis. His ability to understand the client’s needs provides a clear direction to both Levy Security and its clients by establishing goals and initiatives that deliver results. Mr. Forrestal’s education includes a Bachelors degree in Accounting from Marist College and an MBA in Finance from the New York Institute of Technology. In addition, Mr. Forrestal brings certification as a Six Sigma Green Belt, reflecting his expertise in both process and financial management. Cathy Penrod - Vice President of Sales & Marketing
Ms. Penrod attended Missouri Southern University and has extensive experience designing and implementing staffing programs for Chicago area businesses. Her “hands-on approach” with clients and colleagues have resulted in a proven record of long term client relationships and continued market growth. In her current role, Ms. Penrod uses her consultative approach to identify and deliver security solutions which builds long-term customer relationships. |
Steve Forrestal is the Chief Financial Officer for Premier Security Corporation. In his role, he is responsible for Accounting, Finance, Payroll, Treasury and Human Resources.
Cathy Penrod is an award winning professional with over twenty years experience in sales and senior management. In her role as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Premier Security Corporation, Ms. Penrod is responsible for corporate marketing and communication, strategic business development, client acquisition and client relationship management.