OUR PEOPLE

Scott Stewart is a seasoned protective intelligence practitioner with over four decades of analytical, investigative, and security experience. Scott led Stratfor’s global analysis of terrorism and security topics from 2004 to 2020. Before joining Stratfor, he was a special agent with the U.S. State Department for 10 years and was involved in hundreds of terrorism, protective intelligence, and criminal investigations.

Scott was the lead State Department investigator assigned to the 1993 World Trade Center bombing and the follow-up New York City bomb plot. He also led a team of American agents assisting the Argentine investigation of the 1992 bombing of the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires and was involved in investigations following a series of attacks and attempted attacks against U.S. diplomatic targets by the Iraqi intelligence service during the first Gulf War.

Scott is regularly featured in leading media outlets, including The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, CNN International, NPR, Reuters, USA Today, The Associated Press, World Magazine, Fox News, Discovery Channel, and Time magazine. He is the author of “The Protective Intelligence Advantage.”

Christopher Sanchez has 22 years of experience in the fields of national security, crisis management, forensic investigations, advance threat protection, and site vulnerability assessments. He is currently a Vice President with TorchStone Global and assists clients in all industries to include business, financial, legal, regulatory, and reputational risk.

Mr. Sanchez specializes in conducting site security advances and criminal investigations, as well as physical, threat, and vulnerability assessments to include protective intelligence investigations. He also assists clients in achieving their desired level of protection in accordance with the Department of Homeland Security’s SAFETY Act. Christopher helps professional sports teams manage threats and increase opportunities to teams, players, ownership organizations, and events by integrating key capabilities to help sports organizations and event venues manage threats to their brand, their teams, and their fans.

Previously, Mr. Sanchez was a Managing Director for the Mintz Group and a Director with PwC in the Global Intelligence Practice where he led PwC’s Sports Intelligence team as well as the Enterprise Physical Security practices. Christopher was a Special Agent for the United States Secret Service, where he investigated crimes against the government, acts of terrorism, and spent 5 years on the Presidential Protection Detail. Christopher has conducted multiple security advances for the first family, both domestically and internationally, throughout Europe and the Middle East.

Howard Snyder is a multilingual security and operations executive with more than 30 years of experience across Asia, specializing in protective intelligence, event security, crisis management, and corporate communications. Fluent in Japanese and Chinese, he has a proven record of leading multicultural teams and executing complex, high-stakes initiatives on time and within budget. Before TorchStone, Mr. Snyder spent 15 years at The Coca-Cola Company in a series of senior leadership roles, most notably as Director of Risk Management for China and Korea. At Coca-Cola he directed security planning for the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Japan and Korea and the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Mr. Snyder holds a Master of Arts from the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) at Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Arts in East Asian Languages and Cultures from Columbia University.

Whit Darnell is a Vice President and principal security risk management advisor for TorchStone Global. Mr. Darnell had a distinguished twenty-five year career with the FBI where he served in a variety of investigative, executive protection, training, and security leadership roles, including Unit Chief of the FBI’s Hostage and Rescue Team.

Mr. Darnell is well known for building and motivating cross-functional, diverse teams that exceed performance expectations. Through his vast experience as a trainer and lecturer with the FBI, he knows how to develop people, and he has continually demonstrated the ability to work under extreme pressure in high profile and rapidly changing situations and operates at the highest level of professionalism and discretion.

Mr. Darnell has extensive experience in developing comprehensive security programs, risk identification and mitigation, and crisis response in both the public and private sector. Examples of his experience include security planning at major speaking events and conferences for VIPs, US Presidential candidates, and US Government Senior Cabinet Level Officials. His expertise also extends to the sporting world, and he has worked closely with the Special Events Division at the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department to safely plan and deliver events such as the NCAA College Football’s Music City Bowl, Tennessee Titan’s football games and the Nashville Predators hockey games.

Since entering the private sector, Mr. Darnell has been Director of Security for a high-net-worth client, managing and sourcing a team of 24 executive protection personnel on a 24/7, 365 day-a-year basis. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing and managing threat identification and mitigation, strategic planning and analysis, incident management and response, training & skill development and external liaison.

Mr. Darnell maintains his HR 218 LEOSA certification, is qualified as a Personal Protection Specialist, Emergency Medical Technician, National Crisis Negotiator and has numerous other certificates that represent the highest level of achievement in law enforcement.

Christopher Keenan is a Vice President at TorchStone Global assisting corporate and private clients with threat and vulnerability assessments, executive protection and estate security, venue and event security, secure travel logistics, and internal audits and investigations. Prior to joining TorchStone Global, Christopher developed and piloted executive protection programs, including integrating protective intelligence and global security operations centers. Additionally, he led security programs, investigations, and compliance programs for one of the world’s largest sports leagues, including TIER 1-rated special events, DHS SAFETY Act adherence, and threat management.

Christopher dedicated 18 years to the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service as a special agent, and is a U.S. Army infantry veteran and a graduate of both the Airborne and Ranger courses. He sits on the Board of Executive Protection Professionals and is a graduate of Purdue University.

As TorchStone’s Director of Protective Operations, Nina Hobson oversees executive security teams supporting high-profile celebrities. Ms. Hobson often provides an operational role within the team and will be seen leading from the inside. She is a strategic decision maker, ensuring that a celebrity client will have both highly effective, immediate solutions as well as long-term and sustainable protection and security plans in place. Ms. Hobson takes pride in her ability to truly listen and understand each client’s needs and desires to provide the most suitable security solution possible without compromising the safety of the client.

Prior to joining TorchStone, Ms. Hobson was the Head of Security for an ‘A’ list celebrity based out of Los Angeles, leading a large team of executive protection officers both domestically and globally. Before moving to the U.S., Ms. Hobson worked around the world providing both investigation and executive protection services for a high-net-worth individual, his family and his business empire. Ms. Hobson also served 15 years in the British Police force and resigned from the force as a highly decorated detective, having investigated serious and high-profile crimes such as kidnap, rape, murder, stalking and child abuse. Having left the public sector, Ms. Hobson made a seamless transition into the private sector, where she has worked for the past two decades.

Ms. Hobson’s experience in global security management, investigation and employee leadership has also been recognized internationally. She has been one of five finalists in the UK Woman of the Year Awards for services to her country, a two-time finalist in the Australian Woman of the Year Award, and a runner up in Australian Businesswoman of the Year.

Ms. Hobson has a passion for philanthropic works and has spent many years working on the ground with the anti-poaching unit in Zimbabwe, assisting in the operations to capture rhino poachers. Ms. Hobson has also been an advocate for the prevention of sex trafficking and has conducted many operations to recover sex trafficked.

Mr. Wagner serves as TorchStone’s Director of Consulting Services. In this role, he oversees the development and delivery of complex security consulting programs for corporate and institutional clients. Prior to joining TorchStone, Mr. Wagner served as a Special Agent with the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, and as a senior security executive at two large nonprofit corporations. His background in private, nonprofit, and public-sector security operations, investigations, and executive protection informs a strategic focus on helping clients build resilience, manage risk, and strengthen organizational preparedness.

He holds an M.A. in Global Security Studies from Johns Hopkins University and a B.S. (cum laude) from Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service. He speaks fluent French and conversational Arabic. After nearly 20 years living and working around the world, including California, New York, North Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, Mr. Wagner is now based in the Washington, DC metro area.

As Director, Client Solutions for TorchStone Global, Mr. Klosk leads the firm’s Global Integrated Services portfolio. With over twenty years in the security industry, Mr. Klosk specializes in building scalable security architectures and frameworks for Fortune 10 companies. His current work focuses on strategic consulting, where he helps organizations stay agile and resilient in the face of a changing global threat landscape. He is also a trusted advisor in regulatory compliance, having managed a wide range of risk assessments and audits for global entities.

Mr. Klosk brings deep expertise to physical security, executive protection, and security policy development. As a strategist in Business Continuity and Crisis Management, he focuses on creating practical training programs and procedures that work in the real world. By combining technical architecture with a collaborative mindset, Mr. Klosk helps his clients build the safeguards they need to navigate today’s global landscape. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Long Island University and is a Master of Arts Candidate at American Military University.

Mitchell Murphy serves as the Global Security Operations Center (GSOC) Manager at TorchStone Global. In this role, he oversees daily operations, training, and management of a team of security professionals, ensuring seamless, high-pressure communications to protect high-net-worth clients worldwide. His leadership drives the delivery of customized risk mitigation solutions, maintaining exceptional efficiency and responsiveness in a premier global security firm. Mitchell’s expertise in coordinating high-volume communications and implementing strategic initiatives enhances client safety and operational excellence.

With a robust background in intelligence and security, Mitchell brings over a decade of experience from diverse, high-stakes environments. Prior to TorchStone, he founded and operated Murphy’s Law Readiness, a consulting firm focused on educating individuals and groups in firearms, emergency preparedness, and self-defense techniques. His tailored training programs empowered clients to enhance personal security and reduce reaction times in emergencies. As an Intelligence Analyst at the Tennessee Office of Homeland Security, Mitchell coordinated requests for information, collaborating with federal, state, and local law enforcement to deliver critical intelligence reports that safeguarded communities.

Mitchell’s distinguished 10-year career in the United States Navy further honed his expertise. As Intelligence Manager and SME Trainer at the Kennedy Irregular Warfare Center, he facilitated information sharing and trained personnel in advanced intelligence analysis. At the National Joint Intelligence Operations Center in the Pentagon, he produced sensitive reports for senior officials, demonstrating exceptional analytical and prioritization skills. As Intelligence Watch Supervisor for the Pacific Fleet and Independent Duty Intelligence Specialist aboard the USS CHAFEE, he led teams, delivered critical briefings, and optimized processes under intense operational demands.

Doug Miller Operations Manager is an experienced leader in operational command and control, serving almost 10 years in the US Army supporting Special Operations and the Intelligence Community before joining TorchStone Global. Mr. Miller deployed to the Middle East three times, conducting counterterrorism operations, leading partner force training programs, and leading sensitive intelligence operations. In his current role, Mr. Miller manages physical security details both domestically and internationally for TorchStone’s clients.

Baker Lockhart is an experienced security professional with a strong background in military leadership, global operations management, and protective logistics. As Operations Coordinator at TorchStone Global, he manages executive protection programs, client site security, and event operations, ensuring seamless operations from planning through execution. Prior to joining TorchStone, Mr. Lockhart served as a Squad Leader in the United States Army, leading combat operations in Syria and Afghanistan. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge for his leadership, discipline, and operational excellence in austere environments.

Jacob Smuda is a Consultant and Principal Security Risk Management Advisor at TorchStone Global. Prior to joining TorchStone, Mr. Smuda completed a distinguished 14-year tenure as a U.S. Navy SEAL, during which he held key leadership, operational, and training roles in global security operations. Notably, he served as Senior Operations Manager for the U.S. Navy’s Naval Special Warfare Development Group, the Department of Defense’s premier maritime counterterrorism unit, where he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his exemplary service.

Mr. Smuda is widely recognized for his ability to build, lead, and inspire high-performance teams across diverse functions, consistently exceeding expectations. His vast experience as both a trainer and instructor with the Navy SEALs has sharpened his expertise in talent development, and he has consistently excelled in high-pressure, dynamic environments. He has trained elite personnel from various organizations, including Navy SEALs, international military forces, FBI agents, and SWAT teams, specializing in urban movement, close-quarters combat, and target assaults.
Beyond his operational expertise, Mr. Smuda possesses extensive experience in developing and implementing comprehensive security programs, risk identification and mitigation, and crisis management across both public and private sectors. His professionalism, discretion, and strategic insight have made him a trusted advisor in complex, high-stakes situations.

Mr. Smuda holds a Bachelor of Science in Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis from Norwich University. He has been honored with several awards, including Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals for Leadership and Valor in Combat.

Ben West has 14 years of experience as a global security analyst working to ensure business continuity for major fortune 500 companies in the tech, energy, and retail sectors. Mr. West’s prior projects have included advising a major tech company on integrating physical and cyber security responsibilities, monitoring organized criminal threats to energy supply chains in Mexico, and anticipating supply chain disruptions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. He also has expertise in industrial espionage, political unrest, terrorism, and executive travel security. Mr. West holds an M.A. in International Relations from Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies.

Mare Cunningham, a Senior Intelligence Analyst at TorchStone, delivers expert investigative analysis through innovative Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) methods. She is fiercely committed to producing actionable protective intelligence reports and leading high-impact investigations that elevate the firm’s capabilities.

As TorchStone’s only Licensed Private Investigator, Mare leads with a level of investigative authority and rigor unique within the firm. She coordinates closely with the Intelligence and GSOC teams to deliver critical situational analysis that supports client security needs worldwide. A former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) analyst and now a Senior Intelligence Analyst, she brings federal-level precision and insight to private-sector investigations. Corporations, CEOs, and high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) rely on her work for its discretion, depth, and actionable results.

Kori Sidwell joined TorchStone Global in 2019 as a Protective Intelligence Analyst Intern and now serves as an Intelligence Analyst. Ms. Sidwell helps mitigate physical and reputational risks affecting high-profile individuals and corporations on TorchStone Global’s protective intelligence team. Utilizing Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) tools and research strategies, she collects and analyzes raw data to prepare actionable and proactive, protective intelligence reports. Ms. Sidwell earned both her B.A. in Intelligence Studies (Summa Cum Laude) and an M.A. in Criminal Justice Administration from Mercyhurst University. She was also honored with her program’s top graduate student award.

Jane Morency is an Intelligence Analyst at TorchStone. Prior to joining TorchStone, Jane coordinated a global health initiative at JSI. She also interned with New America’s Political Reform Program and the Solís Policy Institute at Women’s Foundation California. Jane holds an MS in Security and Resilience Studies from Northeastern University and a BA in Political Science from Wellesley College, where she was selected as an Albright Fellow.

Ryan joined TorchStone Global in 2024 as a GSOC Analyst before transitioning into his current role as a Protective Intelligence Analyst. Prior to TorchStone, Ryan served as a Probation Officer in Erie County, Pennsylvania, specializing in conducting risk assessments on incoming offenders to determine case assignments for field officers and provide actionable data supporting effective supervision and rehabilitation efforts.

During his academic career, Ryan interned with the Pennsylvania Governor’s Office of Homeland Security, earned the rank of Eagle Scout, and trained in American Kenpo for over a decade. Ryan earned his B.A. in Intelligence Studies and M.S. in Criminal Justice Administration from Mercyhurst University.

Jack Jenkins joined TorchStone in 2023 as a GSOC Analyst, supporting TorchStone’s 24/7 operations center through threat monitoring, intelligence research, and crisis response. In the spring of 2025, Jack moved over to TorchStone’s protective intelligence team where he works to provide clients with timely intelligence and support informed decision-making across dynamic risk environments.

Jack earned his B.S. in Economics with a collateral in Finance from the Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Terry Netos is an intelligence analyst responsible for identifying, analyzing, and mitigating risk to high-profile individuals and organizations. As such, he applies his long-standing research skills using open-source intelligence (OSINT) sources to produce actionable intelligence to protect clients from physical and reputational harm.

Mr. Netos comes to TorchStone Global after a 21-year career in the U.S. Foreign Service with the Department of State. Mr. Netos spent most of his diplomatic career focused on issues related to political, economic, and consular issues in the Middle East and Southeastern Europe. Mr. Netos has a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from Indiana University, and an M.A. in history at Kent State University.

Dan Libby is the former Manager of TorchStone Global’s Security Operations Center and is now a Senior Consultant. He is also one of TorchStone’s lead covert entry specialists, conducting physical penetration tests to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities in client security programs. A decorated U.S. Air Force veteran with more than 30 years of experience in intelligence and physical security, Mr. Libby’s military career included leadership roles in Human Intelligence (HUMINT) operations and five years of experience in combat zones, earning multiple commendations including the Bronze Star and Combat Action Medal.

Bill Whiteside has twenty-six years of public and private sector experience in the security industry. He has served with the U.S. Justice and Treasury Departments as both a Deputy U.S. Marshal and as a Special Agent with the U.S. Secret Service. He served in various capacities and specialties to include fugitive apprehension, protection of Federal Judges and U.S. Attorneys, high threat trials, and the Witness Protection Program. He has protected U.S. Presidents, Vice Presidents, the Secretary of the Treasury, and Foreign Heads of State. Mr. Whiteside has a wide-ranging criminal investigative background in financial crimes, bank fraud, telecommunications fraud, asset forfeiture, intelligence gathering, threat assessments, surveillance, and counter-surveillance.

After his government service, Mr. Whiteside managed AT&T’s Global Executive Protection program, and then became Director of Global Executive Protection for Citigroup, where he had the responsibility for the safety of their CEOs, Presidents, CFOs, Board of Directors, and other senior executives and their families, both domestically and internationally. Using his expertise in risk assessment, threat administration, and executive protection and advance work, Mr. Whiteside has advised U.S. officials, senior government staff, security teams from foreign governments and private firms, and Chairman and CEO-level executives. He has extensive experience in tactical planning and budgeting for large-scale security assignments and investigations, and has managed additional responsibility for aircraft, ship, ground transportation, residential security, as well as event security.

With a high-level network of domestic and international security and business resources, Mr. Whiteside serves as an advisor to high net worth individuals and families, including industry leaders and celebrities. He manages comprehensive security assessments, due diligence, surveillance, counter-surveillance, investigations, and risk mitigation programs. He designs and coordinates personal and residential protection programs and global travel security for multiple high net worth families.

Lee Fields has more than 34 years of experience in the law enforcement and security arena, having served nearly 32 years with the U.S. Secret Service. During his Secret Service tenure, Mr. Fields led the Jacksonville, FL Field Office and served as Deputy Assistant Director of the Office of Investigations in Washington, D.C. where he was the Senior Executive Service official responsible for all domestic investigative operations, overseeing 41 investigative field offices, 85 resident and domicile offices, and 68 criminal task forces. In this capacity, he managed a workforce of 2,776 employees, which included both special agents and administrative personnel. Mr. Fields conducted and managed criminal investigations, and protective security advances for Secret Service protectees, including presidential and vice-presidential candidates. He also has conducted domestic and international protective intelligence advances and served in supervisory roles for visiting foreign heads of state.

Mr. Fields’ investigative experience includes conducting criminal investigations of counterfeit currency, forgery, access device fraud, and mortgage fraud. His headquarters and protective assignments included the Office of Investigations, Office of Administration, Presidential Protective Division (President William Clinton), Counter Assault Team, Intelligence Division, and Forensic Services Division. He also served on several task forces that investigated organized crime.

Mr. Fields holds a Master of Science in Management with an emphasis in Leadership, as part of an Executive Leadership Program at Johns Hopkins University. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from the University of Florida.

Ms. Kallab is a corporate security consultant for TorchStone based in Nashville, TN. Prior to joining TorchStone, she served as a Regional Security Advisor for the Central Asia, Middle East, and North Africa countries at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, D.C. Ms. Kallab also worked at WorldAware (formerly iJet), where she managed and developed corporate travel security programs for multinational organizations. Her analysis has been cited in publications including Travel Risk Management newsletter, the Washington Post, and USA Today. She received a B.A. in International Relations and French Literature from Johns Hopkins University in 2008 and an M.A. in International Security from the Institut d’Études Politiques de Paris (Sciences Po Paris) in 2010. Ms. Kallab was born in Beirut, Lebanon, and speaks English, French, and Arabic.