A Tradition of Excellence Since 1949

SFI Management Team

Larry O’Brien- SFI President & CEO

As President of SFI since 1991, Larry joined the company in 1971 and has been an integral part of the company wide growth (over 3,400 security professionals throughout the southeastern United States), while maintaining one of the highest client retention rates in the country.  Larry is committed to continuing to provide total security solutions that add value to customers and grow strategically to support their ever changing needs.

A graduate of Washington and Jefferson College with a Bachelors degree, Larry currently serves on the Board of Advisors for the President’s Advisory Council.  He continued his education and received a Masters of Business Administration from Temple University.  Larry is also a Disabled Veteran of the US Army.

Larry played an important role in the creation of SFI-Electronics (SFI-E), a wholly owned subsidiary which was created to excel in the design, installation and management of integrated security systems and control rooms.  His vision to satisfy each customer’s unique needs has catapulted SFI’s growth and operational excellence over the years.

In 1996, Larry became a founding owner of TransNational Security Group (TSG) and currently serves at Treasurer.  Larry also serves as Treasurer for SecurityNet (SN), a similarly positioned company to TSG, which SFI-E joined in 1999.  Other industry related affiliations include: American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS), where he served as Chairman for the North Carolina Chapter, National ASIS Physical Security Committee, Charlotte Area Personnel Association, National ASIS Council on Business Practices, American Management President’s Association, and International Security Management Association (ISMA).

Heather O’Brien- SFI Executive Vice President

Heather worked with SFI as a college intern for three years before graduating from the College of Charleston with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, with minors in marketing and management.  Beginning in operations, Heather has strong understanding of the key result areas within each security program and easily transitioned into an effective business development position in 1997.  Heather became Vice President of Corporate Accounts in 2003, overseeing the business development and marketing department as well as managing the contracts for major national and regional accounts. In 2006 she was promoted to her current role of Executive Vice President, in which she manages both the sales and operational components of the company.  In her 10 years with SFI, Heather has played a vital role in the company’s growth and development, increasing the company’s client base by an average of 12% year, building a successful sales team, and implementing numerous best practices to increase overall growth and company development.

Heather has served as Secretary for National Association of Security Companies (NASCO) since 2003 and is presently First Chair awaiting Presidency.  She has held numerous local and area chapter board positions for the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) as well as actively supports it’s Southern Region International Platforms annually.  Participation in other civic and professional organizations includes American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS), Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce, Junior League of Charlotte and Habitat for Humanity.

Stephen Almy- SFI Vice President, Operations

Since graduating Magna Cum Laude with both a Bachelors and a Masters Degree from the University of Georgia, Steve has worked hard to develop his knowledge in the private and public security sector.  Steve joined SFI in March of 2003 and brought more than 26 years of contract security experience.  In his previous position, Steve was a Regional Vice President with a large national security company responsible for managing the operations for the entire Southeast. 

As Vice President of Operations, Steve has used his wealth of experience and expertise to develop existing management teams, implement new process improvements and bring value to all areas of SFI’s operations.  He has enhanced our Special Emergency Response Team (SERT); a 100+ officer contingent deployed during natural disasters, and increased DHS threat levels to ensure the security and safety of our customers.

Steve is a Task Force Patriot, member of the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) and holds a position on the National ASIS Council on Business Practices.

Steve Pounds- SFI Vice President of Finance

Steve has served as Vice President of Finance for SFI since 2000.  He joined SFI in 1985 as a Controller after receiving his Bachelor of Science in Accounting at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and dedicating many years at a major accounting firm.

Steve has worked in many areas of financial and administrative management and has been a leader in all of SFI’s information technology and quality improvement initiatives. Steve is a member of the North Carolina Association of CPA’s, the Institute of Management Accountants, the UNC Charlotte Business Advisory Council, and is the past President of both the Charlotte Central Lion Club and NADGUG (an International Computer users group).

 

Robert Watson – Vice President, Human Resources

Bob has served as Vice President of Human Resources  for SFI since 2000.  He joined SFI in 1984 as Human Resources Manager  after receiving his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration  at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He holds the designation of Senior Professional/ Human Resources (SPHR) from the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), and is also active in the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) and the Risk and Insurance Management Society (RIMS).

 

 


Tom W. Fogle - President, SFI Electronics

Tom assumed duties as President of SFI Electronics in 2008 and has served as Director of the Executive Committee since joining SFI in 2004. Tom is a seasoned executive and security professional who has broad education and experience in the military and private sector. After graduating from American University with a Master’s degree in Administration of Justice, Tom served on active duty as an officer in the military intelligence branch of the United States Army. Prior to joining SFI, Tom advanced through operations and management positions to senior vice president of a major national security company during a 20 year career. Since joining SFI, Tom has focused on learning and organizational development initiatives, including web based eLearning courses and implementation of a learning management system that is the core of SFI.edu.

Tom has been an active member of the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) since 1981. His past professional affiliations include Pi Alpha Alpha (public administration honor society), the National Safety Council, and the American Society of Criminology.

Marshall T. Copeland - SFI Electronics Vice President and General Manager

Marshall Copeland joined SFI Electronics as Controller in 1980 and has held several positions, including Manager of Finance and Director of Operations.  He is currently General Manager and was named Vice President in 1998. He worked previously for other major corporation in North Carolina and Tennessee.  He served in the Army in Vietnam and taught at Troy University, Troy, Alabama.  He graduated cum laude from the University of South Carolina, Columbia, where he received a BS and an MS in Accounting. He completed additional graduate work at the University of Arizona, Tucson.