DIRECTORS & STAFF

DAVID ELLIS, DIRECTOR

David Ellis is the founder of GEMSEC Consulting LLC and a highly experienced physical security professional specializing in event safety and security, crisis management, and risk mitigation. Currently, he serves as a Field Applications Engineer and Technical Advisor at CEIA USA. With over 15 years of expertise in managing safety and security operations for high-profile organizations and events, David previously held the position of Director of Security for a Major League Baseball team, where he spearheaded long-term strategic security initiatives that significantly enhanced the organization's risk management and resilience. His responsibilities included incident and crisis management, event-specific security planning, executive protection, internal investigations, and the development and delivery of comprehensive training programs. He served as the primary liaison to local, state, and federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies, ensuring seamless coordination and security excellence.

His expertise extends to participating in security operations for major special events, including multiple Super Bowls, the MLB All-Star Game, the World Series, and the NCAA Bowl Championship Series. His security consulting work encompasses conducting vulnerability assessments, quality assurance audits, special event planning, and post-incident assessments for a wide range of entities. Before his work in professional sports, he led campus-wide event security operations at a major university, overseeing the safety of over 900 annual events.

David believes that event safety and security should go beyond mere compliance; they should actively enhance the overall guest experience.  This philosophy drives his approach to security management, ensuring that protective measures contribute to a positive and enjoyable environment for all attendees.

With a robust record of training in various aspects of security and emergency management, David covers incident response, hazard identification, and public safety operations. His extensive training ensures that he stays current with best practices and enhances his ability to implement effective security measures. In addition to his security expertise, David is also a Commercial Pilot and Certified Flight Instructor, underscoring his commitment to precision and safety.

A former chair of the Phoenix Area Security and Stadium Operations Working Group and a founding member of the Cactus League Spring Training Operations Committee, David currently serves as Vice Chair of the ASIS International Phoenix Chapter. He played a role in developing the American National Standards Institute's ES1.40-2023, Event Safety – Security standard, and remains dedicated to advancing safety and security initiatives across the industry.