Christopher R. Wright, CPP – President
Christopher is President of Alert Security and is a founder of the company and a Certified Protection Professional. Chris has gained security experience and knowledge from his service in the Army as a Military Police Officer and from his employment with private security companies. Chris has been in the industry since 1991 and has progressive security and law enforcement related experience and has a degree and two certificates of achievement in Administration of Justice.
For years the world has recognized a need for competent professionals who can effectively manage complex security issues that threaten people and the assets of corporations, governments, and public and private institutions. As the emphasis on protecting people, property, and information increases, it has strengthened the demand for professional managers. To meet these needs, the ASIS International administers the Certified Protection Professional program.
Nearly 10,000 professionals have earned the designation of CPP™. This group of professionals has demonstrated its competency in the areas of security solutions and best-business practices through an intensive qualification and testing program. As a result, these men and women have been awarded the coveted designation of CPP™, and are recognized as proven leaders in their profession.
Mark Witt – Senior Vice President Operations
Mark is one of the founders of Alert Security and has been in the industry since 1990 and has experience that he obtained in the military and private security industry. Mark served eight years on active duty in the US Army Infantry as an infantry Squad Leader and two years in the Reserves as an ROTC Instructor. He has experience ranging from Security Officer to Account Manager. Mark is currently responsible for managing all aspects of guard and patrol operations in the region.
Robert (Bob) Nolan – Vice President Operations
Bob has been a dedicated professional in the security industry since 1986. His career began in the U.S. Army, where he served as a military police officer specializing in physical security. Following his military service, he took on leadership roles as a branch, area, and general manager at the nation’s largest security company, earning numerous accolades along the way.
Currently, Bob holds security licenses across multiple states and directly oversees operations in Nevada, California, Arizona, Hawaii, and Florida. When he’s not at work or spending time with his ever-growing family, you’ll likely find him on the golf course, enjoying a well-earned round.
Jeff Matson – Operations Manager
Jeff oversees daily operations in Las Vegas while also assisting with operations in Texas and other regions as needed. He honorably served four years on active duty in the United States Navy as a Boatswain’s Mate and Master Helmsman. Following his military service, Jeff attended Western Michigan University, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice with minors in Sociology and Substance Abuse Services. A dedicated sports enthusiast, Jeff is a die-hard NASCAR fan, an avid golfer, and passionate about all thing’s athletics.
Arick Biggs – Operations Manager
Arick Biggs is responsible for overseeing the daily operations in Northern Nevada and Northern California. Arick has a strong background in operations built off of his experience from Law Enforcement, Security, Operation Management and Entrepreneurship. Arick graduating from Grand Canyon University with a Bachelors of Arts in Government with emphasis in legal studies degree with Magna Cum Laude honors. Arick will continue success out of our Northern Nevada and Northern California Branch Office.
Lauri LaFon – Operations Manager
Lauri was born and raised in Dallas, Texas and relocated to Honolulu, Hawaii in 1991. She has worked in the security industry since 1999. Also worked as Airport Security Officer from 1999-2004. Worked as a Scheduling Manager for the nation’s largest security company for 17 years. Lauri currently oversees operations in Honolulu, Hawaii. When not working, she enjoys time with her Loving husband of 15 years and 5 children. Lauri is also a dog Mom to Lucky, and a big fan of the Oakland Raiders. When not working she also enjoys time at the beach, hiking and reading with her book club.
Jim Oreto – Operations Manager
Jim is responsible for overseeing the daily field operations at our Washington regional office. Jim is a retired Police Officer and former Director of Security. Jim was born and raised in Miami, Florida where he started his Security career. He later relocated to Atlanta, Georgia where he spent almost 20 years in Law Enforcement. During that time, Jim was a member of the state’s Crisis Intervention Team, The Governor’s office of Highway Safety, co-chaired the Code and Ethics committee and was a Field Training Officer. When not at work, he enjoys spending time with his wife Jean, and his daughter Jaelyn.
Maria Nolan – Human Resources Manager
Maria is a graduate of the University of Phoenix with a bachelor’s degree in Business with an emphasis on Human Resources Management. She is a current member of SHRM. Maria was born and raised in Oregon moving to Reno in the late 90’s. She is the mother of 5, grandmother to 4, for now. When not at work, Maria loves spending time with her family.
Kellen Lopez – Patrol Manager Las Vegas
I was born and raised in Kaneohe, Hawaii. During high school, I was actively involved in football, basketball, and track. I pursued higher education at California Lutheran University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, followed by a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Las Vegas. Before joining Alert Security, I built my career in the casino security industry, serving as a Security Investigator and Security Supervisor. In my free time, I enjoy watching sports and spending quality time with my daughter.
Sandra Hughes – Reception/ HR Assistant – Las Vegas
Born and raised in Northern California, I’ve always carried a strong sense of community and connection—values that shaped my experiences while living in New York City and continue to guide me since relocating to Las Vegas in 2012 with my significant other. As a proud mother of two grown sons and a lifelong learner, I’m deeply passionate about personal growth and making a meaningful impact.
With over 20 years of experience in customer service and more than five years in Human Resources, I’ve honed my skills in communication, employee relations, and problem-solving—always striving to foster positive, people-centered environments. Currently, I’m pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Psychology with a focus on Mental Health, and this fall, I’ll transition into Social Work studies. My long-term vision is to support individuals and communities through mental health advocacy, social services, and compassionate care.
Beyond my studies and career, I love traveling—especially spending time with family and friends back in California. While I’ve primarily explored different parts of the U.S., I’m excited to start collecting passport stamps and immersing myself in new cultures in the near future.
Terry Gooch – Receptionist/HR Assistant
Teri has been a wife for 23 years and is the mother to 2 fabulous children. She has been in retail management operations for 15 years and the intake coordinator for senior care facilities for 6 years. Some of her favorite things to do are hike with her 2 dogs, camping, fishing, watching baseball games, music, movies and good food, but most of all spending quality time with the family. Teri was born in a small town called Holtville California however her family is from West Virginia Appalachians, Texas, Oklahoma, Ozarks, New York, India, Germany, England, Ireland and Scotland. She has a diverse family group who enjoy exploring the different cultures within their own family.
Lauren Santiago – Receptionist/HR Assistant
Aloha my name is Lauren Santiago I was born in Honolulu; Oahu I am the eldest of three siblings I have 20 years in Customer Service. I was and operational manger for 8 years. I enjoy a good challenge trying and learning new things. Some of my hobbies are shelling, reading, watching movies. In my free time, I enjoy going to the beach spending Quality time with family and friends, watching football “Go PACK GO “, playing cards and a good series binge. I started with alert in 2021 As a guard in the field at Kalaeloa property. My passion is to love and respect everyone and share a smile and beliefs are “if you put good into this world you will get good back”.
Kristina Hoose – Accounts Receivable Specialist
Kristina Hoose was born and raised in Southern California, I moved to Reno two years ago to be closer to my mother. I have been married for 31 years with two wonderful children (1 boy and 1 girl) one that still lives at home and the other lives in Arizona. Some of my hobbies are listening to the 80’s music, reading, going to the movies, and spending time with family and friends.
Kristina Hoose has 25 years of experience in accounting.
Debra Drake – Executive Assistant
Debra has 20 years of customer service and office administration experience. Debra has a bachelor’s degree in Forest Recreation Resources from Oregon State University and has spent 17 years working closely with the public in recreational settings.
Jenna Hollinger – Administrative Coordinator
Jenna is responsible for license compliance for the company and its employees. She has an education in Business as well as Applied Physics and has held administrative roles in both fields. In 2015, she moved to Germany where she worked, traveled and studied for seven years. When Jenna is not at work, she is at the gym, writing music, or exploring her native PNW.
Trennette Castillo – Business Development Manager
Trennette brings 35 years of expertise in direct B2B sales and customer service. Before joining Alert Security Asset Protection as Sales Manager in 2016, she successfully owned and operated her own business. With two decades in the security industry, she holds FERPA and TWIC certifications, reinforcing her strong credentials in compliance and protection. Outside of work, she enjoys quality time with her family and embracing the great outdoors.
Alicia (Ali) Morin – Operations Manager
Although she was born and raised in sunny Southern California, she fell in love with Oregon during a visit as a child and knew she belonged here. Oregon became home in her heart and the feeling has never changed.
Currently enrolled in college to further her education in Business and Human Resources.
Ali has worked 7 ½ years in various sales positions and 5 ½ years in security positions starting as a concierge-security officer for a luxury apartment complex, moving to security officer in the downtown Portland area, to site supervisor, to area supervisor, to Operations manager all for one of the top three largest security companies. Now happily a business development manager for Alert Security as sales is an area she really enjoys. She has received several certificates for security courses with the previous company as well as an award for report writing. Excels in organization, time management, communication and follow up. She’s persistent, adaptable and resilient when needed to accomplish her goals.
She loves spending as much time as possible with family and friends. Enjoys a mixture of outdoor and indoor activities such as hiking, spending time at the lake or beach, sewing, crafting, sea shell collecting, reading, writing, coloring, drawing, camping, swimming, cooking and baking, treasure-hunting/antiquing, dance, bike rides and picnics. With an interest in learning different languages, learning about different cultures, discovering new restaurants and trying different foods, photography, scrapbooking, gardening, travel, genealogy, learning new recipes, carpentry, architecture, falconry, wood carving, bee keeping, crochet, quilting, knitting, stone sculpting, and archery.
Novel Mattis – Operations Mgr. & Business Development Mgr. – Florida
With over 30 years of experience in the security industry, Novel has built a distinguished career spanning corporate, higher education, and healthcare environments. Originally from Jamaica, West Indies, and raised in Hartford, CT, Novel began his professional journey as a security guard, steadily advancing into leadership roles such as Security Specialist, Access Control Manager, Security Systems Design Manager, Assistant Director of Public Safety, and National Accounts Portfolio Manager.
A results-driven leader, Novel excels in building high-performing teams, managing complex security systems implementations, and driving operational excellence. His expertise encompasses client relationship management, security operations, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation strategies that ensure both safety and business continuity.
Now based in Tampa, FL, Novel is committed to teamwork, integrity, and continuous improvement. Outside of work, he enjoys music, sports, and spending quality time with his wife and family.
Mario Arosemena – Business Development Manager – Arizona
With 25 years of experience in business, Mario is a seasoned leader in the private security sector. As a Business Development Manager, he plays a pivotal role in identifying strategic opportunities, strengthening client relationships, and driving industry growth. His expertise spans private security and insurance, providing a comprehensive, strategic approach to risk assessment and management from multiple perspectives.
Dedicated to enhancing business resilience, Mario implements innovative security protocols and forward-thinking leadership strategies. He focuses on delivering cost-effective solutions, high-quality personnel, and personalized services, ensuring swift management responses that align with clients’ unique security needs. By continuously adapting to evolving challenges, he reinforces his company’s commitment to long-term partnerships and dynamic protection strategies.
Xavier Cooley – Business Development Manager – Las Vegas
Originally from Los Angeles, CA, I moved to Las Vegas in 2012. I attended El Camino College, where I studied Sociology and Marketing. With a decade of experience in Business Development and Marketing within the fitness industry, I have also accumulated 12 years of expertise in security and security management. Outside of work, I enjoy coaching football and spending quality time with my kids.