Andre Benford, Chief Executive Officer
Andre Benford founded Benford Protection Group in 2015 and resides over the management team as Chief Executive Officer. He is a military veteran and a accomplished, dedicated, practicing, and decorated law enforcement professional. Andre combines over 27 years of experience with specialized training, knowledge and achievements in security management, public safety, and criminal investigations. A results-driven business owner with proven abilities in strategic planning and direct management tasks, Andre has been pivotal in cultivating planned relationships with community business owners, local elected government officials and law enforcement leaders in Chicago. Andre is an active member of ASIS (American Society for Industrial Security) International.

Shamiah Hayes, Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer
Shamiah Hayes is a strategic, tactical, and entrepreneurial finance leader with a strong commitment to “mission accomplishment” in both profit and nonprofit landscapes. Having over 20 years of progressive experience, she is highly regarded as a key partner to leadership in developing innovative and inclusive cultures, analyzing problems, driving solutions, ensuring long-term fiscal health, and advancing strategic priorities. Shamiah has had an impressive record of success overseeing financial management, accounting, compliance, risk management, human resources, and staff in diverse environments.  She is a true lover of football, playing in a flag football league at the ripe age of 35, but a torn ACL ended her dreams of becoming the first female player in the NFL and forced her to retire her cleats forever.

Kenny McKinney, Director of Business Development
Kenny is a Security Professional and a Retired Military Veteran offering 40+ years of proven international and home-land experience directing guard forces. He has experience formulating and negotiating multi-million-dollar security service contracts across various sectors such as, Oil & Gas (British Petroleum & Chevron), Coal (Kaltim Prima Coal), Forestry (APRIL Group), Residential (Chicago Housing Authority & Related Management) and other Commercial business sectors. Kenny is a detailed strategic security operational business planner, capable to direct, project and execute corporate goals and objectives pertaining to contract compliance requirements and client service support at the executive level. He is a certified instructor actively training security officers with non-lethal security tools (Baton, O.C. Pepper Spray and Handcuffs). He is an active member of ASIS (American Society for Industrial Security) International and ILEETA (International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainer Association). Kenny enjoys playing the guitar, working out in the gym and is an avid golfer.

Kelli Troupe, Human Resources Manager
Kelli Troupe is responsible for developing and administering human resources planning and procedures for all company personnel, often recommending and implementing personnel policies and procedures such as harassment policies, management policies, and onboarding processes and procedures to include in the company handbook. She is passionate about assisting her community and lending a helping hand to others. Although she has a rambunctious 4-year-old, Kelli manages to carve out enough time to still be an avid reader of various genres.

Jarrett Snowden, Operations Manager
Jarrett Snowden is a highly respected Operations Manager who brings over fourteen years of private security and law enforcement experience to the BPG operations team. He has vast knowledge of business priorities related to the protection of employees, assets, and customers. He is a team player committed to managing operations and projects while contributing to both revenue-producing and non-revenue-producing activities. Jarrett is a motorcycle enthusiast who enjoys long rides on his Harley and rebuilding and customizing motorcycles in his spare time.