G. Michael Verden, Owner and CEO of The Lake Forest
Group, draws on his experience with the strategic security firm Hillard Heintze,
the National Basketball Association and an extensive career as a Special Agent
with the United States Secret Service. As an SVP with Hillard Heintze, Mike was
in charge of the Strategic Security Services for the firm. He led numerous
large-scale security engagements, including projects with cannabis cultivation
centers and dispensaries, major entertainment venues, gaming facilities,
commercial properties, educational institutions, pharmaceutical operations,
utility companies, property management firms, financial services, manufacturing
and distribution plants, and professional sports.
As Senior Director of Security for the NBA, Mike managed and coordinated global
security, as well as designed and implemented site security measures, emergency
evacuation programs, and contingency procedures. He was responsible for
monitoring all NBA criminal investigations and security-related incidents
throughout the league. He also implemented and supervised security for the NBA
All-Star Game, NBA Finals, and the World Basketball Championships.
Mike was a Special Agent with the United States Secret Service for 21 years and
finished his career as the Assistant Special Agent in Charge for the Dignitary
Protective Division at USSS Headquarters in Washington, D.C. This assignment
allowed him to be an event coordinator for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt
Lake City, Utah, and a security adviser to the 2003 and 2004 Super Bowls. Other
assignments in Washington, D.C. were to the Presidential Protective Division
and the Counter Assault Team. His major event experience provides an
institutional knowledge in securing and protecting facilities and people on a
large scale. Additionally, he assisted with creating security plans for the
following major events: Super Bowl, Kentucky Derby, Indianapolis 500, Breeders'
Cup, and the Women's Soccer World Cup
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