MEET THE TEAM

Chad Benham

Principal Owner

Chad Benham, one of the founding members, has been with Vet-Sec Protection Agency (previously Veterans Security) since 1994. Mr. Benham has been instrumental in the growth of the company since its inception. Through his professional reputation and relationships with other security professionals, Chad has been able to develop and grow Vet-Sec Protection Agency into a regional, multi-state service provider with a diverse line of service offerings.

Mr. Benham is a Phoenix native and graduated from Maryvale High School where he played football and ran track. He also served in the United States Army as a Military Police Officer earning the Air Assault designation and was honorably discharged after his four year commitment was completed.

He believes in giving back to the community he was raised in therefore Mr. Benham serves on the Board of Directors for Silent Witness and has spearheaded many successful fundraisers throughout the valley. Personally, he is married with two sons, and is a huge ASU fan!

Chad is an active member of ASIS Chapter of Phoenix, APSPA, International Foundation for Protection Officers, InfraGard and Silent Witness.

John Brandon

Principal Owner

John Brandon began his career by serving as a Military Police Officer in the United States Army. After completing his military service, John attended college and took over his family Christmas Tree
Farm in Norther Minnesota. In 1994 John relocated to Arizona to start Veterans Security now known as Vet-Sec Protection Agency with his partners Chad Benham, and Ennio Canziani whom he served with in the Army.

John is married and has six children. He is very active in his church community and other outreach ministries. Recently John even started a non-profit corporation with 501C3 status called “The Brandon House” in hopes to give back to the community, as well as to offer a space for Christian music concerts and inspiring events for younger generations. In any spare time that he has he and his wife enjoys his kids, traveling, and reading.

Ennio Canziani

Principal Owner

Co-Founder / Co-Executive of Vet Sec Protection Agency, Ennio M. Canziani, was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. Graduating in 1987 from high-school, Ennio enlisted in the U.S. Army as a Military Policeman. While stationed at Scofield Barracks, Hawaii, a friendship and bond was developed with fellow MPs & Co-Founders, William Brandon and Chad Benham. In 1990 Ennio was Honorably Discharged and ventured off to the State of Vermont.

1991 through 1993, Ennio attended Southern Vermont College in the Criminal Justice Program while also employed by the Bennington County Sheriff’s Office. In late ’93 Ennio moved to Arizona becoming a Director of Security for a Radisson Resort. Shortly after, Ennio helped formed Veterans Security, now Vet Sec Protection Agency.

Ennio takes great pride in his former and current role(s) within the company. Though the responsibilities and duties have changed throughout the years, the dedication it takes to be an “active” owner has not.

Ennio enjoys concert going and spending quality time with the “kids”. Other interest include motorcycling, traveling, and “yard-work”.

Amy Naccari

Managing Director

Amy Naccari joined Vet-Sec Protection Agency in January of 2015 as the Business Development Manager. Prior to coming on board with Vet-Sec, Amy worked in numerous positions within the security industry over 5 years along with being an HOA Manager in Tucson, AZ. In the Business Development position, Amy specialized in working with current and prospective clients in finding the best security solution to not only fit within their budget but to also ensure the expected service standards are met. She successfully “re-branded” the company with marketing efforts in all four markets Vet-Sec is located in.

In June of 2016, Amy was promoted to Director of Operations for Vet-Sec Protection Agency. She was tasked with not only ensuring the company is successful in all facets of business but also responsible for the development of Branch Relations and Client Relations. As of January 2023, Amy is now the Managing Director for Vet-Sec.

Amy is originally from Montgomery, Alabama and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Auburn University. She has one dog named Penny whom she loves spending time with. Whether it is the Atlanta Braves or the Auburn Tigers playing, she is passionate about all thing’s sports!

BreAnna Tuggay

Director of Human Resources

BreAnna Tuggay joined the Vet-Sec Protection Agency team in June 2009 as an alarm dispatcher. BreAnna has worked her way up the ladder at Vet-Sec Protection Agency holding numerous positions to include Dispatch, Billing & Payroll Specialist and Human Resources. As of June 2017, BreAnna now holds the position of Director of Human Resources and received her SHRM-PC Credentials in 2022. BreAnna prides herself on her ability to work with and assist employees with their individual needs across all branches within the company as well as furthering her knowledge within her field.
BreAnna is originally from Salt Lake City, Utah and enjoys short trips back to the snow. BreAnna’s hobbies include playing softball, traveling and attending sporting events.

Thuy Meola

Director of Finance

In April of 2017, Thuy joined Vet-Sec Protection Agency, where she serves as Controller. She is responsible for all of the accounting activities within the company. With over 20 years of experience, she has worked at Peter Piper Pizza, Allied Waste Industries and Border Construction Specialties.

Thuy graduated from Arizona State University, where she received a degree in Business Administration in Finance. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking and practicing golf.

Jessica Palato

Director of Operations

In 2015 Jessica was hired as the Tucson Branch Manager at Vet-Sec. During her time as Branch Manager, she oversaw the daily operations which included the training and management of approximately 250 employees.

Jessica is a true Tucson native, born and raised. She graduated from Cholla High School and later graduated from the University of Phoenix with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. During the time she was completing her education, she worked her way up from a security guard to her current position as Director of Operations for Vet-Sec Protection Agency.

In addition to Jessica’s employment experience above, she has attended and designed numerous security related training courses that includes such topics as: Active Shooter “How to Respond”, Dealing with Aggressive Behavior, Courthouse Security and Drug Identification Training. She is a certified firearms and Taser trainer as well.

Jessica is active in several industry associations in the community. She is a member of BOMA and CAI. She is also the Vice President of the Vecinos who do community outreach for the El Rio Foundation.

Jessica is a life-long University of Arizona supporter, and she attends local athletics and events whenever possible. She also has an extended family in the Tucson area, and she enjoys spending time with them.
Go Cats and BEARDOWN!!!

Sam Fullam

Director of Technology Solutions

Sam Fullam’s story at Vet-Sec Protection Agency is one of dedication, growth, and a commitment to understanding all aspects of the business. Joining as an Alarm Dispatcher in June 2010, Sam has worn many hats – Dispatcher, Security Officer, Supervisor, Guard Card Trainer, Lead Scheduler, Operations Manager, Branch Manager, and Alarm Manager. This diverse experience allows him to connect with employees on a personal level and appreciate the company’s big picture. His hard work and dedication were recognized with a well-deserved promotion to Director of Technology Solutions in January 2024. In this role, he now oversees all technology sales and operations within the company.

Beyond his professional achievements, Sam is a proud native of Phoenix, AZ, having graduated from Moon Valley High School (Go Rockets!). When he’s not leading his team, he enjoys spending quality time with his wife and daughter.

Christopher Silva

Branch Manager - Albuquerque

Chris is a New Mexico Native, serving his community since 1996. He is a seasoned law enforcement officer with over 20 years of combined experience as patrol officer, Sergeant, K9/Tactical Handler, while holding leadership positions both in law enforcement work and private businesses. Ability to lead my employees and develop their strengths.

Chris has devoted his career to operations, field services, and leadership. After retiring in 2016, he has continued to believe in public service and have taken on other prospects in public service in an operational capacity, including the Armed Response in Albuquerque (alarm response/asset protection) and presently, Vet-Sec Protection Agency.

Chris joined Vet-Sec Protection Agency in the fall of 2020 and was promoted to Branch Manager shortly after in 2022. In his free time he enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife and kids. He enjoys watching and playing football and wrestling. He also loves the gym and good food!

Jeremy Henemyer

Branch Manager - Las Vegas

Jeremy was born and raised in Tucson, AZ and joined the U.S. Marine Corps out of High School. Jeremy completed 3 combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan during the 10 years he served.. During this time Jeremy became an accomplished competitive shooter and competed on the Marine Corps Shooting Team, becoming Marine Corps Double Distinguished and winning multiple individual and team awards along the way.

Jeremy joined the Vet-Sec Protection Agency team in May of 2020 as a Field Training Officer and worked his way through the ranks until taking over as the Branch Manager in September 2021. Jeremy has worked in a variety of positions to include an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician in a 911 response role, Armed Hospital Security K9 Officer, Explosives K9 handler, Executive Protection Agent, and a Lead Supervisor setting up an armed Special Response Team on the Las Vegas Strip. Jeremy has also obtained an associated Degree in Firearm Technology (Gunsmithing) and a bachelor’s in emergency management along the way while continuing education to stay up to date on his certifications and instructorships.

In his spare time, Jeremy spends time with his family and his 3 little girls. He enjoys taking them shooting and teaching them to build things out of wood and metal while becoming self-reliant.

Matthew Rice

Branch Manager - Phoenix

Matt Rice was born in Tacoma, Washington while his father was stationed at Ft. Lewis. After his freshman year of high school, he moved to Arkansas where he graduated from Perryville High School in Perryville, Arkansas. During his tenure in Arkansas, he became an Alabama Crimson Tide fan: Roll Tide!

In 1997 he joined the United States Army as an Infantryman. After basic training at Ft. Benning Georgia, he earned his “jump” wings after attending United States Army Airborne School. He was then honorably discharged at the end of his enlistment.
Matt attended Scottsdale Culinary School earning an Associate’s of Occupational Science in Culinary Arts. After graduating he began an eleven-year career in the food service industry. This career took him from Phoenix to New York to Texas. He ended his career as a chef in 2017, soon to begin the next chapter in his life in the security industry.

Matt has worked as a Security Officer, was promoted to Shift Supervisor and eventually was promoted to Account Manager of a large financial institution in Arizona. He joined the Vet-Sec team in July of 2023 as Operations Manager and quickly earned the position of Branch Manager.

In his free time, he enjoys watching the Tide play, as well as ASU. He also enjoys spending time with his family, working around the house, and being out of the city as much as possible.

Shawn Smith

Branch Manager - Tucson

Shawn comes to us with over 20 years of experience in compliance, investigations, safety, and security. He has spent his career working to mitigate risk through prevention and investigation across multiple private and government sectors. Some of Shawn’s experience includes distribution and supply chain loss prevention, retail loss prevention, medical center security, building code compliance, and juvenile delinquency prevention and detention center compliance. In Shawn’s free time he is an MLB baseball fan and enjoys spending time with his wife and kids.

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