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OUR LEADERSHIP

Led by experience. United by service.

Meet the leaders shaping Castellan’s commitment to safety, integrity and operational excellence.

Michael Harrison

Director /Treasurer

Michael Harrison

Former U.S. Army officer with global experience in military leadership, government and the private sector.

A Dallas-based executive leader with more than 20 years of global experience, initially as an Army Infantry officer and subsequently in key senior roles in the White House, Department of Defense, and the United States Military Academy, as well as recent internships in venture capital and technology firms. Highly adept at building and leading teams, often in complex and stressful situations, with a deep knowledge of the intersection between military, government, technology and the private sector, providing a unique insight into strategic planning, commercial requirements, and risk management.

Michael Harrison serves as the Director/Treasurer of Castellan Protective Services, bringing over two decades of leadership, operational excellence, and strategic vision to the role. Born in Papua New Guinea to missionary parents, Michael’s lifelong commitment to service has been the cornerstone of his distinguished career.

With 20 years of military experience, Michael has led organizations across Asia and Eastern Europe, including high-stakes deployments to Afghanistan, where he directed counterterrorism and counter-insurgency missions. As a Battalion Commander of an 850-person cross-functional team, Michael developed and executed operational strategies that consistently exceeded organizational goals, improved employee retention, and optimized resource management. These accomplishments demonstrate his ability to foster team cohesion, streamline operations, and deliver results under pressure.

Michael’s expertise extends beyond the battlefield. As a trusted advisor to senior leadership in the Pentagon and the White House, he navigated complex environments, managed risk, and led efforts that demanded discretion and precision. His experience in managing the security of sensitive national assets and planning large-scale operations aligns directly with overseeing a security-focused organization like Castellan Protective Services.

In addition to his military achievements, Michael has excelled in roles within the private sector, including emerging technology and cybersecurity. As a Corporate Fellow at Sim Space, he collaborated with leadership to enhance operational scalability and develop strategic plans to attract investment and expand market reach. His time as an Investment Fellow at TFX Capital honed his financial acumen, market analysis skills, and ability to assess and mitigate risks—capabilities that are critical to running a security enterprise.

Michael’s education from the United States Military Academy at West Point, Harvard University, and Wharton Business School underscores his commitment to lifelong learning and leadership development. His academic and professional journey provides him with a unique ability to integrate strategic planning, operational excellence, and customer-focused service into his leadership of Castellan Protective Services.

Above all, Michael is driven by a commitment to protect and serve others—a principle that guides his leadership of the company.

Qiamuddin Safi

President

Qiamuddin Safi

Former Afghan National Army Command Sergeant Major with more than two decades of security leadership.

Qiamuddin Safi is a security executive and former Command Sergeant Major of the Afghan National Army, bringing more than two decades of military service, operational leadership, and experience in complex security environments to Castellan Protective Services. His career reflects a commitment to disciplined leadership, mission readiness, and the protection of people and critical assets.

Throughout his military career, Mr. Safi held senior command positions, including service as ASG Commander at U.S. military and International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) bases. In this capacity, he directed the successful completion of 139 missions, coordinating personnel and resources in demanding operational conditions. These responsibilities strengthened his expertise in security planning, threat assessment, and decision-making under pressure.

As President of Castellan Protective Services, Mr. Safi guides the company’s strategic direction, operational standards, and approach to client protection. He applies his military experience to the practical needs of private security, emphasizing thorough preparation, professional conduct, clear communication, and services tailored to each client’s property, personnel, and operational priorities.

Central to his leadership is the development of capable, accountable teams. Mr. Safi emphasizes personnel training, effective supervision, and consistent execution, recognizing that dependable security requires both sound procedures and people prepared to exercise good judgment. His approach combines military discipline with an understanding of the importance of respectful, responsive service.

Mr. Safi leads Castellan Protective Services with a focus on integrity, preparedness, and accountability. His goal is to build lasting client relationships through reliable protection and professional service—bringing military values to the everyday responsibility of helping businesses and communities feel secure.

Douglas Thurston

Secretary

Douglas Thurston

Thirty years of U.S. Marine Corps service, followed by federal leadership in operations and security.

Douglas brings over forty years of leadership, operational expertise, and strategic vision to the Castellan Protective Services team. Based in Oahu Hawaii, his extensive background and experience includes thirty years of active-duty military service in the United States Marine Corps and fourteen years of federal civilian service within the Department of Defense.

His distinguished military service and civilian career is further bolstered by his academic education at Hawaii Pacific University with undergraduate degrees in supervisory leadership and business management and a graduate degree in organizational development. His combined skills and experience provide a unique blend of practical, operational, and academic expertise.

As a U.S. Marine embedded with the Afghanistan National Army, he provided security and training in the development of Afghanistan National Security Forces (ANSF) that included executing numerous counterterrorism and counterinsurgency missions during intense combat operations in some of the most hostile and austere regions of eastern Afghanistan.

As a federal civilian, he led a telecommunications and information technology services branch for U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, supporting over 90,000 personnel spanning across two-thirds of the globe. He also served as Director of the Regional Operations and Security Center, Pacific, managing all Marine Corps Enterprise and Defensive Cyberspace operations.

Douglas is a decorated veteran who is highly adept at building and leading teams, often in complex and stressful situations with a deep knowledge of the intersections between military, government, technology, and the private sector, providing a unique insight into strategic planning, security requirements, risk management, and emergency response.

As Secretary of Castellan Protective Services, Douglas drives the company’s mission to deliver unparalleled security solutions, leveraging his comprehensive experience to ensure client safety and operational integrity and remains committed to advancing security standards with precision, integrity, and innovation.

Above all, Douglas is driven by a commitment to protect and serve others—a principle that guides his leadership of the company.

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