who are we?
What is the
Chief Special Agents Association?
An Exclusive Network of Southern California's Top Private Corporate Security Executives & Law Enforcement Leaders

Empowering Leaders to Drive Change, Forge Connections, and Protect our Local Communities.
Chief Special Agents are individuals employed by public agencies and private corporations whose principal duties involve participating in and/or directing investigations of criminal or civil violations. They are generally affiliated with their organization's executive leadership units, embodying professionalism and integrity in their roles.
Established in 1927, the Chief Special Agent's Association (CSAA) has been Southern California’s trusted hub for corporate security executives and law enforcement leaders. For nearly a century, we have fostered collaboration, ethical leadership, and community impact, empowering professionals and supporting law enforcement families.
As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, we provide scholarships, support officer memorials, and contribute to essential training programs, all while uniting professionals committed to protecting and serving the public.
The CSAA also publishes the Chief Special Agent's Association Directory, a trusted reference guide widely utilized by law enforcement. Revised and published every two years for accuracy, it includes member contact information and comprehensive listings of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies across California.
OUR IMPACT
Since our founding, CSAA has played a vital role in supporting law enforcement professionals through scholarships, charitable contributions, and essential resources.
Awarding Scholarships & Mentoring Pathways
Providing scholarships to deserving students pursuing careers in security, investigations, and law enforcement.
Supporting Law Enforcement Charities
Like the California Law Enforcement Officers' Memorial Fund, aiding officers injured or killed in the line of duty.
Sponsoring Training Programs
Through partnerships with organizations such as the Peace Officers Association of Los Angeles County (POALAC).
Publishing a Law Enforcement Directory
Featuring up-to-date member contacts and comprehensive listings of federal, state, and local agencies across California.
MEET OUR LEADERS
The CSAA Board of Directors and Members are composed of top private corporate security executives and law enforcement professionals. Their rich history and combined expertise bring unparalleled value, guiding the association with integrity, leadership, and a steadfast commitment to excellence in serving the community.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Board President | Richard Long
Chief Security Officer, 3Si
Richard Long currently serves as the Chief Security Officer for 3Si, an international security corporation that started in 1972. He previously served as the 3Si Senior Vice President and Global Director of the Law Enforcement Division managing the police and FBI implementation and utilization of 3Si robbery-arrest / clandestine tracking GPS/RF technologies. He directed the managers and regional coordinators throughout North America, Europe, South/Central America, and Australia who are responsible for recruitment, implementation, training, and liaison between 3Si and all government partners. He also directed 3Si’s liaison with all major law enforcement agencies at the state, federal, and international level. Currently over 10,000+ police agencies and all 56 FBI Field Offices are approved for 3Si crime-fighting technologies. As an ASIS International CPP credentialed member, Richard is Board Certified in Security Management.Richard retired from the Newport Beach Police Department. He held several leadership posts and retired as the Detective Services Commander. The bulk of his career was in investigative assignments including Organized Crime, Vice, Intelligence, Crime Suppression Unit (CSU), and Robbery-Homicide. Richard is the past State President and a current board member of the California Robbery Investigators Association (CRIA, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation). CRIA, has approximately 2800 members in the western states. He is also the President of the Chief Special Agents Association of California, an organization of private industry and law enforcement executives that formed in 1927. Richard is a US Army veteran having served with the 25th Infantry Division and he is a graduate of the FBI National Academy. He has numerous awards including the Medal of Valor (Hoag Hospital Firebombing), two Medals of Merit, the NBPD Supervisor of the Year Award, and the CRIA Meritorious Service Award. Richard holds a BA degree in Business Management.
1st Vice President | Vacant
BIO TO COME.
Seargent At Arms | Jeff Mackanin
BIO TO COME.
Treasurer | Hector Romero
BIO TO COME.
Secretary | Laura Deagon
This later expanded to dealing with physical security issues (crimes against persons and property) such as bank robberies, assaults, burglaries, vandalism, etc. and assisting with property management and new construction projects by creating detailed solutions to mitigate future crimes, including personnel training, deployment of security systems and conducting risk assessments.
Laura’s professional career has eased into working as a Risk Assessment Consultant and has provided assessments for a multitude of organizations and industries such as houses of worship, daycare centers, civic facilities and corporate offices sites.
Laura has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice and Paralegal Certification from California State University, San Bernardino. In addition, Laura received a Crime & Intelligence Analysis Certification, issued jointly by California State University Fullerton & the California State Department of Justice.
Laura currently serves on the Chief Special Agents Association Board of Directors as Secretary and held the Treasurer position for several years as well.
BOARD MEMBERS
Silvia Portillo*
BIO TO COME
Briane Grey
BIO TO COME
John Palmer*
CFE & Manager of Fraud Investigations, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union
John Palmer, CFE, is a seasoned professional with 24 years of experience in financial crimes. Currently serving as the Manager of fraud investigations at SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, John brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role, particularly in the areas of elder financial exploitation awareness, prevention, and investigation. Before joining SchoolsFirst, he was the Director of Elder and Technology Fraud at U.S. Bank, where he led efforts to combat financial fraud and protect customers. His academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from California State University, Fullerton, which laid the foundation for his extensive career in financial crime prevention. Throughout his career, John has been actively involved in various professional organizations. He has held leadership positions with the Chief Special Agent’s Association and the Orange County Financial Crimes Investigators Association (defunct). Additionally, he has been a dedicated member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners for 20 years, contributing to the advancement of the field and sharing his expertise with peers.
Ed Miramontes
BIO TO COME
Ron Williams
President & CEO, Talon Companies
Dedicating 22 years to the United States Secret Service, Ron Williams had the opportunity to work and supervise all divisions of the SS Treasury department in the Los Angeles Field Office. Gaining a wealth of security expertise and a highly regarded reputation within Federal Law Enforcement, Mr. Williams decided to start Talon Executive Services, Inc., a corporate security and investigations company. As a Secret Service Agent, Mr. Williams supervised the credit card and financial fraud squad, the counterfeit squad, and the elite Counter Assault Team (CAT) to combat terrorism. As the Lead Advance Agent, Mr. Williams was responsible for all advance security plans and logistics coordination for Presidential, Vice-Presidential, and foreign heads-of-state visits to Los Angeles. He personally protected Presidents Ford, Reagan, Bush, and Clinton, as well as such noted dignitaries as Queen Elizabeth, Yitzhak Shamir, and Pope John Paul and was the recipient of numerous awards including the United States Secret Service Director’s Award for Special Achievement on eight occasions.
Focusing on the company he founded in 1994, Talon Executive Services, Inc., Mr. Williams has created a highly advanced team of former Secret Service and F.B.I. agents as well as other federal, state and local law enforcement officers. Threat assessment and physical site surveys performed by Talon include venues such as public transportation, entertainment and pharmaceutical. As a RAM-w certified agent, he performs threat assessments and develops remedial measures for water districts, identified as one of the nation’s critical infrastructures. Because of his expertise in the field of anti-terrorism, Mr. Williams was asked by the California Gubernatorial delegation in 2002, to meet with Tom Ridge regarding homeland security. His association with AFAUSSS (Association of Former Agents of the United States Secret Service), ASIS (American Society of Industry Security), ATAP (Association of Threat Assessment Professionals) American Water Works Association (AWWA) Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) to name a few, keeps him abreast of all matters involving security and threat assessment. He is also an active member of the FBI’s InfraGard program, U.S. State Department Overseas Advisory Council (OSAC) and OCPST (Orange County Private Sector Terrorist Response). Mr. Williams frequently appears on Fox News Channel as well as other national shows as a security analyst and terrorism expert. He was also the keynote speaker at the 1999 Alabama Governor’s Conference on Violence in the Workplace Prevention, has made presentations to the California Association of Water Agencies which included a White Paper, and continues to educate organizations on various security issues through specialized seminars and training.
Omar Valdemar
Founder, Valdemar Group LLC
Omar Valdemar is an accomplished security professional and Certified Protection Professional (CPP) with over 35 years of experience in corporate security program optimization. As the founder of Valdemar Group LLC, he provides expert guidance in asset protection and risk mitigation, helping organizations enhance their safety and security management. His previous roles include Business Development Manager at Hanwha Vision America, where he expanded opportunities in the banking and financial sectors, and Senior Manager of Corporate Security Systems at City National Bank, where he implemented innovative security solutions that significantly reduced risks and costs. In addition to his professional achievements, Omar is dedicated to the security community, serving as a volunteer with ASIS International, where he contributes his expertise to advance the field and support fellow security professionals. His diverse skill set and commitment to excellence make him a valued leader in fostering safe and secure environments.*PAST PRESIDENTS
Congratulations to our CSAA 2025 Board Members
The CSAA Board was installed by Mr. Cooley.
The Board Members Are:
Silvia Portillo, Securitas USA, Inc.
Hector Romero, Securitas USA, Inc.
Omar Valdemar, Valdemar Group LLC
Laura Deagon, CSAA Secretary
Ron Williams, Talon Companies
Richard Long, 3SI & CSAA President
Absent Were:
Briane Grey, Kaiser Permanente
Jeff Mackanin, Sempra Energy
Edward Miramontes, US Bank
John Palmer, Schools First Credit Union
CSAA AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS
The CSAA is proudly supported by a network of affiliated organizations whose members actively contribute to and enhance the association’s mission through collaboration and shared expertise.
Netwatch USA
Performing Arts Center of LA Co dba The Music Center
Physical Security Partners dba New Age Security Systems
Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center
Schools First Credit Union
Securitas USA, Inc.
Sempra, The Gas Company
Southern California Edison
Steve Cooley & Associates
Talon Companies
US Bullet Protection
USBank