G. Michael Verden

Senior Vice President
Hillard Heintze

G. Michael Verden is one of this country's leading experts in security planning and operations protecting the nation's critical infrastructure, including stadiums, convention centers and major entertainment venues. For more than 22 years, Verden served as a Special Agent in the United States Secret Service. As a senior manager, Verden designed and coordinated seminars for the Major Events Management Training for the Kentucky Derby, Indianapolis 500, the Masters and the Breeders Cup. He also served as security adviser during the 2003 Women's World Cup Soccer and the 2003 and 2004 Super Bowls.

Upon retiring from the Secret Service, Verden was selected to serve as the Senior Director of Security for the National Basketball Association. Verden managed and coordinated the global security plan for the NBA's international offices and players, conducting advance security visits in Greece, China, South Africa and Brazil. In addition, he supervised security for the USA Olympic Basketball Team during the 2004 Olympics in Athens. He was also responsible for monitoring all NBA criminal investigations and security-related incidents throughout the league.

Today, Verden serves as Managing Director and Senior Vice President of Protective Operations for Hillard Heintze, a strategic security advisory and management firm with headquarters in Chicago, Illinois, where he has designed, directed and delivered major engagements for clients such as Major League Baseball, National Basketball Association and the Commission on Presidential Debates. He has held a Top Secret Security Clearance for more than 25 years.