Paragon Systems
Paragon Systems Inc. is a privately held American security and investigations firm headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, specializing in protective services, cybersecurity, risk management, and mission support for U.S. government clients across defense, intelligence, homeland security, law enforcement, and federal civil sectors.[1][2] Founded in 1983, the company deploys over 10,500 trained professionals nationwide and in U.S. territories, with more than 85% holding federal security clearances and 35% being military veterans, enabling rapid scalability for safeguarding physical facilities, critical infrastructure, networks, and data assets.[2][1] Paragon's operations emphasize customized solutions, including armed and unarmed security, fire protection, inspections, and energy sector support, positioning it as a qualified vendor under the federal General Services Administration schedule for contracts with over 10 federal agencies and major defense contractors.[3] Its workforce's high clearance rate and veteran composition underpin capabilities in high-stakes environments, such as aerospace and public utilities, contributing to its role in securing American interests domestically and abroad.[1] In November 2024, Paragon agreed to pay $52 million to settle U.S. Department of Justice allegations under the False Claims Act and Anti-Kickback Statute, stemming from claims that company executives used shell entities and front companies to fraudulently secure small-business set-aside government contracts, involving kickbacks and misrepresented ownership structures.[4][5] This resolution highlighted internal compliance challenges amid the firm's growth in federal contracting.[6]History
Founding and Early Development
Paragon Systems Inc. was established in 1983 as a private security firm specializing in protective services for government facilities and assets.[2] Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the company initially focused on delivering licensed, trained personnel for facility security, emphasizing armed guards and risk management tailored to federal agencies.[7] From its outset, Paragon prioritized contracts with departments requiring high-level clearance and specialized operations, building a reputation for safeguarding critical infrastructure amid growing post-Cold War demands for domestic security.[8] In its early years, Paragon expanded by securing prime government contracts for protective services at military bases, intelligence sites, and civil agencies, employing thousands in roles demanding background vetting and operational readiness.[9] The firm's growth aligned with increased federal outsourcing of security functions, positioning it as a key subcontractor before pursuing larger prime awards. By the late 1990s and early 2000s, Paragon had developed capabilities in electronic security integration and investigations, laying groundwork for broader service diversification while maintaining a core emphasis on cleared personnel deployment.[10] This period marked steady scaling, with employee numbers rising to support multi-site operations across the U.S., driven by consistent performance in high-stakes environments.[2]Acquisition and Rebranding
In June 2010, Pinkerton Government Services Inc., a subsidiary of the Securitas Group, acquired Paragon Systems Inc. to expand its presence in the U.S. primary government security services market.[11][2] The acquisition integrated Paragon's operations, which specialized in protective services for federal facilities, into Securitas's portfolio, enhancing capabilities in high-security contracts.[11] On October 27, 2020, Securitas Critical Infrastructure Services Inc. (SCIS), the entity overseeing Paragon as a subsidiary, announced a corporate rebranding to adopt the Paragon name fully.[12][13] This move unified operations under the Paragon brand, reflecting the company's evolution and expansion into sectors including protective services, investigations, energy, risk management, cybersecurity, inspections, and technical services, without altering ownership, board, or management structure.[12][14] The rebranding emphasized Paragon's established reputation in government security while aligning branding with its subsidiary's identity to streamline market positioning.[13]Corporate Structure and Ownership
Parent Company and Subsidiaries
Paragon Systems, Inc. functions as a key operating subsidiary of Securitas Critical Infrastructure Services, Inc. (SCIS), a U.S.-based division focused on high-security protective services for government and critical infrastructure clients.[15][7] SCIS, established to handle specialized U.S. federal contracts, falls under the broader umbrella of Securitas AB, the Swedish multinational security conglomerate founded in 1934 and headquartered in Stockholm. Securitas AB, publicly traded on the Nasdaq Stockholm exchange, reported revenues of SEK 139 billion in 2023 and maintains operations across more than 45 countries with approximately 336,000 employees as of 2024.[16] The acquisition of Paragon by entities within the Securitas Group traces back to the mid-2000s, when Pinkerton Government Services—a Securitas affiliate—purchased the company to expand its footprint in U.S. government security services.[17] In October 2020, SCIS initiated a corporate rebranding, adopting the Paragon Systems name for its operations to streamline identity and leverage Paragon's reputation in federal contracting, while retaining the underlying ownership structure.[13] This move consolidated branding without altering the subsidiary relationship, as Paragon continues to report through SCIS channels, evidenced by recent regulatory disclosures tying Paragon's liabilities directly to Securitas AB.[6] Paragon Systems itself does not maintain distinct subsidiaries, operating instead through integrated divisions that handle services such as cleared protective operations and aviation security under the unified SCIS-Paragon framework.[18] This flat structure supports direct execution of contracts with U.S. agencies like the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Defense, aligning with Securitas AB's decentralized yet coordinated global model.[19]Leadership and Governance
Anthony L. Sabatino serves as the chief executive officer of Paragon Systems, a role he has held since at least 2021. Sabatino brings decades of experience in the security sector, having previously worked as an executive vice president at Securitas Security Services USA, where he contributed to operations and business development in protective services. He holds a bachelor's degree in economics and business administration from Wagner College.[20][21][22] The executive leadership team supports strategic operations across divisions, including key figures such as:- Sean O’Brien, Executive Vice President, with over 15 years in physical security training, operations, and business development; a former U.S. Army Captain in the Military Police Corps; and a Master of Science in Security Management and Emergency Management from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, where he secured over $1 billion in contract revenue during his tenure at Securitas.[23]
- Lisette Chreene, Corporate Vice President of Human Resources, holding a BA in Psychology from UCLA and over 10 years at Securitas USA in recruitment and training roles, including recognition as a Top Young Trainer by Training Magazine.[23]
- Nick Re, President of the Commercial Division, with more than 20 years in commercial security, defense, and aerospace; a BA from the University of Minnesota; an MBA from the University of Phoenix; and certification as a Certified Protection Professional (CPP).[23]
- Angela Greaver, Corporate Facility Security Officer (FSO), possessing a BS from Western Governors University and over 10 years in industrial security, including development of cleared personnel auditing procedures and FSO certification.[23]
- David A. Shull, retired U.S. Army Colonel and Chairman of the Government Security Committee, with 44 years in federal government service, including 28 years as a Judge Advocate General’s Corps officer and 15 years at the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, specializing in legal and security compliance.[24]
- Singleton B. McAllister, Director, with over 20 years in government relations and public policy, formerly senior counsel to the U.S. House Committee on the Budget, and current board service at Alliant Energy (since 2001) and United Rentals (since 2004).[24]
- Gary J. Motsek, Director, featuring 27 years in U.S. Army logistics and 15 years in Department of Defense roles focused on product support and supply chain management.[24]
- Mark Roman, Director, with more than 20 years in cybersecurity, including roles as Executive Director at ManTech, adjunct professorship, and former Department of Navy Technical Expert.[24]