DALLAS— Mark Herrera, president and chief security strategist for Global Awareness Professionals, LLC (GAP) is pleased to announce that GAP has formed a leadership team designed to expand the company’s reach and have a deeper impact within the industry. The GAP team is working to set policy and procedure to accommodate the rapid business growth anticipated in the future.
Well organized venue security and the ability of teams to protect and manage crowds with vulnerable populations has become increasingly necessary in 2026. The GAP leadership team has recalibrated the company’s offering to focus on training enhancements, partnerships, and the use of technology to better serve venues and frontline staff.
“This evolution of GAP is deeply personal to me because it reflects the commitment and belief of three exceptional leaders: Steve Flamm, Mary Klida and Karen Totaro,” said Herrera. “They didn’t just lend their names or advice; they invested their time, energy, and professional reputations to help build this next chapter of our company. Together, we’ve spent countless hours refining our vision, strengthening our brand, and elevating the quality of what we deliver. I am profoundly grateful for their trust, candor and dedication.”
Herrera is a globally recognized security and leadership expert with more than 30 years of experience in law enforcement, homeland security and venue safety. He serves as Chair of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Public Assembly Facilities Sub-Sector Council, advising on safety strategies for major venues and mass gatherings across the country.
A retired SWAT Sergeant and DHS-certified instructor, Herrera has helped shape national standards and best practices for safety, crowd management and crisis leadership at major public assembly venues. He is a recipient of the Life Safety Award and is widely sought after as a speaker on crisis readiness, leadership under pressure and building high-performing teams.
Steve Flamm
External Advisor
Steve Flamm is a finance and operations advisor who works with growing organizations to help clarify structure, decision-making and long-term sustainability. His work focuses on helping leadership teams develop a forward-looking mindset around operational and financial readiness.
“Preparedness comes down to people and giving staff the confidence and awareness to act decisively in difficult moments,” said Flamm. “Mark has long emphasized that kind of proactive thinking, which is increasingly important for organizations responsible for public safety.”
Karen Totaro
Business Management Consultant
Karen Totaro spent more than 30 years running venues across the country, bringing a strong voice for safety and security training in each and every venue. In the past six months Karen, alongside the rest of the GAP leadership team, jumped in to re-envision the future of GAP.
Totaro used the experience she gained through her executive roles at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Duke Energy Convention Center in Cincinnati, the Atlantic City Convention Center, the San Diego Convention Center and the Huntington Place Convention Center in Detroit to ensure a high value was placed on the Safety & Security training for ALL staff and community partners.
Looking ahead, Totaro will be returning her focus to applying all she has learned through her time at GAP to her newly accepted role as General Manager of a U.S. Convention Center later this year.
“It has been a pleasure working with Mark and the team as we recalibrated Global Awareness Professionals in order to take it to the next level. The impact of the safety and security training that Mark presents with such a personal passion from his years of relevant law enforcement experience makes all the difference.” said Totaro. “I am so proud of the work we have done to engage even broader industries beyond the important foundation of venue management.”
Mary Klida
Executive Marketing Consultant
Under Klida’s leadership, the company is implementing an annual marketing strategy and communications framework to help launch the recent, comprehensive recalibration of its training programs and align with the changing realities of today’s safety and security threats.
Working closely with Herrera and Totaro to integrate new marketing and communications policies into the GAP organizational structure, Klida developed the user experience design and platforms necessary for ongoing marketing channels including website, advertising, newsletters, public relations strategies and online presence development to accommodate scalable business growth.
“I wholeheartedly believe in the mission and vision of Global Awareness Professionals. GAP’s contribution is one of grace and goodness, and the world needs more of that now.” said Klida. “I’ve known Mark Herrera for many years, and his experience and passion for his work are second to none. I thank him for the opportunity to support GAP.”
Top Subject Matter Experts
While GAP reflects Herrera’s experience, it is not built on one voice alone. The company’s strength lies in the collective expertise of the top subject-matter experts who work closely with GAP: leaders drawn from law enforcement, aviation, emergency management, intelligence, venue operations and crisis leadership. Together, they deliver training grounded in real-world application, ensuring organizations receive instruction informed by experience, not theory.
“I want to extend my sincere appreciation to our valued partners and the broader industry community whose continued support, collaboration, and shared commitment to safety have helped shape and strengthen our mission,” said Herrera.
One of these partners is Gate 15. A veteran owned company, Gate 15 supports organizational and individual security, resilience, and freedom by giving organizations risk-mitigation resources and intelligence-informed insights that enhance preparedness across diverse environments.
“Mark Herrera is a subject matter expert, a trusted leader, and an invaluable resource to the homeland security mission,” said Andy Jabbour, managing director. “His leadership helped launch venue security to a level beyond anything it has ever been.”
High Profile Clients
GAP’s high profile client list includes the Dallas Independent School District, Texas A&M University, the Religious Conference Management Association, the Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Mavericks, Philadelphia Phillys, Circuit of the Americas, Citizen Bank Park, American Airlines Center, Dickies Arena, Bass Performance Hall, AT&T Performing Arts Center, the Ryman Auditorium and others.
About Global Awareness Professionals
Global Awareness Professionals (GAP), is committed to preparing people, strengthening teams and protecting communities with risk assessment and staff training—because when organizations are prepared, lives are protected. Established in 2015, GAP is now expanding the scope of clientele from event venues to also include schools, churches, hospitals and other venues with vulnerable populations. GAP is rolling out recalibrated security training frameworks nationwide in 2026, with expanded offerings that integrate emerging technology, scenario-based learning and cross-sector preparedness strategies. Visit online at gapglobaltraining.com
