Our Team

Northwest Enforcement is led by a dedicated team that strives to deliver the best services all the time, every time. Get to know our team of amazing leaders by clicking on the link below their picture.

Karen Withrow

President

Meet Karen

President (2000)

Karen started Northwest Enforcement with her husband Chad in early 2000. She is an experienced corporate manager and can claim sixteen years of communications and public relations involvement at Metro regional government. As a Woman Owned Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (Oregon W/DBE #4593), Karen’s experience sets the tone for Northwest Enforcement’s private security work including government and construction contracts, support for business districts and private business services. She sets the direction for the company by guiding team development, managing the “scaling up” process, negotiating significant client contracts, approving high-value vendor contracts and leases, establishing budgets and managing fiduciary responsibilities. Karen seamlessly interacts with clients, team members and vendors to successfully execute daily work in a positive, proactive manner. In addition to her BA in Business Management, Karen is licensed as an OR DPSST Executive Manager and holds a project management certification from PSU. Karen has been managing work and people since acting as a retail manager of her parent’s bookstore at the age of 16. Outside of work, Karen loves to spend quality time with her boys, getting away with Chad and reading.

Chad Withrow

Vice President

Meet Chad

Vice President (2000)

Chad inspires the Northwest Enforcement team to meet its core purpose: be valuable because nothing less will do. He does this by training leaders to mentor those they work with, rewarding amazing work and sharing examples of success. He clarifies and sets the example for how to treat fellow team members starting with a great onboarding and training experience and continuing through to regular coaching and site visits where coffee cards or cold drinks are given to say thanks for work completed.

As a former Marine, Chad understands teamwork and applies lessons learned to training and coaching officers and leaders. Chad has annually trained up to 350 federal security officers as well as employees from Loomis, Boeing and local security companies. He teaches: OR unarmed/armed, WA armed security, report writing, de-escalation and conflict resolution, tactical communication, diversity equity and inclusion, defensive tactics and OC Pepper Spray. As one of 65 licensed master instructors world-wide, Chad trains police, military and security to be ASP baton, handcuffing and low-light flashlight instructors. He has successfully executed numerous high-profile security contracts including the US Federal Police contract for security of OR/SW WA federal buildings prior to, during and after 9/11.

When Chad isn’t working, you can find him at the park with his boys, cooking, doing DIY or at the beach.

Gregory Jay

Executive Director - Logistics

Meet Greg

Executive Director - Logistics (2009)

Greg started at Northwest Enforcement as an onsite guard and quickly demonstrated his reliability, selflessness and problem-solving skills. After assisting in the office part time, he advanced through many roles and responsibilities to the position he holds now, a perfect fit. Greg administers in-house software development, IT (servers/phones/internet/computers), field technology (tablets/phones/laptops/GPS), uniforms, equipment, training gear and the vehicle fleet. Greg coordinates heavily with the Operations and Administration Teams, closely watching the budget to maintain maximum value for our clients. Greg also oversees asset and risk management, supports policy development and completes special projects such as acquisitions, software conversions and real estate evaluation. When Greg isn’t working, he works on his truck, hangs out with his wife and does overland camping.

Sonja Kuhn

Executive Director - Operations

Meet Sonja

Executive Director - Operations (2019)

Sonja came to Northwest Enforcement with vast knowledge and experience in customer service, communications and conflict resolution. Applying her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Human Services and Organizational Administration, she is quick to jump in and help resolve issues, making sure that all parties' needs are addressed. Sonja tracks and promptly attends to all concerns with an attention to detail that makes her successful in finding win-win solutions to benefit clients and team members alike. With 18 years of experience caring for adults and children with mental or physical disabilities, Sonja brings a very empathetic approach to her work. This fits perfectly with her oversight of our Care/Safety services in the Central Eastside Industrial District as well as our approach to all security contracts, where we treat everyone with respect and do all we can to resolve issues peacefully. Sonja enjoys time with her cat, watching movies and connecting online with family when not at work.

Codie Jennison

Executive Director of Sales & Marketing

Meet Codie

Strategic Sales Administrator (2020)

Codie brings over 12 years of customer service and leadership experience to the Northwest Enforcement team. While she doesn’t have direct security experience, Codie’s past positions developed her ability to multi-task effectively while maintaining a high level of attention to detail in order to adapt and meet ever-changing client needs. In her sales role, Codie strategically evaluates and responds to RFPs for new contracts and oversees the Business Development Coordinator position. She also acts as a liaison on large contracts, maintaining a constant a communication link with the client to ensure needs are met by our teams on the street. When not working, Codie enjoys time with her dog Ruby, hiking and making bread.

Windee Klinger

Executive Director of Finance

Meet Windee

Windee Klinger | Finance Administrator (2021)

Windee has successfully held roles ranging from Strategic Initiatives Analyst to Controller. Applying her BA in Business Administration and MBA with a concentration in Project Management, Windee has had responsibility for financial program management including: A/P, A/R, cash management, general ledger, revenue/expenditure variance analysis, fixed asset/debt activity, reconciliations, monitoring of internal/external controls, financial analysis, financial and tax reporting, internal/external audits and staff training. Windee has taken responsibility for creating scalable accounting policies and procedures, development of strategic plans that enable double-digit growth and review/improvement of processes. She’s comfortable overseeing and preparing many routine-to-complex financial/operational statements. She provides leadership and technical expertise for leadership decision-making. Windee is an adjunct faculty teaching finance management and budgeting courses. When not working, she enjoys spending time with family and reading.

Barbie Jay

Finance Administrator

Meet Barbie

Finance Coordinator (2015)

Barbie comes to Northwest Enforcement as a transplant from the Philippines. While Barbie had no security experience prior to starting with Northwest Enforcement, she quickly proved to be reliable, diligent and always willing to learn something new. Her attention to detail is indispensable when it comes to billing, receipts, accounts payable, record keeping and payroll. Barbie wears a lot of hats within the Finance Team. She always completes her tasks accurately and in a timely fashion. When Barbie is not at work, she enjoys photography, hiking, playing guitar, singing, and exploring the great outdoors with her husband.

Brian Carley

Facilities & Fleet Administrator

Meet Brian

Caid Vaughn

Logistics Administrator

Meet Caid

Logistics Coordinator (2018)

Caid started his career in security at Northwest Enforcement after spending several years working as an IT technician. He comes to us with years of experience in customer services, conflict resolution and problem solving. Caid tackles every problem thrown his way with a positive, proactive demeanor and is always ready to help those around him. He assists in expanding our in-house SRT software, helps manage IT and field technology, develops and documents procedures, and works closely with the operations and administration teams to ensure that we provide value for our clients. When Caid isn’t working, he can be found taking his cat, Cloud, on outside adventures and spending time with family and friends.

Carrie Frazier

Operations Coordinator

Meet Carrie

Operations Coordinator (2020)

Carrie came to us in 2020 when we bought Columbia Security and inherited the Longview team. She has been working security since 2011 after having a 25-plus year career with a chain bookstore. Carrie started out as an onsite guard, working her way to the Site Supervisor in 2016. Carrie now is an Operations Coordinator where she oversees the patrol and onsite teams for our Longview Office. She loves spending time with her family and her grandchildren. She is obsessed with cats and can usually be found with one perched on her lap at home while playing computer games with her husband.

Christian Stauffer

Training Administrator

Meet Christian

CEIC Safety Team Lead (2018)

Christian brings five years of leadership and analytical experience as an Intelligence Analyst/Security NCO in the United States Marine Corps to Northwest Enforcement. He applies this experience to provide a team of dedicated and hardworking individuals to the Central Eastside Industrial District. His focus is on building and maintaining business/houseless relations while keeping the area safe for all people who live, work and visit the Central Eastside. He coordinates exceptional training for his team members in trauma informed care and de-escalation techniques. Christian enjoys working out, playing Frisbee Golf, and enjoying local beers and cuisine in the Central Eastside when not at work.

Christina Venable

Operations Administrator

Meet Christina

Operations Administrator (2021)

Christina Venable joined Northwest Enforcement in November 2021. She started as a Field Training Lead and quickly grew, transitioning to the Operations Administrator role in Oregon.

Christina comes to NEI with 21 years of security experience including everything from TSA/Federal work to access control, events and managerial operations, to onsite and patrol work.

When Christina is not working, she is spending time with family and friends.

Jacob Miller

Patrol Lead

Meet Jacob

Patrol Lead (2022)

Jacob Miller came to Northwest Enforcement in August of 2022. He started as a Patrol Officer and when the opportunity opened to become a night Lead, he did not hesitate to apply.

In the short time that Jacob has been a night Lead, he has provided coaching to our team, continually jumps in to run patrol districts, stands post if the team needs help, and pays attention to details to make sure our clients get the best value from our service that they can.

When Jacob is not working, he spends time with family and friends or attending Air Soft tournaments.

James Abel

Training Coordinator

Meet James

Training Coordinator (2021)

James Abel has been with Northwest Enforcement since July of 2021. He comes to us with 9 years of military experience, where he spent 4 years as a medical instructor for his unit. Abel also has 2 years of experience working corrections as a resident supervisor in a halfway house.

Abel joined NEI as one of our Safety Ambassadors with our outreach program where he became a team lead. Since then, he has grown to assist in our training program as our Training Coordinator.

Abel loves offering a helping hand to others. Chances are, if you ever run into Abel, he’ll have a smile on his face.

James Braaten

SRT Developer

Meet James

SRT Developer (2019)

James has been developing software for 5 years, built an app on Apple’s app store, and has extensive experience in customer service. At Northwest Enforcement, James combines his experience in customer service and software development to create custom security software with friendly user interfaces that reflects team, leadership and client needs. Because he understands what the team needs, James can create a platform with high utility and easy navigation. Despite his expertise, James seeks out new opportunities to learn about software development whenever possible. In his free time, James enjoys spending time with his dog, doing health related activities and being with his girlfriend.

Jimmy Lee

Culture Administrator

Meet Jimmy

Justin Owens

Patrol Lead

Meet Justin

Nicholas Bennett

Patrol Lead

Meet Nicholas

Patrol Lead (2023)

Nicholas Bennett started working with NEI in 2023 as an onsite Officer. Quickly learning multiple sites to assist the team, Patrol was offered to better accommodate this mindset. Helping lead the team and take on new positions and opportunities, going from Flex Officer to now Patrol Lead.

Lt. Bennett comes to nEI with experience assisting team members as a Training Coordinator from Amazon. He has always been flexible to help the team where needed. In his off time, Lt. Bennett enjoys taking his kids out to the park.

Nicholas Landis

Business Development Coordinator

Meet Nicholas

Business Development Coordinator (2022)

Nicholas Landis has 7 years of customer service and satisfaction experience across
several industries. He also has 5 years of combined inside and outside sales in
multiple industries. These experiences have taught him that active listening and genuine curiosity is the key to helping others find the right solutions to their problems. His 9 months as a security officer for NEI gave him the boots on the ground experience necessary to accurately convey NEI’s capabilities to provide security services to anyone in need. As the Business Development Coordinator, he looks forward to fostering healthy relationships with current clients as well as forging new ones within the industry. When not at work Nicholas enjoys board gaming, horsing around with his dozen nieces and nephews, and serving his church community.

Ryan Enos

Operations Coordinator

Meet Ryan

Operations Coordinator (2020)

Ryan Enos began his journey with the Northwest Enforcement family in October of 2020. He brings a unique life experience from handling security and logistics of concerts to multi-purpose venues. His venue management experience has given him a unique perspective and ability to handle our clients' needs.

Ryan started as a Patrol Officer on our team, where he worked hard, taking on a multitude of roles and positions, working his way up in rank. Now, as a night Operations Coordinator, he continues working hard for the team, our clients, and tries to ensure the whole Northwest Enforcement family is set up for success wherever he can.

Shannon Burgess

Finance Coordinator

Meet Shannon

Finance Coordinator (2023)

Shannon comes to us with 7 years of experience in accounts payable, accounts receivable, and bookkeeping. She has great attention to detail and organizational skills, and fits right in with the rest of our finance team!

In her free time, Shannon enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, watching movies, writing, making art, and spending time in nature.

Shaun Wirth

Administrator - Longview Region

Meet Shaun

Regional Administrator – Longview (2015)

Shaun applies 17 years of security experience to manage our Longview office. In that role, he, interviews and hires team members, oversees the schedule, submits billing and payroll hours, trains, coordinates field training/evaluation, oversees report review, conducts incident investigations, communicates corrective actions/terminations and meets with clients to discuss needs. Shaun remains aware of site needs to ensure quality service and interacts with the team daily. He has regular contact with all Portland teams to ensure continuity of service, communication and documentation. Shaun is an OR unarmed instructor and holds personal certifications in OR/WA unarmed security, OR armed security, baton, handcuffing, OC pepper Spray and CPR/AED/First Aid. Outside of work, Shaun enjoys time with his wife and two dachshunds at his new home.

Stewart Becker

Business Development Manager

Meet Stewart

Business Development Manager (2024)

With 20 years of experience in the security industry, coupled with a vast level of knowledge in the local market, Stewart is responsible for growth of the business.

Stewart began his career as a police officer, transitioning into the security industry where he worked his way through nearly every operational role in the industry. He is experienced in small operations as well as holding the position of General Manager for a four-state territory with a large organization.

As a Business Development Manager with Northwest Enforcement, Stewart has set his career path on a mission of growth for a local organization that can provide high levels of client satisfaction, a rare find in a market of global security providers.

Valerie Mann

Human Resources Coordinator

Meet Valerie

Human Resources Coordinator (2023)

Valerie joined the NEI team in 2023 for her first role in Human Resources. Her ability to build relationships and make others feel welcome alongside her quick wit, attention to detail, and willingness to help with whatever tasks come her way make Valerie an indispensable member of the NEI family.

When not engaging with current and potential team members, Valerie enjoys spending time with her family and friends, camping, and watching her girls play sports.

Team Testimonials

Patrol Officer Jack Carrier Says...

“I am dedicated to the team. My inspiration comes from our teamwork and the team's hard work.”

Officer Alexander Haynes Says...

“I want to be a leader, to help others achieve their potential and will lead not as a superior but as a friend and colleague. This company works together like a family.”

Patrol Officer Justin Telegin Says...

“I trust the leaders within this company and believe a lot of what we do in the community is aimed toward helping people who need it. I enjoy this job because I get to go out every night and I never know who I might be able to help and whom I might get to meet and show compassion and care for.”

Patrol Officer Jon Drenner Says...

“Northwest Enforcement’s vision is to become a brand that is synonymous with effective, reliable service and peace of mind. Providing this service with the best possible personnel, technology and infrastructure, growing and transitioning to a company that can provide custom service for a wider range of needs and expectations. I see in this company as an opportunity to grow not only in scale and revenue, but a company with a unique opportunity to be extraordinary. To become a calling rather than a transitional job."

Dispatcher Nick Wiseman Says...

"My experience working at Northwest Enforcement thus far has been nothing less than positive. This company has already given me numerous opportunities through training and experiences than I ever thought possible, and for that I am already grateful."

Officer Johnny Sexton Says...

"I care about my clients and the people around me. I treat every client as I would like to be treated and watch over their businesses and belongings as if it were my own."

Let's Talk about your Career

Northwest Enforcement is looking for dedicated and respoonsible people like you!

Get In Touch

Our Team

Karen Withrow

Chad Withrow

Gregory Jay

Sonja Kuhn

Codie Jennison

Windee Klinger

Barbie Jay

Brian Carley

Caid Vaughn

Carrie Frazier

Christian Stauffer

Christina Venable

Jacob Miller

James Abel

James Braaten

Jimmy Lee

Justin Owens

Nicholas Bennett

Nicholas Landis

Ryan Enos

Shannon Burgess

Shaun Wirth

Stewart Becker

Valerie Mann

Team Testimonials

Patrol Officer Jack Carrier Says...

Officer Alexander Haynes Says...

Patrol Officer Justin Telegin Says...

Patrol Officer Jon Drenner Says...

Dispatcher Nick Wiseman Says...

Officer Johnny Sexton Says...

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