Polly Hanson | Kiernan Group Holdings

Polly Hanson
Strategic Advisor

LAW ENFORCEMENT/SECURITY EXECUTIVE/TRAINING DEVELOPER

Innovative leader with demonstrated ability in the protection of critical infrastructure and people. Achieved goals through the creation of policies and systems and the motivation and direction of teams and workforces. Skilled in the development of training, procedures, and programs designed to enhance customer service and security. Core competencies include: strategic thinking, ability to operate under pressure, stellar customer service, excellent communication, and time management skills. Tackles assignments with accuracy and efficiency, fiscal responsibility, accountability, and a focus on results.

PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Created training for Amtrak personnel and the Department of State

Chairperson: Police Chiefs’ subcommittee, Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments

Presenter: Transportation Security Administration (TSA)/Federal Transit Administration (FTA),

Safety, and Security Roundtables

Past President: Alumni Association, Johns Hopkins University Police Executive Leadership Program

Chair: Peer Review, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Transit Police

Presenter: American Public Transit Association (APTA), Rapid Transit Conference

Past President and Treasurer: F.B.I. National Academy Associates, D.C. Chapter

Presenter: Personal Security and Transport Conference, London, England

Member of the Editorial Advisory Board for Transit Policing: A Journal for the Transit Police Service

Member of the Transportation Research Board, National Research Council:

Guidelines for the Effective Use of Uniformed Transit Police and Security,

as well as Synthesis Topic, Electronic Surveillance Technology on Transit Vehicles Projects

Possess a Top-Secret security clearance/SCI

Testified before several Congressional Committees on transportation security issues

EXPERIENCE

AMTRAK, Washington, D.C.

With 21,000 route miles in 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian provinces, Amtrak operates more than 300 trains each day — at speeds up to 150 mph — to more than 500 destinations. Amtrak also is the operator of choice for state-supported corridor services in 15 states and for 4 commuter rail agencies. Reported to the CEO with 10 executive direct reports.

PoliceChief

Led a national police department charged with protecting more than 30MM passengers annually.

Developed robust plans for the deployment of personnel for special events, including: Super Bowls 47, 48 and 50, President Obama’s second Inauguration, the Republican National Convention, and the Democratic National Convention.

Oversaw the planning and coordination of all dignitary protection requirements at stations and on board trains.

Spearheaded the relocation and planning of the ergonomically designed $2MM state of the art National Communication Center, a 24/7 emergency dispatch service for reporting railroad emergencies, suspicious activity, and crime.

Implemented a system-wide uniform presence of personnel as a successful deterrent to crime in stations, trains, facilities, tracks, tunnels, and bridges.

Enhanced the response to train derailments/emergencies as well as trespassers strikes using enforcement, education, and alliances with Operation Lifesaver throughout the country, to improve on-time performance.

Delivered both public and employee communications and media relations regarding safety and security, which included testifying before Congress.

Managed the response to spontaneous demonstrations such as Black Lives Matter and oil pipeline protests in many major cities’ critical transportation facilities.

Ensured ongoing internal audits of travel, training, personnel files, and take-home vehicle usage, resulting in a heightened attention to use, spending, and accountability.

Implemented a department wide review and re-engineering in response to a comprehensive workforce planning study with a focus on new proximity patrols, which reduced crime and increased visibility.

Coordinated the alignment of the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing, focusing on Trust and Legitimacy, Policy and Oversight, Technology and Social Media, Community Policing and Crime Reduction, Training and Education, Officer Wellness, and Safety.

Developed a Captain’s leadership program to prepare the next generation of leaders, which increased collaboration and resulted in the development of front line supervisors and report writing manuals to standardize report writing.

Directed the safety and security of Amtrak employees, patrons, passengers, tunnels, track, stations, and rolling stock in over 500 destinations, 46 states, and over 20,000 miles of track.

THE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Washington, D.C. 2011-2012

The Director of the Office of Law Enforcement and Security (OLES) for the Department of the Interior (DOI) is a Senior Executive Service, commissioned federal special agent with a TS/SCI clearance. The Director of OLES is responsible for an office that provides leadership, policy guidance and oversight to the Department's 7 law enforcement, security and intelligence programs, and worked closely with the Department's bureaus and outside government departments to protect critical infrastructure facilities, national icons and monuments. Reported to a Deputy Assistant Secretary with 5 senior level direct reports.

WASHINGTON, D.C. METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSIT AUTHORITY, Washington, D.C. 1981-2008

Chief, Metro Transit Police 2002-2007

Led a tristate police department which covers 1,500 square miles. Oversaw budget of $50MM, 423 sworn members and 130 non-sworn personnel.Responsible for safeguarding 1MM+ daily Metrorail and Metrobus customers, 10K Metro employees, WMATA properties, and revenue.

EDUCATION

M.S. Applied Behavioral Science, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 1996
B.A. Communications, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 1977
F.B.I. National Executive Institute 2016
Arthur Carhart Interagency Wilderness Stewardship Training 2012
F.B.I. Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar 2003
Maryland Leadership Challenge for Executives 1994
F.B.I. National Academy, 157th Session 1989