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Frankie D. Terrell, Assistant Manager Global Security on Notable Men

FOUNDER TO THE PROFILE

Frankie D. Terrell

Assistant Manager Global Security, S&C Electric Company

“Since I was a child, I’ve always had a strong passion for public safety and a desire to protect others. I was drawn to the idea of being someone people could depend on when things went wrong.As I got older, that passion eventually led me into the security industry—and it became much more than just a career choice. It became a responsibility I genuinely believe in.One of the biggest lessons this industry has taught me is that society is more fragile than we often realize. The threats facing our country are enormous, and the need for people who are willing to take public safety seriously has never been greater.I attribute much of my success in this industry to that mindset. I’ve never viewed security as simply a job. To me, it’s about prevention, preparedness, awareness, responsibility, and being ready to act when it matters most.”

BASED IN
Chicago, IL 60626
INDUSTRY
Security Public Safety

CONNECT

About

Frankie Terrell is a security operations leader based in the Greater Chicago Area and currently serves as Assistant Manager of Global Security at S&C Electric Company. With more than a decade of experience spanning security operations, supervision, aviation, healthcare, and critical infrastructure, Terrell provides strategic and operational leadership focused on protecting people, assets, and mission-critical infrastructure. In his current role, he helps shape the organization’s global security framework, manages security operations, serves as a Homeland Security liaison for the Critical Manufacturing sector, coordinates the Emergency Response Team, and leads patrol and field operations. His expertise includes security management, risk management, incident command, critical infrastructure protection, emergency management, and homeland security intelligence liaison responsibilities.
Terrell’s career reflects a steady progression through increasingly complex security and leadership roles. Before joining S&C Electric Company, he served as an Aviation Security Sergeant with the Chicago Department of Aviation at O’Hare and Midway International Airports, where he supervised Aviation Security Officers, coordinated coverage for airport grounds and facilities, conducted security inspections, and supported emergency situations and special events while ensuring compliance with TSA, FAA, and Airport Emergency Plan requirements. Earlier, he was a Security Sergeant with the University of Illinois Chicago Police, where he interviewed and oriented new officers, developed and delivered training, enforced policies and procedures, and conducted staff inspections. He began building his professional security foundation as an Armed Security Professional with Universal Services of America and later served as a Professional Armed Security Officer at Rush University Medical Center, gaining experience in patrol operations, incident response, investigations, emergency assistance, and protecting patients, visitors, students, and employees.
Education has also played an important role in Terrell’s professional development. He studied Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration at Westwood College Chicago Loop and Behavioral Sciences at East-West University Chicago. Throughout his career, he has emphasized the importance of professionalism, preparation, accountability, integrity, and continuous development within the security field. His public reflections demonstrate a strong commitment to raising standards for security professionals, advocating for better training and leadership opportunities, and strengthening cooperation among security, law enforcement, emergency management, and other public-safety partners. For Terrell, security is more than a career—it is a commitment to protecting people, communities, and the critical systems they depend upon, while helping organizations remain resilient and prepared for an increasingly complex threat environment.

Key Areas Of Focus

  • 01. Incident Command
  • 02. Risk Management
  • 03. Project Management
  • 04. Critical Infrastructure Security Management
  • 05. Emergency Management
  • 06. High Risk Security Operations

IN HIS OWN WORDS

The Q and A

  1. 01

    What do you attribute your success to?

    Since I was a child, I’ve always had a strong passion for public safety and a desire to protect others. I was drawn to the idea of being someone people could depend on when things went wrong.


    As I got older, that passion eventually led me into the security industry—and it became much more than just a career choice. It became a responsibility I genuinely believe in.

    One of the biggest lessons this industry has taught me is that society is more fragile than we often realize. The threats facing our country are enormous, and the need for people who are willing to take public safety seriously has never been greater.


    I attribute much of my success in this industry to that mindset. I’ve never viewed security as simply a job. To me, it’s about prevention, preparedness, awareness, responsibility, and being ready to act when it matters most.

  2. 02

    What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

    Follow your passion. Keep learning, Create opportunities. And never let someone else's limitations become yours.

  3. 03

    What advice would you give to young men entering your industry?

    Always follow your passion.


    Never allow someone else to convince you that you’re not ready, that you can’t do something, or that a certain path isn’t meant for you.

    There will always be people who doubt you. There will always be obstacles, setbacks, and moments when you question yourself.


    Keep going.


    Seek out new knowledge. Continue learning. Challenge yourself to become better than you were yesterday.

    And when the traditional path doesn’t exist, Create a new one.


    Innovation is often about seeing possibilities where others see limitations. Success doesn’t always come from following a path that has already been established. Sometimes, it comes from having the courage to build your own,


    To new leaders, Rising Stars


    LEAD WITH HUMILITY.

    SERVE WITH INTEGRITY.

    PROTECT WITH PURPOSE.

    Security and Public Safety is not about the authority you carry, it’s about the responsibility and accountability you accept.

  4. 04

    What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

    Part of my personal mission in the security industry has always been raising professional standards.


    Building a culture rooted in integrity, accountability, professionalism, and a deeper understanding of responsibility.


    For too long, security professionals have been viewed through the lens of outdated stereotypes, that we are untrained, uneducated, or simply there to “stand a post.”

    That perception needs to change.


    I remain optimistic because some of the best minds in our industry are standing up and saying, “Enough is enough.”


    That gives me hope.

  5. 05

    What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

    A career in security can be demanding and unpredictable, affecting not only you but your family as well.


    Early on, long hours, missed family time, changing schedules, and working holidays often feel necessary to build your career.


    But success isn’t measured only by your position or accomplishments. It’s also measured by what you preserve along the way.


    Our families make sacrifices too, living with uncertainty, missed moments, and the worries that come with our responsibilities.


    I’m proud of my career, but I’ve learned that success also means making time for the people who matter and maintaining balance.


PERSPECTIVES

Perspectives by Frankie D. Terrell

Original insights, ideas, and viewpoints shaped by real-world experience.

View All Articles
A Reflection on the Contract Security Industry
Leadership

A Reflection on the Contract Security Industry

A call for elevating armed security as a respected profession through better training, competitive compensation, and recognition o…

Read the article

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