Matthew Porcelli, MSc, CPP, CPOI, F.ISRM, FSyl, has dedicated his career to security and frontline protection. Porcelli leads his work with a passion for security in his community, family, and faith. He currently works as a security manager at Harvard Protection Services LLC, where he brings attention to often-overlooked protection.
From Aspirations of Law Enforcement to Private Security
Porcelli began his career in security as a 911 emergency dispatcher with the Maplewood Police Department after college, where community protection was his number one priority. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice at Caldwell University, then a Master of Science in Administration of Justice and Security from the University of Phoenix in 2014. His passion for justice is evident in his academic pursuit of understanding security.
While he was in the undergraduate program at Caldwell University, Porcelli also volunteered with the Roseland Police Department as an auxiliary police lieutenant. As a young volunteer, he assisted the local police department in various law enforcement activities for the next ten years.
After working as a police/911 dispatcher, Porcelli realized law enforcement was not his calling. It was difficult to accept, but he knew his passion for security could be used elsewhere. He then left his aspiration for law enforcement to pursue a broader role in protecting people through private security firms, continuing to protect his community and property.
Championing Frontline Security
The frontline security is the most critical layer of defense, according to Porcelli. He explains the importance of having layers of security using the Concentric Circles of Protection. He describes how, in the Vatican City, “the Pope is centrally protected. The Swiss Guards protect the Pope, and outside of that, you have the Vatican police.” He believes companies should be protected with the same measures.
Chief executive officers and other important individuals can benefit from the same safeguards used to protect some of the world’s most exclusive individuals. Porcelli brings forth a precaution often overlooked for a business’s day-to-day security measures, demonstrating his expertise in keeping people safe.
Key Achievements and Recognition
Throughout Porcelli’s career, his expertise has been recognized for various achievements, which he has accepted with humility and honor. His greatest achievement was winning the Outstanding Young Security Professional Award at the U.S. Outstanding Security Performance Awards in 2023 in Dallas, Texas.
Porcelli has also been a finalist for Outstanding Young Security Professional at the Outstanding Security Performance Awards in 2020, 2021, and 2022 and a finalist for the International Achiever of the Year Award from The Security Institute in 2022 and 2023. He has 56 publications in the field, showing the recognition he has received in a traditionally overlooked field.
A Life of Service and Advocacy
Committed to refining his security expertise, Porcelli looks forward to advancing protection strategies and advocating for the importance of security professionals worldwide. He aspires to create a positive impact on his community through his servitude.
Porcelli’s journey in security and frontline protection, rooted in faith and family, continues to make a broader impact on the field of security professionals. Through his work, he urges companies and administrations to recognize the importance of frontline security and implement appropriate measures to protect what’s important.
