AUSTIN, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Blacklake Group is pleased to announce the acquisition and expansion of Sentinel, a global risk and intelligence advisory firm focused on solving complex security problems on behalf of multinational corporations, critical institutions, and high-profile clients.
Today’s world faces an ever-increasing level of global threats and risks requiring specialized and diverse skill sets, professional networks, intelligence capabilities, and operational expertise not traditionally integrated into organizations.
Sentinel’s unparalleled expertise and risk-based methodology is augmented by cutting edge proprietary intelligence technologies that allow individuals and organizations to better manage their risk profile. Sentinel offers its clients tailored, actionable, and discreet guidance to better navigate today’s risk environment, anticipate and mitigate emerging threats, and identify potential market challenges.
Founded in 2017, Sentinel established itself in the boutique advisory space and has expanded its executive leadership team post-acquisition. Sentinel is led by former senior executives from private industry and premiere law enforcement and intelligence agencies in the world, who have protected some of the most high-profile people, corporations, and institutions and overseen complex investigative and intelligence operations on a global scale.
OUR LEADERSHIP
CHARLES MARINO | Founder | Chief Executive Officer | Former Supervisory Special Agent, US Secret Service
Charles Marino served as a Supervisory Special Agent in the United States Secret Service (USSS) during three Presidential administrations, ensuring individual and family safety around the world. He also led the San Francisco Field Office, overseeing the 1,300-member Electronic Crimes Task Force to effectively investigate complex financial and cyber-crimes. Marino was assigned as the senior law enforcement advisor to former DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano, overseeing the implementation of numerous well known homeland security programs, including the National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) and the “If You See Something, Say Something” national campaign.
JOE BONAVOLONTA | Managing Partner | Former Special Agent in Charge, Boston Field Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation
Joe Bonavolonta is a former Senior Executive and 27-year veteran of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) with extensive leadership, operational, and investigative experience across multiple disciplines, to include criminal, counterterrorism, counterintelligence, and cyber operations. After assignments in New York City, New Jersey, and Washington D.C., Bonavolonta held a series of senior leadership positions, including as Section Chief within the FBI’s Human Resources Division, Employee Development and Selection Program, Deputy Assistant Director of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division, and as the Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Office, where he led all FBI operations throughout Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. Bonavolonta also served as the Chairperson of the Special Agent in Charge Advisory Committee.
RICK PERISTERE | Managing Partner | Former Senior Intelligence Executive & Chief of Staff to the Director and Deputy Director, Central Intelligence Agency
Rick Peristere is a former Senior Executive and 24-year veteran of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the US Department of State with extensive leadership experience and deep regional expertise driving analysis and global operations. Peristere held a series of senior leadership positions in Washington and overseas, including as Chief of Staff to the Director of CIA, the Chief of Staff to two Deputy Directors of CIA, the Deputy Assistant Director of CIA for the Western Hemisphere, and as senior US Embassy official in Paris, France.
MARK SULLIVAN | Senior Advisor | Former Director, US Secret Service
Mark Sullivan served as the 22nd Director of the United States Secret Service from May 2006 until March 2013. Mark began his career as an entry level field Special Agent, ultimately serving in a variety of leadership roles. Sullivan was responsible for the protection of the President, Vice President, former Presidents, their families, other Government leaders and visiting Heads of State. Sullivan also oversaw the Secret Service investigative mission in the areas of intelligence, cyber, financial crimes, and fraud.
LANCE HAMILTON | Senior Advisor | Former Senior Intelligence Executive, Directorate of Operations, Central Intelligence Agency
Lance Hamilton is a former Senior Intelligence Executive, Operations Officer and 32-year veteran of the CIA with extensive overseas experience in leading U.S. counter-terrorism, counter-intelligence, cyber, and personnel protection operations. Hamilton served as Chief of Station (COS) for three of CIA’s flagship Stations in the Middle East, South-East Asia, and Eastern Europe; and led the U.S. Intelligence Community’s world-wide operations against the threat of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). Hamilton’s private sector contributions are focused on risk management, analysis of global threats, intelligence, and physical and cyber security.
STACY AGUILAR | Operations Manager |
A seasoned Global Event and Project Management Professional, Stacy’s expertise spans various facets of the sports industry, encompassing her pivotal roles in international competitions and football development initiatives with FIFA, Concacaf, and the United States Soccer Federation. Her career has been marked by diverse accomplishments within professional sports, from spearheading the development and execution of credential and access management at the prestigious Chase Center in San Francisco, the home of the Golden State Warriors, to overseeing the implementation of crucial COVID-19 protocols for Major League Baseball. Her contributions as an assigned match coordinator and venue coordinator for Concacaf matches, coupled with her instrumental role in team services operations for the United States Soccer Federation, underscore her multifaceted experience and commitment to excellence within the sports realm.
