Monterrey Security, one of the nation’s largest minority-owned security companies, announced a series of promotions and new hires that will allow the company to build upon their decades of high-quality service, professionalism and commitment to the communities they serve.
- Founding President and CEO Juan Gaytan will expand his role to become Chairman of the Board. In addition to his duties of independently controlling all management, policies and business operations, he will lead all civic and philanthropic efforts for the company.
- Steven Gaytan has been named Chief Operating Officer, where he will lead the execution of all business strategies and take a more active role in leading on-site operations and services. He joined Monterrey in 2011 and had served as Executive Vice President.
- Hiram Grau has been promoted to Vice President of Compliance & Security Strategies. A former Director of the Illinois State Police and Deputy Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department, he has overseen compliance for Monterrey Security since 2017.
- Bob Klich has been promoted to Director of Special Operations. Since retiring from the Chicago Police Department in 2018, he has worked closely with Grau on compliance issues at Monterrey. In his 35-year CPD career, he served as 1st District Commander and Executive Officer for the 15th District and Bureau of Detectives, among other roles.
In addition:
- Anthony Riccio has been hired as Director of Public Safety. After a 34-year career, he retired this year as First Deputy Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department.
- Fred Waller has been named Director of Strategic Initiatives. He also served 34 years with the Chicago Police Department, retiring this year as Chief of Operations.
Riccio and Waller join a Monterrey operations leadership team that includes Steven Gaytan, Grau, Klich, Vice-President and General Manager Dan Ramos and Chief Financial Officer Ryan Mitchell. To further support company growth and compliance, Monterrey is building out a government affairs team to handle all communications with government leaders.
These are exciting moves that will position us to continue our incredible growth, unparalleled expertise and high-quality service for many years to come,” said Juan Gaytan.
Riccio and Waller were recruited to Monterrey thanks to their extensive experience in all aspects of law enforcement – from strategy and planning to building the infrastructure and implementing the plans needed to deliver world-class operations.
Together, they will coordinate with public safety agencies on major events, organize community- based security programs, oversee management of special events, while also serving as liaisons to community groups and law enforcement officers in company recruiting efforts.
Riccio retired this year as 1st Deputy Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department, where he oversaw daily operations for the patrol, detective and counterterrorism units, as well as all large- scale events and incidents. He developed strategies that led to violent crime reduction, while also enhancing partnerships with community and law enforcement leaders. During his 34-year career, the Northeastern Illinois University graduate also served as a bureau chief and deputy chief.
Before his 2020 retirement, Waller served as Chief of Operations for the Chicago Police Department. There, he provided leadership for more than 8,000 officers, including overseeing five area deputy chiefs, 22 district commanders and all special functions. He previously served as a Deputy Chief, managing saturation and gun teams, gang enforcement and crime reduction strategies. A graduate of Chicago State University, Waller also served as a district commander.
They round out an operations team that will be led by Steven Gaytan, a trusted security professional who brings nearly 20 years of public service leadership to the position.
Steven Gaytan has served as Executive Vice President at Monterrey Security since 2011, overseeing all aspects of operations, from client service to compliance, and he has developed detailed security plans for the National Football League, World Series, Chicago Marathon and Major League Soccer, along with several banks, non-profit organizations and special events.
He is a decorated veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, serving as a Staff Sergeant and Drill Instructor. He enlisted shortly after 9/11 and over a 10-year career, was deployed to Iraq three times. He has special training in reconnaissance and anti-terrorism awareness, as well as venue safety and NFL security.
“I’m honored to help lead such an experienced group of law enforcement and security professionals,” said Steven Gaytan. “As we have grown, we have remained committed to maintaining high standards, while also evolving and building the right team and infrastructure to better serve our partners and community, including creating opportunities for our veterans and second-chance opportunities for those who need it most. That commitment will remain strong.”