Executive Protection: Rising to the Challenge
Robert L. Oatman, CPP (Certified Protection Professional), is one of the preeminent providers of executive protection (EP) in the United States. His firm, R. L. Oatman & Associates, Inc., has provided EP risk assessments, consultation, operations, and training around the world since 1989. The firm specializes in developing detailed protection plans for the top executives of Fortune 500 companies, as well as for private families. In addition, the firm operates an EP training school near its headquarters in Towson, Maryland.  Mr. Oatman is the author of Executive Protection: New Solutions for a New Era (Noble House, 2006) and The Art of Executive Protection (Noble House, 1997); the EP chapter in the industry standard Protection of Assets Manual (American Society for Industrial Security, 2004); and numerous articles in Security Management magazine. He is also co-author of You re the Target: Coping with Terror and Crime (New World Publishing, 1989).  His experience includes overseas EP service to NBC during the Olympics in 1988, 1992, 1996, and 2000. Mr. Oatman was director of protective operations at Limited Brands, Inc., 1992-1997. Earlier, he served with the Baltimore County Police Department, retiring as major, chief of detectives. He trained with the United States Secret Service and supported dozens of high-level operations, including visits from Presidents Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, and Bush. Mr. Oatman holds a B.S. degree in criminal justice from the University of Baltimore and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Federal Executive Institute.  In 2003, Mr. Oatman received the FBI Director s Award for Exceptional Service in the Public Interest.