Les Dupree

President

For nearly three decades, Les Dupree has been involved in the security industry, starting as a teenager helping out in the original Dupree Security business started by his father. Retired from the Atlanta Police Department after 17 years, Les is the owner and president of Dupree Security Group and uses his law enforcement training and vast background in preventive security to the benefit of every Dupree client.

Les believes that being proactive is the key to asset and image protection, and is known for the detailed planning and strategic thinking that puts clients at ease. AT&T, Nike, Coca-Cola, McDonalds and the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games are among the organizations that have trusted Les with managing security for their high-profile events and public facilities.

Les is a member of the International Association of Exposition and Events and is actively involved in other industry organizations.

Jim Ridgway

Sr. Vice President of Sales

Jim retired from the Georgia World Congress Center in 2016 as the GWCC Director of Event Services. During his 33-year career, he served as the Event Manager for several hundred trade shows and conventions as well as special events including 2 Super Bowls, 3 Final Fours and the 1996 Olympic Games International Broadcast Center. As Director of Event Services, Jim was responsible for all event services operations for the Georgia World Congress Center, as well as hiring and training of all Event Coordinators.

Ryan Worsham

Vice President of Operations

After several years of successful service industry experience, Ryan began his career in security and loss prevention in 2002 for an Atlanta operation of a major national retailer. In 2006 Ryan shifted his career focus to convention and event security management when he joined the team of the Dupree Security Group as a project manager, where he was responsible for the daily operations for events large and small. Through hard work, attention to detail and an eye for creating and maintaining the highest level of quality services, Ryan quickly rose to the position of Vice President of Operations. Ryan is currently responsible for development and implementation of projects across a broad spectrum of security operations and through his efforts, organizational skills and proactive thinking has led to the success of a long list of satisfied customers and events. Ryan’s efforts have led the way for the Dupree Security Group to rise to be recognized as the leader in our local industry.

Mary Brown

Sr. VP Administration

Mary has been employed courageously with Dupree Security Group since November 2004. In spite of all the challenges she faces on a daily basis, she loves her job. She takes pride in her work and tries her best to be supportive and professional at all times. When she is not at work she loves to spend quality time with her family and friends or reading a good book.

Michael E Holt

Vice President of Business Development

Prior to joining Dupree Security Group, Holt served as CEO/COO of CCLD, Inc.  Michael also served in various sales positions with multiple Convention and Visitor Bureaus as well as the Director of Sales for the Georgia World Congress Center/Dome where he developed ties and relationships for the Atlanta hospitality convention and trade industry. Michael has served on Committees of both PCMA & IAEE.  He was also the local President of both organizations as well as a founding member of the National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners. Michael graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management and a MBA in Health Care Administration from Strayer University.