TAFIS leadership team
OUR LEADERSHIP

Meet the Team Behind TAFIS Federal Law Enforcement & Military Police Experience

Our board combines decades of federal law enforcement, military police, and Texas security expertise to help you build better security teams.

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20+
Years Military Police
25+
Years Federal LE
60+
Combined Experience
500+
Businesses Helped

Our Leadership Team

Experienced professionals dedicated to transforming Texas security

Michael Akens

Founding Partner
Direct Supervision & Overwatch
My mission is to provide direct supervision & overwatch to the TAFIS organization. I network with each of our five department partners to ensure their divisions are running smoothly & efficiently. I work to ensure that the integrity of our training curriculum & consulting service meets the highest standards of the State of Texas and the private security industry. Drawing from a combination of over 20 years of leadership experience in military security and law enforcement.
  • 20+ years military security & law enforcement
  • Federal Law Enforcement background
  • Military Police experience
  • Ensures training meets highest Texas standards

Cindy McKnight

Managing Partner
TOPS Application & Compliance
My mission is to simplify the complexities of the TOPS application process for all our members. I am dedicated to ensuring that every individual receives the correct documentation and licensing, secured with the Texas Department of Public Safety guidelines. Moreover, I take pride in directly overseeing our exceptional security consulting team and staff, guaranteeing that clients receive expert support and guidance every step of the way.
  • Oversees security consulting team
  • Ensures DPS compliance for all members
  • Expert in Texas licensing requirements
  • Provides expert support & guidance

Ralph Sanchez

Senior Partner
Academy Commander
Internal Security requires both tactical ability and comprehensive knowledge. As the Academy Commander of our training division, my mission is to provide students pursuing ASC asset security consulting and armed security at levels 3 and 4 with the tools necessary to excel in their careers. Drawing from my two decades of law enforcement experience, I am passionate about shaping skilled professionals who are ready to tackle any security challenge head-on.
  • 20 years law enforcement experience
  • Passionate about shaping skilled professionals
  • Expert in tactical ability & comprehensive knowledge
  • Prepares students for any security challenge

Priscilla Rocha

Junior Partner
ASC Consultant Oversight
I am dedicated to providing top-notch security consulting and training. My mission revolves around ensuring that every advocate acting as an ASC asset security consultant is thoroughly vetted and trained. I work closely with our business members to offer the guidance and support they need to develop their internal security staff to the highest standards, all while collaborating with our esteemed TAFIS senior partners. Together, we create a safer environment for everyone involved.
  • Works closely with business members
  • Develops internal security staff
  • Collaborates with senior partners
  • Creates safer environments for all

Clinton Allen

Associate Partner
MSC Master Security Consultants
My mission at Texas Association For Internal Security is to oversee a dedicated team of MSC master security consultants, ensuring that we deliver top-notch support to our business members while working independently as TAFIS affiliates. I take pride in training all affiliates to excel in providing independent security consulting and off site management services to our business members all under the TAFIS DPS school license. Our focus is to elevate the standards of security services while ensuring our affiliates feel confident in their expertise and offerings.
  • Trains all affiliates
  • Provides independent security consulting
  • Off-site management services
  • Under TAFIS DPS school license

Renea Harrison

Associate Partner
Sponsored Member Coordination
At the Texas Association For Internal Security, my mission is rooted in collaboration and communication. I work diligently with all our sponsored members, ensuring their products and services reach our TAFIS community effectively through strategic placement of advertising. Additionally, I coordinate with our business members to seamlessly integrate employment advertisements with our ASC asset security consultants, helping to create opportunities that benefit everyone involved in the security field.
  • Coordinates sponsored member advertising
  • Connects business members with ASC consultants
  • Creates opportunities for all
  • Expert in employment ad integration

Federal Law Enforcement & Military Police backgrounds - Our team brings real-world protection experience to every Texas business.

Born from Federal & Military Experience

TAFIS was founded by security professionals with deep roots in federal law enforcement and military police. We've seen firsthand what real protection looks like—and what happens when it's outsourced to contractors who don't care about outcomes.

Michael Akens brings over 20 years of military security and law enforcement leadership. Ralph Sanchez adds two decades of law enforcement tactical experience. Together, our team ensures every Texas business gets protection that meets federal standards.

  • Federal Law Enforcement: Real-world protection experience
  • Military Police: Discipline and tactical expertise
  • Texas DPS: State regulatory mastery

Our Guiding Principles

What we stand for

Integrity

Doing the right thing, even when no one is watching

Excellence

Never settling for mediocrity in service delivery

Partnership

Working together for mutual success

Compliance

Meeting and exceeding all regulatory requirements

Education

Continuous learning and professional development

Transparency

Open communication and honest dealings

Community

Giving back and supporting local neighborhoods

Service

Putting client needs at the heart of everything

Ready to Work With Texas Security Experts?

Our leadership team is here to help you build a better security solution.

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