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Guidepost Solutions Hires Key Experts with Significant Government Experience
Guidepost Solutions, a global leader in domestic and international investigations, compliance solutions, monitoring, and security and technology consulting, announced the addition of eight former federal government officials to the firm. These senior hires bring top level expertise in high priority areas including immigration and customs enforcement, national security, antitrust, compliance, and protective services. Their diverse backgrounds and deep experience strengthen the firm’s ability to address multifaceted challenges, from high-profile investigations to intricate compliance matters.
“These strategic hires reflect our ongoing expansion and dedication to delivering unparalleled expertise to our clients,” said Julie Myers Wood, CEO of Guidepost Solutions. “Their distinguished federal service backgrounds add meaningful depth to our capabilities, each bringing a unique perspective and proven track record that will enhance our firm’s ability to expertly navigate today’s complex regulatory and threat landscapes.”
Their varied backgrounds include extensive experience at the Department of Justice (DOJ), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Sean Ervin, Senior Managing Director, brings 28 years of federal service experience, including extensive leadership expertise as a field office director at the ICE Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations, overseeing operations across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. A seasoned federal law enforcement executive, Ervin will focus on building the Guidepost Federal and Sports & Entertainment practices.
George S. Papadopoulos, Senior Managing Director, built a distinguished career with the DEA where he was appointed by the US Attorney General to serve as the principal deputy administrator, second-in-command. As a member of the Guidepost Solutions Protective Services practice, he will work with corporate executives, ultra-high net worth individuals, and family offices to maintain personal, business, and operational security, safety, and privacy.
Todd Zimmerman, Senior Managing Director, has held multiple senior executive service roles within the DEA. Most recently, as the special agent in charge of the North & Central America Division at the US Embassy in Mexico City, oversaw high-stakes investigations, security operations, and managed risks across Mexico, Central America, and Canada. At Guidepost Solutions, he will work on client matters involving domestic and cross border investigations, security consulting, threat assessments, due diligence, and risk and compliance services.
Scott A. Claffee, Managing Director, joins Guidepost Solutions from the DOJ’s National Security Division, where he focused on prosecuting espionage, foreign investment and influence, sanctions violations, and technology export offenses. He was also a special assistant US attorney in the Cybercrime Unit of the Eastern District of Virginia. Claffee’s expertise in national security and export enforcement will provide the firm with critical support on high-profile compliance and investigative reviews.
Patricia Mullin, Managing Director, is a career investigator with more than 30 years of experience spanning ICE and the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). Her in-depth background, managing and leading complex criminal and administrative investigations, will enhance the Guidepost Solutions Immigration and Border Services practice, addressing the growing demand for specialized expertise in this critical area.
Dawn Nelson, Managing Director, brings extensive expertise in law enforcement, fraud prevention, and strategic operations, developed over a distinguished 30-year career with ICE and INS. She will play a key role in strengthening the Guidepost Solutions Immigration and Border Services practice, leveraging her expertise with complex investigations, cross-sector collaborations, and international policy development.
Matthew J. O’Brien, Managing Director, spent more than 20 years with the DEA conducting global investigations and security operations across domestic and international jurisdictions including Mexico, Central America, Europe, and the Middle East. At Guidepost Solutions, he will advise clients on domestic and international investigations, security strategy and consulting, threat analysis, due diligence, and comprehensive risk and compliance management.
Jay D. Owen, Managing Director, most recently served as chief of the Defense, Industrials, and Aerospace Section at the DOJ’s Antitrust Division where he managed numerous investigations and litigations simultaneously. His extensive experience in anti-trust and litigation will be instrumental for advising clients on complex compliance and litigation support matters within the Guidepost Solutions Compliance practice.
Sean Ervin
Senior Managing Director, Sports Entertainment + Government Affairs
Mr. Sean Ervin serves as a senior managing director at Guidepost Solutions, bringing over 28 years of federal law enforcement and executive leadership experience to the firm. He works primarily with sports, entertainment, government, and private clients to customize solutions to complex challenges, and is the primary law enforcement and government liaison for many Guidepost clients.
George S. Papadopoulos
Senior Managing Director
With more than three decades of experience in global investigations, security, and risk management, George S. Papadopoulos has operated at the highest levels—shaping strategy, tackling complex threats, and building partnerships that strengthen resilience and investigative capabilities worldwide.
Todd Zimmerman
Senior Managing Director
With over 25 years of distinguished service with the U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Todd Zimmerman is one of the nation’s foremost experts in risk management, corporate security, and transnational criminal investigations. He is known for mitigating global threats and delivering results in the most complex and sensitive environments.
Scott A. Claffee
Managing Director
Scott A. Claffee is a seasoned investigator and former federal prosecutor with an in-depth investigative background.
Patricia Mullin
Managing Director
Patricia Mullin joins Guidepost’s Immigration and Border Services practice in the role of managing director as a career investigator with more than 30 years of expertise.
Dawn Nelson J.D.
Managing Director
Dawn Nelson joins Guidepost as a managing director, bringing extensive expertise in intellectual property (IP) enforcement, fraud prevention, and strategic operations, developed over a distinguished career in federal law enforcement.
Matthew J. O’Brien
Managing Director
Matthew J. O’Brien brings over two decades of leadership in global investigations, security strategy, and risk management to Guidepost Solutions. He has directed high-stakes investigations and security operations across domestic and international jurisdictions including Mexico, Central America, Europe, and the Middle East.
Jay D. Owen
Managing Director
Jay D. Owen is a seasoned legal professional with extensive experience in antitrust law. Most recently, he served as chief of the Defense, Industrials, and Aerospace Section at the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division.
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