Michelle Skinner is a director of operations at Guidepost Solutions, where she supports protective services, security operations, and risk management engagements for corporate clients, executives, and private clients operating in complex environments. She brings more than 15 years of experience across military aviation, executive protection, private-sector security operations, legal support, regulatory compliance, and client-facing program management.
At Guidepost, Ms. Skinner advises clients and internal stakeholders on risk-based operational planning, protective services coordination, escalation protocols, and operational continuity. She develops structured operating plans that translate client risk profiles into clear procedures, accountabilities, communication channels, and response frameworks. Her work includes supporting time-sensitive domestic and international security programs, coordinating vendor and personnel resources, and helping ensure that protective operations remain aligned with client expectations, shifting risk conditions, and organizational priorities.
Prior to joining Guidepost Solutions, Ms. Skinner served in operational leadership and project management roles supporting executive protection and security programs for multinational corporations, private executives, and high-net-worth clients. She has managed multi-account security operations, coordinated globally distributed vendors and field teams, and supported high-volume protective services engagements involving travel security, special events, residential security, secure transportation, and emergency response planning.
Ms. Skinner’s military background (12 years with the U.S. Air Force in air traffic control roles) informs her disciplined approach to operational control, communication, documentation, contingency planning, and risk mitigation. In addition to her security operations experience, Ms. Skinner has worked in legal and government environments, supporting litigation teams, public records programs, compliance documentation, and regulated administrative processes. This background gives her a strong understanding of the legal, reputational, and operational risks that can arise when security programs lack clear procedures, documentation, and accountability.
Throughout her career, Ms. Skinner has built and refined standard operating procedures, strengthened quality control processes, managed security personnel credentialing, maintained audit-ready documentation, and supported financial and administrative controls for long-term account stability. She is known for bringing structure to fast-moving operational environments and helping clients and teams convert complex requirements into practical, executable plans.
Did you know?
Michelle grew up in a small town in Iowa and graduated in a class of 16.
