Certification Profile: Carlos Galvez, Jr, CPP, PCI

For Carlos Galvez, Jr, CPP, PCI, the path into the security industry was anything but intentional. After witnessing a violent attack against a family member and seeing his father’s law enforcement experience with a federal agency in Mexico, Galvez developed a deep respect for protecting people and managing risk.

While still in high school, Galvez accepted a position with a security guard services company supporting a high-tech client in Silicon Valley. That role sparked a lifelong passion for safeguarding people, assets, and ideas across industries. For Galvez, what began as chance opportunity soon became a calling.

More than two decades ago, a mentor encouraged Galvez to get involved with his local ASIS chapter. Shortly after, Galvez earned his Certified Protection Professional (CPP) designation at just 27 years old. Galvez credits his CPP certification with opening doors and advancing his career.

“It provided me access to roles, conversations, and opportunities I otherwise would not have had access to, it demonstrated my proven proficiency in the security realm, despite having a different background that many of my peers,” he says.

Since then, Galvez has been an active member of ASIS International and a dedicated volunteer at the local, national, and international levels. His roles have included serving as president of the San Francisco Chapter and assistant regional vice president for the Western Region. He also chaired his chapter’s annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, a nod to his roots and one of his favorite events because it celebrates and strengthens public-sector partnerships, which Galvez considers essential to long-term success.

Building on this commitment to service and community, Galvez says, “I enjoy engaging with our NextGen members, helping them navigate the complexities of advancing in the security field by sharing lessons learned and insights from my own journey.” For him, mentorship is not just about career advice, but also  empowering future leaders to navigate challenges with confidence and ensuring that the next generation of leaders reflects the global industry it serves.

I enjoy engaging with our NextGen members, helping them navigate the complexities of advancing in the security field by sharing lessons learned and insights from my own journey.

Today, as a principal risk consultant, Galvez draws on a career that spans every level of the profession, from uniformed guard to chief security officer. He has led global security programs for some of the world’s most influential companies, including Cisco, Amazon, and Juniper Networks. This breadth of experience allows him to advise clients at varying stages in their security programs with a practical, strategic perspective. Central to his approach is the belief that building strong relationships and trust is critical to successfully operating in high-pressure, high-risk environments.

“Over my 22 years of membership, there have been several instances when I have benefitted and received help from the ASIS network of security professionals,” he says.

This year, Galvez earned his Professional Certified Investigator (PCI) certification. For Galvez, ASIS membership and certification have been more than credentials; they have been catalysts for growth, connection, and impact. Whether connecting directly with peers or leveraging ASIS community platforms, he has found invaluable support and insights through his decades of engagement.

“I am at a stage in my career where giving back is a priority for me,” Galvez says. “If I can help anyone advance in their career, I am just one community message away.”

Lexi Tiffany is a communications manager at ASIS International. She holds a master’s degree in strategic and organizational communication from USC's Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.