LEADERSHIP TEAM
LEADERSHIP
Jose Sierra
President & CEO
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Jose F. Sierra is the President and CEO of Sierra Public Safety Group, LLC, a company he co-founded in 2012 with the vision of helping organizations achieve their business goals through smart, strategic technology integration. Under his leadership, the company has grown into a trusted provider of Technology Integration and Security Services, offering professional consulting across a wide range of areas—including audio/video and teleconferencing solutions, client-side desktop management, and server/network maintenance and implementation.
With a strong foundation in IT infrastructure, Jose brings over two decades of experience designing, installing, and managing enterprise networks. He is known for identifying and implementing innovative, efficient processes that enhance business performance. His technical expertise spans Microsoft Windows Enterprise products, smartphones, tablets, PCs, wireless access points, and both Windows and macOS environments.
Before founding Sierra Public Safety Group, Jose held key technical roles at Baxter Healthcare and Prescient Solutions. At Baxter, he served as a desktop engineer supporting executive personnel with advanced hardware and wireless configurations. At Prescient, he provided hands-on technical support and help desk services for complex IT environments.
Jose holds a Bachelor of Science in Network and Communications Management from DeVry University. He remains committed to combining the right people, plans, and technologies to ensure every project delivers real results.
Andrew Velasquez III
Senior Vice President – Operations and Development
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As Senior VP, Andrew Velasquez III leads Sierra’s strategic development and execution of innovative public safety technology solutions, driving revenue growth, operational efficiency, and market leadership.
Before joining Sierra, Andrew held leadership roles at IEM, the nation’s largest woman- and minority-owned emergency management consulting firm, including Director of Big City Emergency Management and Northeast Region Account Executive.
Previously, he served as First Deputy Aviation Commissioner for the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA), overseeing operations at O’Hare and Midway Airports. There, he led the creation of O’Hare’s first-ever integrated airport operations center and developed cutting-edge security solutions, including the new Security Operations Center (SOC) integrating facial recognition, 911 dispatch operations and intelligent video. He also spearheaded the CDA’s drone mitigation program in coordination with federal and local partners.
From 2010 to 2016, Andrew held the presidentially appointed position of FEMA Region 5 Administrator, overseeing preparedness and disaster response operations across six Midwestern states. Prior to this role, he served as Director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and as Homeland Security Advisor to the Governor of Illinois.
Andrew also served as Executive Director of Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications, where he oversaw citywide emergency response operations and managed the 911 center. During his tenure, he led the implementation of Operation Virtual Shield—Chicago’s integrated camera surveillance network—and directed critical upgrades to the computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, laying the foundation for the modernization and long-term operation of the city’s 911 system. His career in public safety began with the Chicago Police Department, where he spent a decade and served as Director of the Criminal Identification
A Chicago native and former member of the U.S. Army Reserve, Andrew honorably completed his military service in 1996. He holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Illinois State University, an MBA from Saint Xavier University, and has completed executive programs in Homeland Defense and Radiological Emergency Preparedness at the Naval Postgraduate School.
Tamie Perea
Chief Project Officer
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As Chief Project Officer at Sierra Public Safety Group, Tamie Perea leads the firm’s Project Management Office, guiding complex initiatives that strengthen operational efficiency and ensure successful project delivery. With over 30 years of government service, Tamie has held key project management roles across several major City of Chicago departments—including the Department of Aviation, Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC), and the Office of Public Safety Administration (PSA).
Her extensive public-sector experience has equipped her with a deep understanding of how to manage projects within large, multifaceted organizations, balancing strategy, execution, and stakeholder collaboration. Tamie is known for her results-driven leadership style and her ability to bring a sense of urgency and accountability to every initiative, ensuring projects are completed on time, on budget, and with measurable impact.
In addition to her leadership role at Sierra, Tamie is the President and Owner of Align Consulting & Management, LLC, a minority, women and disadvantaged business enterprise owned firm based in the Chicago area. Align provides clients with program and project management, facility management, AV/IT design and support, and staff augmentation services. Her experience as a business owner further enhances her strategic approach at Sierra, enabling her to align business goals with practical, high-performance solutions that drive organizational success.
Subject Matter Experts
Neil Sullivan
Subject Matter Expert
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Commander Neil Sullivan (CPD Ret.) serves as a Subject Matter Expert for Sierra Public Safety Group in Physical Security and Vulnerability Assessments, providing organizations with expert guidance to reduce risk and strengthen facility safety.
He brings over 40 years of law enforcement and public safety experience from the Chicago Police Department, city government, and the private sector. Rising through CPD’s command ranks, he became recognized as a specialist in major event security and emergency planning. His leadership roles included O’Hare Airport Command, the Lakefront Mobile Force, SWAT (Hostage-Barricade-Terrorist Team), and Managing Deputy for Homeland Security & Emergency Management at Chicago’s OEMC.
Commander Sullivan has coordinated security for dozens of high-profile events such as presidential visits, the 1996 Democratic National Convention, the 2005 Presidential Inauguration, the 2005 World Series, and Chicago’s 2008 Obama Election Night Celebration. He also advised CPD during the 2012 NATO Summit and supported the City of Chicago and business community during the 2020 Election. In the private sector, he manages security for major conventions and public gatherings including the International Housewares Show, Radiological Society of North America Meeting, and Christkindlmarket.
A sought-after lecturer and trainer, he has presented to the U.S. Secret Service, FBI National Academy Associates, Illinois Emergency Services Management Association, and international audiences, while teaching for over a decade at the University of Chicago. His training spans hostage negotiations, WMD response, diplomatic security, and executive leadership, and he continues to consult with CPD leadership today.
José A. Santiago
Subject Matter Expert
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José Santiago leads Sierra’s efforts in facility assessments of life safety devices and components—a core competency that helps organizations strengthen safety, reduce risk, and protect what matters most.
A lifelong Chicagoan, Jose has dedicated his career to public safety leadership. He joined the Chicago Fire Department (CFD) in 1979 and, in 2012, was appointed Fire Commissioner by Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Santiago made history as the first Commissioner to hold every rank within the CFD.
As Fire Commissioner, he led more than 5,000 firefighters, paramedics, and civilian staff with an annual budget exceeding $600 million, overseeing one of the nation’s largest fire departments. Under his leadership, the CFD earned its first-ever Class 1 ISO rating — the highest available — and implemented nationally recognized reforms in incident command, communications, and firefighter safety. Santiago also established cross-training with the Chicago Police Department and FBI to improve joint responses to active shooter and large-scale emergency incidents.
Before serving as Fire Commissioner, Santiago was appointed Executive Director of the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC). In this role, he oversaw critical citywide emergency dispatch, disaster preparedness, and the city’s surveillance network, managing a $91 million budget and coordinating services for 2.8 million residents.
Santiago is also a proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran, serving over 31 years on active duty and in the Reserves, rising from Private to Chief Warrant Officer 4. He commanded more than 250 Marines and participated in major operations including Frequent Wind, Desert Shield, and Desert Storm.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Illinois University and continues to be recognized as a leader in fire service, emergency management, and homeland security.
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