About Us
Unfortunately, the phrase “going to school” has adopted a sense of fear over the years. Parents wonder if their children will be safe, and when the worst-case scenario happens, administrators and their teachers need accurate information quickly to make good decisions and to save lives.
For over 23 years, we have created innovative solutions to complex problems. Active Defender is revolutionizing safety on school campuses and businesses nationwide.
Designed by former military personnel, security specialists, and brilliant software engineers. Active Defender wants to partner with you to ensure you are fully equipped and connected when facing a crisis. We make sure EVERYONE (staff and responders) gets the right information to make the right response.
Jim Boyte
Founder
Jim has over a decade of experience in situational awareness and security as a subject matter expert. Prior to beginning Active Defender Jim worked as an R&D code engineer for the US Army Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, NC.
Dr. Seth Powers
COO
Dr. Seth Powers is a distinguished educator with 29 years of experience in public education, culminating in his retirement as the Assistant Superintendent for Academics and Student Support Service with Moore County Schools in 2023. His profound dedication to school safety seamlessly transitioned into his current role as the Chief Operating Officer at Active Defender. Here, he oversees the provision of advanced emergency alerting and communication applications for educational institutions. Dr. Powers holds a Master’s degree in School Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration from Fayetteville State University. His expertise significantly enhances Active Defender’s mission to improve situational awareness and safety in schools during crises.
Leigh Churchborn
National Sales Manager
Leigh Churchbourne stands as the National Sales Manager at Active Defender, where her rich experience in the federal market space drives the company’s strategic sales initiatives. With a robust background as an Account Executive, Leigh brings a wealth of expertise in customer engagement and strategic account management. Her skills extend across Microsoft Excel, Customer Service, Microsoft Word, Time Management, and Adobe Photoshop, underlining her versatile approach to sales and client relations.
Holding a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Methodist University, Leigh’s academic foundation complements her professional acumen. Her approach is characterized by a keen focus on efficiency and effectiveness, ensuring that client needs are met with the highest standards of service. Leigh’s leadership at Active Defender not only propels the sales team forward but also reinforces the company’s commitment to delivering outstanding security solutions to its clients.
Jon Purgason
Research & Development
Jon has a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Management from the University of Missouri. His career began with a six-year service to our country with the United States Army as a commissioned officer. He has professional experience with Research and Development, Wastewater treatment, Aquaculture, Social Services, Sports Marketing, and Defense Contracting. More recently, Jon has expert level experience in the Games for Training Market which encompasses application development, coding, and training.
Jeff Bunder
CFO
Jeff is a member of the Active Defender Board and also serves as a fractional CFO. Previously, Jeff had a 30 year career at Ernst and Young, where he held the roles of Global Private Equity Leader, Americas Private Equity Leader, and also served as a Global Coordinating Partner for various large private equity and corporate clients. Jeff holds a B.A. in History from Emory University and an M.B.A. in Finance from New York University.
Jerry Aponte
Director of Training and Client Success
Jerry Aponte is an esteemed professional with 20 years of experience in law enforcement, including 12 years as a dedicated School Resource Officer with Moore County Schools. His tenure there was distinguished by the implementation and utilization of Active Defender, enhancing school security and student safety. Jerry brings a wealth of knowledge in school security protocols, crisis management, and student engagement strategies. His background in law enforcement, combined with his firsthand experience in educational environments, makes him an invaluable asset in understanding and training others in school safety. His skills in communication, emergency response, and proactive security measures contribute significantly to his current role, where he continues to champion the importance of secure and supportive educational settings.
Dr. Joe Haas
Active Defender Board Member
Dr. Joe Haas has served in private Christian school education since 1975. He was a school administrator from 1975–1992 at schools in Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina. In 1992, he was selected as the Executive Director of the North Carolina Christian School Association. For many years, he has helped various higher education programs through program evaluation and providing instruction for online education. Dr. Haas has earned a BS from the University of Alabama in Birmingham, a M.Ed. from Middle Tennessee State University, and an Ed.D. from Nova Southeastern University.
Debbie Warren
Board Advisor
Debbie is currently the Principal of Carthage Elementary School. She was born and raised in Rocky Mount, NC and graduated from East Carolina University with a degree in Special Education. Debbie later earned her Masters of School Administration from Fayetteville State University.