About Us

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.

Sandy Gaddy, our Sales Account Manager, brings over a decade of experience in public safety and emergency response to the Active Defender team. He began his journey as a volunteer firefighter in 2010, earning his Fire Fighter 1 & 2 certifications and EMT credentials. Sandy served communities in Moore and Wake Counties as an EMT and was promoted to Lieutenant in 2020, demonstrating his leadership and dedication. After transitioning into travel nurse recruitment, Sandy joined Active Defender, bringing a deep commitment to helping schools implement effective safety solutions. His background uniquely equips him to guide administrators in creating safer learning environments for their communities.

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.

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 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.

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.

Sandy Gaddy, our Sales Account Manager, brings over a decade of experience in public safety and emergency response to the Active Defender team. He began his journey as a volunteer firefighter in 2010, earning his Fire Fighter 1 & 2 certifications and EMT credentials. Sandy served communities in Moore and Wake Counties as an EMT and was promoted to Lieutenant in 2020, demonstrating his leadership and dedication. After transitioning into travel nurse recruitment, Sandy joined Active Defender, bringing a deep commitment to helping schools implement effective safety solutions. His background uniquely equips him to guide administrators in creating safer learning environments for their communities.