Effective immediately, Denali Universal Services (DUS) is excited to announce organizational changes within the DUS Leadership Team with six key promotions. These promotions reflect the exceptional leadership and dedication of our team members and signify DUS’s continued commitment to operational excellence, strategic growth, and client satisfaction.
“DUS is excited about these leadership promotions and confident in their continued impact. These advancements reflect our commitment to strong leadership, a people-centric culture, and exceptional client support as we grow and uphold service excellence,” said Maria Bourne, CEO & President of Denali Universal Services.
Strengthening Leadership in Alaska
Our Alaska operations are the backbone of DUS, and the following promotions reflect our ongoing investment in strategic growth and employee engagement:
Annette Sheppard – Vice President of Strategy and Client Services
Annette Sheppard has been promoted to Vice President of Strategy and Client Services. In this role, Annette will develop and implement strategies that enhance client satisfaction, business growth, and market presence. She will oversee external relations, marketing, business development, and client engagement, ensuring alignment with DUS’s mission and goals.
Annette’s ability to foster relationships, advocate for clients, and drive collaboration will continue to position DUS as an industry leader.For the past eight years, Annette has served as Director of Business Development and External Affairs, where she played a key role in driving significant growth, managing client relations, identifying new business opportunities, and leading marketing efforts.
Kim Sanderson – Vice President of Facilities Operations
Kim Sanderson has been promoted to Vice President of Facilities Operations. In this new role, Kim will oversee all aspects of DUS’s facilities division, including strategic planning, operational efficiency, and client relations. She will lead her team in delivering innovative solutions to meet client needs, ensuring alignment with DUS and client standards for safety, quality, and performance.
Kim’s continued focus on leadership development, employee engagement, and operations will drive ongoing organizational success.With 11 years at DUS, Kim most recently served as Operations Director, leading efficient, cost-effective operations and ensuring outstanding client satisfaction. Her extensive expertise spans mobilizations, training, HR, HSE, and client engagement. Additionally, over the past two years, she has overseen a vast operational expansion of her facilities division.
Corina Ovod-Everett – Vice President of Human Resources
Corina Ovod-Everett has been promoted to Vice President of Human Resources. In her new role, Corina will lead strategic initiatives to enhance talent management, employee engagement, and organizational development across DUS’s workforce in Alaska and throughout the contiguous United States. She will continue to oversee all aspects of the HR function, including policies and compliance, employee relations, and recruitment, ensuring that DUS attracts and retains top talent while fostering a culture of care, innovation, and inclusivity and guiding the HR operations and objectives.
For the past six years, Corina has excelled as the Director of Human Resources at DUS. In this role, she led a high-performing HR team and effectively supported the company’s significant expansion.
Expanding Our Reach Throughout the U.S.
As DUS continues to grow in the South Central and Gulf Coast regions, these leadership promotions will strengthen our security operations and enhance service delivery:
Steven Byrd – Vice President of Security Operations, South Central US
In his new role as Vice President of Security Operations, Steve Byrd will lead security operations’ strategic vision and management across the contiguous United States. He will oversee various client contracts, ensuring operational excellence, innovative solutions, and superior service delivery. Steve will continue fostering relationships with law enforcement entities and agencies, focusing on strategic growth in critical infrastructure industries.
For the past six years, Steve has served as Security Director for Texas and surrounding states. In this role, he has successfully grown operations and managed major security contracts for clients. Before joining DUS, Steve spent 24 years with the United States Secret Service, where he held key roles such as Agent in Charge of the Austin, Texas office and provided security for the President of the United States. His responsibilities included planning and implementing protective operations, developing 9/11-related initiatives, and managing complex security programs. This extensive government experience has given him a deep understanding of security operations and risk mitigation strategies.
Joel Sims – Security Director
As the new Security Director, Joel Sims will oversee all security operations, team leadership, and contract management across the southcentral region. His responsibilities will include ensuring compliance, fostering collaboration, and maintaining the exacting standards of service that DUS is known for. Working with his colleagues, Joel will focus on maintaining client growth objectives and driving efficiencies amongst DUS’s client base.
Joel has been with DUS for seven years. He initially led security teams in the field before serving as Operations Manager for the DUS Security Division, where he successfully mobilized and managed multiple contracts. Before joining DUS, Joel spent 26 years with the U.S. Border Patrol, serving as Agent in Charge of the Brackettville, TX, and Curlew, WA, stations. In this role, he oversaw operations across nine stations, developed law enforcement operational plans, and conducted border security assessments. His extensive federal law enforcement background equips him with exceptional leadership and operational expertise.
Angela Crawley – Security Operations Manager
In her new role as Security Operations Manager for the contiguous United States, Angela Crawley will manage the daily workflows and operations of DUS’s extensive security contracts. Angela will work closely with leadership onsite, supporting the operations and clients to drive productivity, operational efficiency, and service excellence across the footprint of the DUS contracts. This includes leading and mentoring onsite employees to a safe and lengthy career with DUS.
For the past two years, Angela has been the Operations Support Manager for Texas, where she has played a crucial role in supporting the growth of security operations, enhancing client satisfaction, and improving operational outcomes. Before joining DUS, Angela spent several years in local law enforcement as a Patrol Officer, Detective, and Sergeant with the Clute Police Department in Texas. She led investigations into major crimes, supervised designated investigations staff, and implemented performance standards and training for her department. Before her law enforcement career, she worked as a Senior Threat Analyst and Domestic Terrorism Specialist, conducting critical intelligence operations and developing counterterrorism training programs.
A Commitment to Excellence
These leadership advancements reflect DUS’s ongoing mission to uphold the highest standards in security, facilities management, and client services. We are confident that these leaders will continue to drive innovation, foster strong relationships, and ensure the success of our employees and clients alike.
We look forward to an exciting year ahead as DUS continues to grow and strengthen its position as an industry leader. Read more about our newly promoted Alaska team, and more about our newly promoted Texas team.