Frank Keller
Frank Keller, founder, president, and CEO of Kel Executive Services (KES), has dedicated over 35 years to advancing security practices for large public events.
Through his leadership, KES and its associated companies, Alpha & Omega Mounted Security Patrol (A&O) and Global K-9 Systems (GK9), have been instrumental in shaping modern event security protocols, including sophisticated communication systems, perimeter safeguards, and efficient screening processes.
KES’s team has played a significant role in the security planning for landmark events. These contributions have set enduring standards for the industry. KES professionals were early influencers of how large scale music and camping festivals are still run today.
Frank was there for the security planning of the inaugural Bonnaroo Music & Camping Festival, the first 11 Phish Music & Camping Festivals, and the original Lights All Night electronic music festival/dance party/light show in Dallas. These occasions’ maiden events created the template that their successors have used over the years. One of the most popular exercises for KES clients is Frank’s tabletop (TTX) session. In these sessions attended by all safety partners for the event, Frank covers the “what ifs” that can wreck the best planned mass gatherings. This assures all parties know their specific responsibilities, communication requirements, equipment needs and other particulars in the event of an emergency.
Over the years, innovations by Frank and his professional security experts brought many innovations to the industry, like sophisticated communication, systems, refined perimeter safeguards, efficient entrance screening, thorough banned substance detection, and more.
Frank’s commitment to safety extends beyond implementation; he actively engages with event safety partners through tabletop sessions, ensuring thorough preparation for potential challenges. His continuous education, including training in emergency planning and life safety management, underscores a dedication to staying at the forefront of the field.
KES’s expertise is trusted by a diverse array of clients, ranging from major music festivals like Coachella and Outside Lands to high-profile events such as the FIFA World Cup and G8 Summits. The company's ongoing mission is to enhance public safety through innovative solutions and collaborative efforts with law enforcement and security professionals.
Andy Acord, retired
Deputy Chief of Police, Dallas Police Department
The event Communications Center Director handles the sophisticated communications system custom-designed for festivals by KES. This system provides for 24/7 communications monitoring via 2-way radios, national weather alerts, social media, local law enforcement channels, and other specialized electronic communications. Acord's career assignments have spanned patrol and communications. SWAT, procedural compliance inspections, internal affairs, and narcotics. Acord coordinates and facilitates the Tabletop Exercises presented by our sister company, Kel~Executive Services, a full-service security management group with a proven track record. These TTXs are offered to major outdoor mass gatherings nationwide. He is a retired deputy chief of the Dallas Police Department, having served there for over 36 years. His special assignments have included All Hazards Branch Manager, Super Bowl XLV. 2011; All Hazards Branch Manager, NCAA Finals; Commander Red River Rivalry, University of Texas vs University of Oklahoma, 2012 to 2016; and Commander, Heart of Dallas Bowl Game, 2012 to 2016. His most recent assignments for KES have been as Event Communications Center Director for Bonnaroo, 2015 to 2022, and several other major U.S. mass gatherings.