Who we are

FDSS is a service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) founded by Alejandro Ramirez in 2025.

We offer staffing and security services throughout the state of Maryland, while providing employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Our team comprises professionals with deep backgrounds in the military, law enforcement, and security and staffing industries, offering an unrivaled depth of knowledge and experience.

We are members of the Maryland Veteran-Owned Small Business Enterprise (VSBE) Program and the Small Business Reserve (SBR) Program.

Maryland Veteran-Owned Small Business Program Seal
Maryland Small Business Reserve Program Seal

Meet the Team

  • Alejandro Ramirez

    CEO

    Alejandro spent 22 years in the United States Army, attaining the rank of Major. He holds bachelors and masters degrees from the University of Louisville. Alejandro’s combat experience, past performance, industry knowledge, and network of suppliers have enabled him to grow his business, Universal Spartan, into a successful defense contractor. He now has over 600 contracts with the federal government and continues to grow.

    Alejandro’s civilian mission is to help lift up his fellow veterans, through employment and by starting the Kentucky Veteran Business Alliance.  Since 2018, the KVBA has developed more than 800 transition veterans and community supporters who are now accelerating enterprise growth in Kentucky.

  • Travis Pearson, COO, First Duty Staffing & Security

    Travis Pearson

    PRESIDENT

    Travis is a veteran of the US Marine Corps and the US Coast Guard and has an extensive background in intelligence and security; he worked for various federal agencies during his time in the service as a security and intelligence analyst. Travis is a graduate of American Military University and earned an MBA from Washington State University.

    Travis has extended experience in mission-driven staffing, security and food processing ventures, working with both government and commercial customers. He is entrepreneurial and has established and led nationwide expansion efforts for a variety of organization types, including non-profits and for-profits. He is active in a variety of business and civic organizations.

  • Susan Herndon, First Duty Staffing & Security COO

    Susan Herndon

    COO

    Susan has an extensive background in the food and consumer goods product industry. She served as Operations Manager for a Portland-based beverage brand before playing an essential role in growing a powdered nutritional products business. She also served as Sr. Director of Operations for a major infant formula manufacturer experiencing significant growth and expansion, and has operated a knife and tactical tools manufacturing business.

    Susan holds a bachelors and a Master of Management, Business from Tulane University. She plays an integral role in ensuring the smooth functioning of FDSS’ units and pursuing opportunities for growth and expansion.

  • David Carolina

    EASTERN REGION PRESIDENT

    David serves as Eastern Region President for FDSS security operations in Maryland. David retired from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Bureau of Narcotics, Criminal Law Division, after 22 years of service. At the time of his retirement, he served as the Regional Director responsible for the Philadelphia Region.

    During his career, David conducted hundreds of investigations of major narcotics organizations that operated in Pennsylvania and abroad. He has also worked as Security Manager at the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center. David has completed many hours of training in the law enforcement and security fields, and is committed to FDSS’ mission to employ people with disabilities.

  • Taina Monges

    GENERAL MANAGER, STAFFING

    Taina began her staffing career as a Recruiter in Delaware in 2019, where she applied her attention to detail, work ethic, and ability to establish positive relationships with partners and associates. She was promoted to Branch Manager in August 2020 before moving into operations. She went on to become Director of the statewide YouthBuild program under the Wilmington Housing Authority.

    Taina uses her background in administration with the Philadelphia School District and Department of Social Services of Delaware, and her personable approach and hands on process, to contribute to the success and growth of FDSS. She is detail oriented, organized, eager to learn and shares her knowledge with her team to duplicate success.

  • Kim Caraway

    SECURITY MANAGER

    Kim serves as Security Manager for FDSS security operations in Maryland. She retired from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security after more than 21 years of service, bringing a wealth of federal law enforcement experience to the FDSS team.

    Prior to her retirement, Kim worked as a Special Agent for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Wilmington, Delaware, where she was responsible for investigating individuals and transnational criminal organizations posing threats to national security and U.S. law. She has also held numerous leadership roles within HSI and brings deep experience in security and executive protection. Kim is dedicated to FDSS' mission to employ people with disabilities, and to strengthening the security of Maryland organizations and communities she serves.

  • Nicole Mills

    FIELD OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR

    Nicole serves as Field Operations Supervisor for FDSS security operations in Maryland. She brings more than 5 years of contract security experience to the role, with a proven track record of developing comprehensive physical security programs that reduce vulnerabilities, lower incident response times, and ensure safe environments for employees and assets.

    Nicole is skilled in de-escalating tense situations, implementing effective safety protocols, and enforcing compliance across her teams. She is committed to FDSS' mission to employ people with disabilities and to delivering exceptional security services to Maryland communities.

  • Mylie Turner

    DEDICATED ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE

    Mylie serves as Dedicated Account Representative for FDSS security operations in Maryland. She brings a diverse professional background to the role, with experience spanning key account management, operational optimization, and service delivery within the laboratory technologies industry.

    Mylie has built her career around client-focused roles, developing a sharp understanding of account management and service delivery along the way. She is known for her highly organized approach and her ability to manage multiple accounts and priorities without missing a beat. Mylie is committed to FDSS' mission to employ people with disabilities and to building strong, lasting relationships with Maryland clients and partners.

Contact us

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