Rodney McConville CPP

Rodney is an executive protection professional with 25+ years of private-sector and military experience worldwide and has a proven track record in all key aspects of protective services, operational management, planning, and training.

Rodney is a specialist in remote-area operations and, in building and leading diverse teams in high-risk, high-pressure security environments, he has extensive on-the-ground and off-site managerial experience throughout the world, from Northern Ireland to Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Iraq, South Sudan, and many places in between

DAGDA International operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year from offices within the United States, UK and Ireland.

Jon Melville

With more than 30 years of combined experience in security operations and military service, Jon Melville brings unmatched depth and leadership to Dagda International as Chief Operating Officer.

A veteran of the British Parachute Regiment (1991–2005), Jon has safeguarded high-profile clients, NGOs, and multinational corporations across some of the world’s most volatile regions, including Libya, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, and China. His extensive field experience is supported by professional certifications in Security Management (Level 4 Diploma), Executive Protection (BTEC Level 3), and First Response medical care, including CPR and AED.

Jon’s career has seen him lead mission-critical security teams for Oil & Gas operations and Department of Defense contracts, consistently demonstrating his ability to deliver operational excellence in complex and high-threat environments. His leadership ensures that Dagda International continues to operate with precision, adaptability, and the highest standards of protective service worldwide.

Grant McDonald

Grant McDonald is a highly experienced security leader with more than 18 years of expertise across operational security and executive protection. As Director of Embedded Operations at Dagda International, he is responsible for the development, delivery, and management of tailored protection programmes designed to integrate seamlessly within corporate environments and support high-profile clients.

Grant brings more than seven years of executive protection operations management experience, having led complex programmes supporting senior executives, international travellers, and high-visibility individuals. His expertise includes programme design, team leadership, threat assessment, and the delivery of layered security strategies aligned to client needs.

He is recognised for his ability to build scalable embedded teams, strengthen service delivery, and ensure protective operations reflect both organisational culture and risk posture. His operational background spans executive protection, advanced driving, surveillance detection, and emergency response, giving him a well-rounded foundation for leading in dynamic and high-risk settings.

Known for his strategic leadership and client-focused approach, Grant consistently enhances protective services through disciplined operations, strong communication, and a clear commitment to excellence.

Ian McCleary

Based in the United Kingdom, Ian McCleary oversees Dagda International’s protective operations across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. With more than 20 years of experience in executive protection and security management, he has provided trusted services to ministers, ambassadors, dignitaries, CEOs, and high-net-worth clients worldwide.

A certified Close Protection driver, Ian holds multiple qualifications across security, safety, and medical readiness gained from both public and private sector training. His blend of leadership, operational know-how, and discretion makes him a key asset in ensuring Dagda International maintains its reputation for world-class protective services across the EMEA region.

Michael (Mick) Brown

Based in Thailand and originally from Australia, Michael “Mick” Brown serves as Dagda International’s Regional Operations Manager for the Asia-Pacific region. With over 25 years of experience across both military and private security sectors, Mick has built a career defined by leadership in high-risk and complex environments.

His recent work in Papua New Guinea and West Papua, Indonesia, highlights his deep understanding of regional dynamics and his proven ability to lead teams and deliver results in culturally diverse and logistically challenging settings. Known for his responsible, self-motivated, and adaptable approach, Mick combines discipline with flexibility in managing personnel training, operational support, and protective services.

With extensive experience across volatile regions, Mick brings the confidence, expertise, and cultural awareness necessary to ensure Dagda International continues to deliver trusted protective solutions throughout the Asia-Pacific.

Neil Payne, Executive Protection Ambassador, Middle East

Dagda International is pleased to welcome Neil Payne to the team as Executive Protection Ambassador across the Middle East.

Neil brings more than 29 years of experience across military service, security leadership, and protective operations. A former Late Entry Captain in the British Army Parachute Regiment, he has operated extensively in high-risk and conflict environments around the world before moving into senior advisory, leadership, and protective roles across government, corporate, and private sectors.

Throughout his career, Neil has planned and delivered operational security and protection programmes for military units, senior leadership delegations, high-profile executives, celebrities, and ultra-high-net-worth individuals. His experience combines frontline operational expertise with strategic management oversight, enabling him to support complex protective requirements at both tactical and leadership levels.

Alongside operational deployments, Neil has led security teams, conducted threat and risk assessments, and coordinated multi-agency protective operations. His background is further supported by formal close protection qualifications, as well as advanced incident management and security leadership certifications.

Neil’s appointment further strengthens Dagda International’s reach and capability across the Middle East, bringing deep operational knowledge, proven leadership, and a clear commitment to professional excellence.

Colby Valas

Colby is an experienced security professional with over 13 years of combined military and protective services experience, He is highly detail-oriented, and his drive and passion consistently result in high-quality outcomes across all operations.

As Director of Global Operations, Colby oversees multiple teams and manages a high volume of short-term global projects on a monthly basis. He is recognized for his strategic leadership and client-focused approach, consistently enhancing protective services through disciplined operations, clear communication, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Lana McEvoy

Lana McEvoy has been an integral part of DAGDA International since its formation, working closely with the CEO to help build the company from the ground up. Her passion, drive, and unmatched enthusiasm have been instrumental in shaping a highly streamlined, policy- and procedure-driven financial and administrative infrastructure. Lana’s commitment to operational excellence has played a critical role in establishing a strong, efficient back-office foundation that supports the company’s continued growth and success.
 

April McMahan

April McMahan brings extensive international leadership experience and a strong foundation in financial management, business operations, and organizational development to DAGDA International. With more than a decade of experience in the Middle East, she held senior leadership roles in complex, high-demand environments, including Abu Dhabi’s aviation sector, where she oversaw large-scale, multi-site operations supporting more than 400 personnel while contributing to significant revenue growth.

Throughout her career, April has demonstrated a proven ability to build and scale operations, align cross-functional teams, and deliver results in fast-paced, highly regulated environments. Her expertise includes strategic planning, full P&L oversight, operational execution, and performance-driven leadership, with a consistent emphasis on efficiency, accountability, and sustainable growth.
Following her international career, April transitioned into financial management and consulting, where she has focused on developing structured financial systems, strengthening internal controls, and supporting organizational growth. Known for her discretion, attention to detail, and ability to bring clarity to complex situations, April plays an important role in supporting DAGDA International’s commitment to operational excellence across its global footprint.

Valerie Dovifaaz

Valerie brings deep and proven expertise across both private and government contracting, with more than a decade of leadership in the private sector for physical protection and the past two years dedicated to developing and executing complex government contracts. Her career reflects a comprehensive, end-to-end mastery of service delivery – spanning contract negotiations, workforce recruitment, operational execution, and the design of fully customized security solutions built from the ground up. This customer-centered approach has consistently resulted in high satisfaction ratings and long-term client partnerships.

A strategic thinker and trusted relationship builder, Valerie is widely recognized for cultivating strong, collaborative partnerships with clients, government agencies, and industry stakeholders. She demonstrates a keen ability to identify emerging opportunities, implement scalable systems, and drive innovation- positioning organizations for sustainable, long-term success.

As Vice President of Business Administrative Services at DAGDA, Valerie brings enthusiastic, results-driven leadership to both clients and employees alike. She has a proven track record of revitalizing performance, driving growth, strengthening client retention, and delivering measurable impact across complex, diverse, multi-site operations on a global scale. Valerie has successfully led high-performing teams of more than 250 personnel across multiple disciplines, including physical protection, business development, human resources, operations, and employee engagement. Her strength lies in aligning people, processes, and strategy to achieve organizational objectives while maintaining exceptional client satisfaction.
Valerie adds a dynamic blend of strategic vision, operational excellence, and compassion-focused leadership to DAGDA, reinforcing her unwavering commitment to excellence for both clients and employees.