ASPP PRO Members

ASPP PRO Members

Meet Our Team

Meet Our Team

Every member of our team brings unique experience to the table. Comprised of top professionals from the highest agencies in the nation, we are the elite in our field.

Steve Novakovich Chief Executive Officer

Steve Novakovich

Access Control & Security

At the helm of Garrett Metal Detectors, CEO Steve Novakovich brings visionary leadership and a steadfast commitment to advancing public safety. Under his guidance, Garrett continues to innovate metal detection technologies that serve as critical tools in Active Shooter Prevention. With a background in engineering, operations, and executive leadership across high-stakes industries, Steve champions a mission-driven approach to equipping schools, businesses, and public venues with the tools they need to proactively prevent threats and protect lives.

Steve’s Executive Bio and Experience

Steve Novakovich is the Chief Executive Officer of Garrett Metal Detectors, a leading U.S.-based manufacturer of security, sport, and countermine metal detection equipment headquartered in Garland, Texas. He assumed the role in January 2018, bringing over three decades of experience in engineering, finance, and operations across multiple industries.

Before joining Garrett, Novakovich held several leadership positions. He began his career as an engineer in the oil and gas sector at Exxon Company USA. He then transitioned to Texas Instruments, where he worked in manufacturing operations and served as a division controller. Subsequently, he was the Director of Finance at Texas Air Composites, an aerospace maintenance, repair, and overhaul service provider. Most recently, he served as President and CEO of Graco Supply Company, an aerospace chemical distributor.

Novakovich holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Economics from Northwestern University, earned in 1989. He furthered his education at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he obtained a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and Management in 1994 as a fellow in the Leaders for Manufacturing program.

Under his leadership, Garrett Metal Detectors has continued to innovate and expand its product offerings. The company remains committed to manufacturing its products in the United States and has been involved in enhancing security measures at various venues, including schools and sporting events.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Novakovich is actively involved in his community, serving as a parent and school board member, reflecting his commitment to education and public service.

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Garrett Metal Detectors

Global Leaders in Metal Detection Technology

Garrett Metal Detectors, founded in 1964 by Charles and Eleanor Garrett in Garland, Texas, is a globally recognized leader in metal detection technology. The company designs and manufactures a wide range of products, including security screening systems, hobbyist detectors, and countermine equipment. Garrett’s innovations, such as the use of microprocessors in metal detectors, have set industry standards. Their equipment has been utilized in major international events, including the Olympic Games, and is trusted by security professionals worldwide. Committed to quality and customer satisfaction, Garrett continues to produce all its products in the USA, serving customers in over 100 countries.

Securing Tomorrow, Today.

ASPP/PRO Your Partners in Prevention

DOJ Video: Behind the Scenes

Chris Grollnek, active shooter expert-prevention

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Join us in our mission to create a future where the phrase “I never thought it would happen here” is a thing of the past. Together, we can make #NeverHere a reality, ensuring a safer tomorrow for everyone.

U.S. Secret Service – National Threat Assessment Center Reports Recent Mass Shootings Occurred in Places We Visit Everyday.

51%

Mass Shootings Happened in Businesses

35%

Mass Shootings Happened in Open Spaces

14%

Mass Shootings Happened in Schools, Universities, Places of Worship.

About ASPP/PRO

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Voices of Trust and Security

Real Stories from Those Who’ve Experienced ASPP PRO’s Impact

Real Stories from Those Who’ve Experienced ASPP PRO’s Impact

Chris, I’m the FBI’s program manager for active shooter situations and on the White House working group seeking ways to prevent gun violence. I wanted to drop a note and let you know that I thought the DOJ video was well done. You address many points that we have been stressing.

Katherine Schweit
FBI Program Manager, Active Shooter Situations, The White House, Retired

I worked with Chris on a case covering several months and found him to be most diligent in handling the requirements of the project from inception to completion. He was always quick to respond to requests for information and assistance and his work product was invaluable to the successful outcome of the case. Chris is very goal oriented and was flexible to employ the necessary tactics and strategies to achieve the goals we had set for the project.

Kent Richardson

Chris, thanks so much for those kind words. I know my staff is very grateful for your insights and advice on keeping PCM a little safer. I can see God has given you a real calling in this area, and I encourage you to keep at it. At the end of your career, when you are looking back at everything, knowing you did what God called you to do will be worth more than you know. Take this advice from someone on that side of the river! Many blessings to you and safe travels!

Pastor Tom

I first met Chris Grollnek after the Pulse Nightclub massacre. He’s extremely knowledgeable about best practices regarding active shooters. Chris took great pains to explain law enforcement’s failures when responding to Pulse. He doesn’t talk down to ordinary citizens. Rather, he converses in a manner the layperson can comprehend. I’m very grateful for my professional relationship with Chris Grollnek.

Timothy Cwiek
Senior Writer Philadelphia Gay News

Thank you for presenting at the People’s City Mission on December 10th. Your presentation was greatly appreciated, and I have already shared some of the valuable information you provided with my organization. Your storytelling approach was engaging, although it would have been helpful to know more about the audience’s background and why we were all there. It’s a shame more people couldn’t attend, as your message deserves to be heard by a wider audience. Best of luck in your mission to raise awareness and put an end to these events.

Chris Klingenberg