Meet the FALI Conference 2025 speakers . . .
(some info still being updated)
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Fernando Alvarez is a seasoned Private Detective and Security Consultant, specializing in family, civil, criminal, corporate, fraud, missing persons, and LATAM investigations. As the author of a comprehensive ten-part series on investigative and security techniques, his expertise is frequently sought by both national and international media. Currently, he serves as the Director of Drakonx Investigations and Drakonx Academy, while also leading as Chief Investigator for the Missing Children Global Network, a nonprofit organization. In addition, he consults for numerous investigative and security agencies worldwide.
Matt Aubin,
CDFE, FBCI, is the Managing Partner of E3 Legacy Intel and has over a
decade of high- tech investigative experience using legal, technical and
investigative strategies for complex investigations and proprietary
cyber intelligence gathering. Matt is a Certified Digital Forensics
Examiner (CDFE), Florida Board Certified Investigator (FBCI), Certified
TSCM Countermeasures Technician and has worked on Cyber Cases jointly
with the FBI and numerous federal and domestic law enforcement agencies
around the United States as a Cyber Investigation specialist. Matt has
provided cyber intelligence in high profile political elections and has
been responsible for solving cases involving International Extortion
Rings, Major Financial Crimes, Internet Defamation, Revenge porn and
various forms of Online Fraud. Matt has been declared as an expert
witness in Cyber Forensics is featured as a Keynote speaker around the
country. Matt has been on the FALI Board of Directors since 2016 and
currently serves as the Tampa Area Director.
Joe Autera is a former NCO in the U.S. Army whose private sector career began in the early 90's providing and managing security projects focusing on secure transportation and executive protection and on a freelance basis throughout the Americas. His career also includes tenure as the Sr. Manager of Protective Services and, later, the Director of Security for a multi-national technology concern during a period of heightened risk, followed by a stint as the Vice President of Global Security Services for one of the world's leading providers of risk management services to multi-national corporations, high net worth/ultra high net worth family offices, and non-governmental organizations. Over the course of the past three decades, he has worked in 55 countries on 6 continents. Since 2003, he has led the team of professional trainers at Vehicle Dynamics Institute (VDI) in positioning the firm as the global leader in highly specialized driving and secure transportation operations training, while building long term business relationships with prominent clients across the corporate, UHNW Family Office, law enforcement, and government sectors. In 2021 he authored the highly acclaimed international bestselling book, The Professional’s Guide to Planning, Managing, Providing Secure Transportation.
Jim Casteel has
been a private investigator in Alabama since 1989 and has been instrumental in
the passing and support of Alabama's laws which monitor and regulate the
Investigative profession. Jim is a standing member of many investigative
associations and a Licensee in Alabama and Florida. Jim is currently licensed
as an Agency and a class C licensee in FL as well as Licensed Private
Investigative Agency, Private Investigator licensee, certified Private
Investigator Trainer and certified Apprentice sponsor in Alabama. Jim Casteel has
served his profession as the President of the Alabama Private Investigator's
Association as well as serving the consumer on the Alabama Private
Investigator's Regulatory Board. Jim originally served on the A.P.I.B. as an
appointee of A.P.I.A. finalizing his work during those terms with the writing
and publishing of the book (The Professional Guide for Alabama Private
Investigators) with Kelly Riddle as a co-author; that book is now the study
Guide for the State examination. Jim was also instrumental in development of
the test for the state Private investigator’s exam, Jim is currently a trustee
on the Associations Board and is Vice Chairman of the Alabama Private
Investigator’s Board. 
Courtney Doroski is a licensed Private Investigator, State licensed DI Security School Instructor, and licensed Federal Communications Operator (Ham Radio). She specializes in interview and interrogations, sex crimes, cyber crimes, high level undercover tactics and social media investigations. Courtney began her career as a patrol officer with the Daytona Beach Police Department. She is a highly accomplished and experienced detective with a proven track record in leading and managing complex investigative operations. With a deep understanding of the intricacies of the investigative field, she has consistently delivered exceptional results while upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. She is the CEO of Red Hawk Investigation & Intelligence and the lead Instructor of training for National Investigative Training Academy for Security Class D officers. She currently serves as FALI’s Area Director for the Jacksonville/St. Augustine area.
Brandon Fortuno is the owner Fortuno Law, PLLC, located in St. Petersburg, and he focuses almost exclusively on family law matters. Prior to practicing law, he worked in private investigation and law enforcement. His investigative work includes social media, child endangerment, and electronic surveillance. In 2019, he was published on the subject of investigating jurors social media in the Stetson Journal of Advocacy and the Law. In addition to working eight years as a law enforcement officer before moving to central Florida, Mr. Fortuno has taught police academy courses in numerous topics, including interviewing, criminal investigations, and defensive tactics. He earned his B.A., magna cum laude, in 2014 from University of North Florida, his Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law in 2018, and his LL.M. from Stetson Law in 2019. He is a member of the Florida Association of Licensed Investigators, the Clearwater Bar Association, and the St. Petersburg Bar Association.
Mark Gillespie is a Texas board-certified private investigator, board certified forensic death investigator and criminal defense investigator, forensic scientist, and certified A.L.I.V.E. Active Shooter Survival Program trainer. He has been president/CEO of Gillespie Forensics and Investigations since 2004. Mark specializes in criminal defense investigations, death investigations, forensic science consultations and cold cases. He has a master’s degree in forensic science from George Washington University and spent a career as an Air Force officer and special agent in the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI). After retiring from the Air Force, he served as the Forensic Science Director for the Austin Police Department. In 2001, he introduced a forensic science course curriculum to St. Edwards University which led to the creation of their forensic science undergraduate degree program where he also taught courses in forensic science, criminal investigation and crime scene investigation. Mark is a past president and board member of the Texas Association of Licensed Investigators (TALI) and is a member of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences as well as a number of other state and national private investigation and professional associations.
Dr. Keith Ludwick is President/CEO of The Ludwick Agency, a private investigative and security consulting firm. He retired from the Federal Bureau of Investigation in January 2018 after serving as a Special Agent for over 22 years. He started his professional career as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force. Dr. Ludwick obtained a B.S. in Computer Science, an M.A. in Strategic Studies – Homeland Security, an M.S. in Cybersecurity, and holds a Ph.D. in Biodefense from George Mason University. In addition to leading The Ludwick Agency, he teaches graduate and doctoral-level courses for several universities centering on technology, terrorism, intelligence, and cyber issues. He is a published author with many articles and book chapters accepted in various academic publications. Among his awards, he received the CIA Meritorious Unit Citation in 1998 for significant contributions to a highly successful double-agent operation, the FBI Director’s Award for Distinguished Technical Advancement in 2004, the Naval Postgraduate School’s Award for Academic Excellence and Leadership in 2008, the National Intelligence Medal of Achievement in 2009, and the Excellence in Graduate Teaching Award from American Military University in 2020.
Bill Peeler is the President and CEO of Peeler Group International. He has built a distinguished career spanning nearly four decades in security, investigations, and risk management. Since founding Peeler Group International in 1995, he has established a global reputation for providing executive protection, protective intelligence, and comprehensive risk management solutions. With expertise in physical security, behavioral assessment, investigations, and due diligence practices, Bill has worked with Fortune 500 corporations, religious organizations, and government agencies. His extensive background includes roles in law enforcement, as a New York State Justice, and as an international risk consultant, solidifying his status as a trusted leader in the industry. As a highly sought-after presenter and keynote speaker, Bill has addressed numerous organizations on a wide range of topics, from counterterrorism to protective and investigative strategies. His dedication to enhancing security and investigation education is demonstrated through his affiliations with prestigious organizations such as ATAP, IPSB, Nine Lives Associates, ILEETA (Charter Member), ASIS, FALI, ASET, FAPI, and IACSP. As a member of the Curriculum Committee for the Academy of Security Educators and Trainers, Bill plays a vital role in shaping the future of the field. Under his leadership, Peeler Group International continues to provide innovative, customized solutions that establish a benchmark for excellence in global protection and investigative services.
Alexandra Solórzano is a Licensed Private Investigator and the CEO &
Founder of Owl Consultancy Group. She specializes on deep-dive
investigations centered on detecting, preventing, and dismantling
illicit activity. Amongst her areas of expertise are Criminal, White
Collar, and National Security investigations. In particular, she
specializes in Geopolitical investigations, bribery & corruption
investigations, international trade investigations, and financial crimes
investigations. In furtherance of this focus, she works with clients to conduct
internal investigations, to respond to government-initiated
investigations, and detect potential threats to clients assets and
reputations. She assists clients in effectively safeguarding against
financial and reputational damages posed by money laundering threats and
financial crime risks.
Edwin Tapanes is a retired lieutenant with twenty-three (23) years of law enforcement experience, and a total of thirty (30) years of investigative experience. Edwin has twenty (20) years of experience as an arson and explosion investigator / supervisor. He is a court certified expert witness in the field of fire science / explosion, narcotics and criminal investigations. Edwin holds many prestigious certifications as a Certified Fire Investigator, Certified Fire & Explosion Investigator, Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator, Certified Fire Instructor by several organizations including the Florida State Fire College (FSFC), and a current Computer Voice Stress Analyzer (CVSA) Examiner/Instructor. Educationally, Edwin has a Master’s Degree in Disaster Management, and a degree in Sociology/Psychology. Edwin Investigated the first hyperbaric explosion in the United States which had a successful prosecution along with staged-fires, fraud and fatalities. He has participated / conducted numerous live-burns and product testing. Lastly, he served as a material expert consultant to numerous law enforcement departments as well as the State Attorney’s Office.
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