Who We Are

Unfortunately, the phrase “going to school” has adopted a sense of fear over the years. Parents wonder if their children will be safe, and when the worst-case scenario happens, administrators and their teachers need accurate information quickly to make good decisions and to save lives.

For over 23 years, we have created innovative solutions to complex problems. Active Defender is revolutionizing safety on school campuses and businesses nationwide.

Designed by former military personnel, security specialists, and brilliant software engineers. Active Defender wants to partner with you to ensure you are fully equipped and connected when facing a crisis. We make sure EVERYONE (staff and responders) gets the right information to make the right response, because that is who we are.

Jim Boyte

Founder

Jim has over a decade of experience in situational awareness and security as a subject matter expert. Prior to beginning Active Defender Jim worked as an R&D code engineer for the US Army Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, NC.

Ben Roberts

National Sales Manager

Ben Roberts has over 30 years of experience recruiting, building, training and supervising a sales teams on a national and international scope. While CEO of Abundant Funds from 2001 to 2008 sales grew from $2 million to more than $7 million. Since 2011, he has been involved in the start-up of the student information software, MySchoolWorx, as Director of Strategic Partnerships serving more than 300 schools throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Haiti, Canada and Israel. Ben is a regular speaker at educational trade shows nationally and continues to consult schools for many business aspects of the school.

Chris Maxwell

COO

Chris is a former Intelligence Analyst with the U.S. Army. While gaining hands-on experience within the Defense Market, Chris graduated from Ellis University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration followed by a Master’s of Science in Cyber Security from the University of Maryland University College (UMUC).

James “Ken” Hadaway

CFO

James was the Liaison Officer between the US Military and other foreign allies. After completing his military career, James earned his MBA in Global Finance from Colorado State in 2014, and his bachelor’s degree in Management, specializing in Change Management Theory, in 2010.

Jon Purgason

Research & Development

Jon has a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Management from the University of Missouri. His career began with a six-year service to our country with the United States Army as a commissioned officer. He has professional experience with Research and Development, Wastewater treatment, Aquaculture, Social Services, Sports Marketing, and Defense Contracting. More recently, Jon has expert level experience in the Games for Training Market which encompasses application development, coding, and training.

James Lindsay

Communication & Security Specialist

James is a retired US Army Chief Warrant Officer 5. He served 36 years on active duty and has extensive experience in training development, safety systems, supervision of personnel, and management of staff activities. James served in high level staff positions with the US Army Special Operations Aviation Command, US Intelligence and Security Command, and the US Military Academy at West Point.

Dr. Joe Haas

Active Defender Board Member

Dr. Joe Haas has served in private Christian school education since 1975. He was a school administrator from 1975–1992 at schools in Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina. In 1992, he was selected as the Executive Director of the North Carolina Christian School Association. For many years, he has helped various higher education programs through program evaluation and providing instruction for online education. Dr. Haas has earned a BS from the University of Alabama in Birmingham, a M.Ed. from Middle Tennessee State University, and an Ed.D. from Nova Southeastern University.

Debbie Warren

Board Advisor

Debbie is currently the Principal of Carthage Elementary School. She was born and raised in Rocky Mount, NC and graduated from East Carolina University with a degree in Special Education. Debbie later earned her Masters of School Administration from Fayetteville State University.