ABOUT

EXPERIENCE AMASSADORS

a people company that provides security services.

Founded in 2004, XA Security is a full service security guard company with a specialized events team. Offering Site Security, Mobile Fleet Security, Parking, Stagehands, and Event Security services, we provide peace of mind through proactive risk reduction. From condos to concerts, we take a human-centred approach to safeguarding the experiences that matter most.

We employ over 600 security guards and operate in Calgary and Edmonton, with our headquarters in Calgary. We have served some of Alberta's most prestigious events, produced by renowned organizations such as Live Nation, the Calgary Stampede, University of Alberta, University of Calgary, SAITSA, Mount Royal University, Calgary Flames, and the City of Calgary. We have also formed major partnerships with construction sites, museums, franchisees, and solidified a strong relationship with the Calgary Drop-In Centre as their preferred security partner.

With 20 years of experience in providing large deployments of licensed security guards for public and private sites across Western Canada, we excel in de-escalation, compliance, and crowd management. We lead with empathy, do the right thing, and create meaningful relationships and experiences. In 2024, we were recognized as one of Calgary's Top Business Leaders by Business in Calgary magazine.

Our active role in industry groups such as Event Safety Alliance Canada (ESAC) and the Global Crowd Management Alliance (GCMA) ensures we adhere to best practices and evolving security standards. Through these partnerships, we drive innovation and enhance security solutions, and contribute to the overall growth of the security industry.

your hands-on partner

Our team is smart, professional, helpful, and kind. We excel in solving hard problems, responding swiftly and calmly to high-pressure situations, and doing the right thing.

Chris Kerr, Founder and President

Driven by ethics, social responsibility, and community building, Chris Kerr is shaping perspectives and setting industry standards. As the founder of XA Security, he leads a proactive, human-centred, and collaborative approach to security. He acknowledges that behind every security concern or customer need is a person with unique experiences and emotions. He passionately leads his team to actively listen, consider diverse perspectives, and respond compassionately. Serving as the Vice-Chair of the Event Safety Alliance Canada, he is a vocal advocate for elevating global event and crowd safety standards. He’s a respected leader and advocate in Calgary’s business community, fostering trust and connections in all his interactions.

Howard Van Schaick, Stage Operations Coordinator

With over 42 years of experience in technical production, Howard's career includes positions as a technician, lighting designer, stage manager, technical director, production manager, and tour manager. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Technical Theatre from the University of Regina. Howard's notable career highlights include roles at Centaur Theatre in Montreal, The National Arts Centre, and Magnus Theatre Northwest along with many local organizations including Alberta Theatre Projects, Calgary Philharmonic, Jack Singer Concert Hall, Decidedly Jazz Danceworks and many more!

Ivy Alenton, Parking Operations Coordinator and Events Security Supervisor

Ivy began her career with XA Security in January 2022 as a Security Guard, quickly demonstrating her leadership abilities and earning a promotion to Security Supervisor within six months. In addition to her supervisory role, Ivy managed Green Events Services and contributed to the XA Live crew and parking teams.

Mark Nodwell, Event Security Operations Manager

Mark Nodwell brings over 20 years of experience in leadership, operations, security, and occupational health and safety to XA. He began his security career in Calgary’s bar scene and later joined the Guest Protection Services team at Fan Expo, providing one-on-one security for celebrity guests such as Carrie Fisher, Todd McFarlane, Jodie Benson, Helen Hunt, Heather Locklear, Neve Campbell, Nicholas Hoult, and others. Over the years, Mark has held management roles across diverse settings, including IT, modular construction, and ski patrol leadership. He values collaboration and open communication, and is committed to learning from and supporting our Event Security team in creating safe, seamless events.

Chris Kerr, FOUNDER AND President

Samantha Reynolds, Executive Assistant

Samantha has kept our team organized, well-resourced and on the go since 2021. She manages high-level administrative tasks, coordinates the leadership team's schedules, and facilitates interdepartmental communication to ensure smooth operations within XA Security.

Her diverse background in events and strong organizational skills make her a vital asset to XA Security. Having spent nearly five years with the City of Edmonton, where she served as a Special Event Coordinator at the Kinsmen Sports Centre and later as a Festival and Events Liaison, playing a key role in planning city-wide events, Samantha is adept and knowledgeable in the what it takes to make a great event and “keep it moving” behind the scenes.

Darren Lennartsson, Operations Manager

With over 20 years of leadership experience across retail, hospitality, and entertainment, including more than six years in security management, Darren has been instrumental in establishing XA Security's Edmonton office. He continues to oversee security operations in both the Calgary and Edmonton branches, ensuring consistency, quality, and alignment with XA’s standards.

His expertise spans leadership and team development, strategic planning and operational excellence, and building an inclusive and empowering workplace culture. Throughout his career, Darren has demonstrated a commitment to cultivating environments where team members feel valued, empowered, and inspired to make a meaningful impact.

Howard Van Schaick, Stage Operations Coordinator

Ivy Alenton, Parking Operations Coordinator and Events Security Supervisor

Stephen Essar, Accountant

Stephen handles all accounts payable, accounts receivable, reporting, and payroll for XA. He holds a diploma in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a major in accounting. During his academic career, Stephen received the Rutherford Scholarship for four consecutive years and various local scholarships for his outstanding GPA. he excels in communication, time management, and delegation, skills that are crucial in his day-to-day tasks. Stephen is incredibly proactive and solution-oriented, and believes that everything is fixable.

In addition to his accounting role, Stephen is an active member of Toastmasters, a public speaking organization, and has served on their board in Wetaskiwin. Beyond his professional pursuits, he has been studying Italian for several years, tries a new sport every summer, and dabbles in playing the ukulele. Stephen's commitment to his career, coupled with his diverse personal interests, makes him a key player in the XA Security team.

OUR Values

FOSTER CURIOSITY

We foster a culture of openness, exploration, and continuous learning. We ask questions, seek new insights, and continuously explore ways to improve.

lead with empathy

‍We are compassionate and understanding in all interactions. We acknowledge that behind every security concern or customer need is a person with unique experiences and emotions, so we listen actively, consider diverse perspectives, and respond with care. We create a welcoming and inclusive environment, building trust and connection with everyone we interact with.

STAY CALM

‍We maintain composure and level-headedness, especially in high-pressure situations. Staying calm is essential for effective decision-making and de-escalation techniques. We set the standards for professionalism and reliability.

BE PRO

‍We are proactive and professional. We take initiative, identify potential challenges, and address them before they escalate.

JOIN OUR TEAM

If you value safety, learning, and doing the right thing, a career with us might be for you.

We offer above-average earnings, access to Western Canada's premier live events, and management approach centred on coaching, development, and growth.
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You don't have to quit your day job to be in on the excitement at XA! We encourage healthcare professionals, paramedics, peace officers, students, ski resort staff, and hospitality staff who are looking for a fun and flexible way to make extra income between shifts to apply.
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We do not accept job applications through our Contact page or direct emails to our staff. To explore opportunities and apply, click the button below.

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