Michael Basler Joins Whelan Security as CFO and Senior Vice President - Finance & Business Administration

St. Louis - Whelan Security, one of the industry's foremost respected providers of contract security staffing services, has announced that Michael D. Basler, CTP, has joined the company as Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President - Finance and Business Administration.

"We are thrilled to have Mike join our senior management team in what is an exciting time at Whelan Security," said Whelan Executive Vice President Prentice Robertson. "He is a true financial consulting expert; and his expertise in the field of finance, treasury services and capital markets will help our team as we continue to expand throughout the U.S. and begin to add and promote new service offerings to the industry."

Basler has more than 21 years of finance and management consulting experience. Prior to joining Whelan Security, Basler spent more than 16 years at Anheuser-Busch Companies, one of the world's largest brewers, working in Treasury and directly for the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. He most recently served as Director, International Treasury and Risk Management where he was responsible for international credit facilities, currency hedging, banking systems and services, and cash controls.

"As we continue our rapid ascent within the industry, it was critical for us to add another leader at the top of our organization," said Whelan President Greg Twardowski. "I have known and respected Mike for a long, long time. He brings a proven track record of significant success in accounting, finance and risk management, all of which will be instrumental as we continue to aggressively expand throughout the industry."

The hiring is the latest in significant gains for Whelan Security. In 2008, Whelan hired Mark Porterfield as Senior Vice President and Chief Security Officer, and was named one of the top 15 contract security companies in the industry. The St. Louis-based firm hit $110 in revenue last year and has grown from 950 employees in 2000 to 3,750 in 2008.

WHELAN SECURITY: With headquarters in St. Louis, Whelan Security is a privately owned and operated security firm providing contract security services to corporate headquarters, Class A office buildings, financial institutions, educational campuses, industrial facilities, and sensitive government facilities throughout the Central and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. Founded in 1949, Whelan Security currently employs more than 3,750 employees and currently ranks within the top 15 security companies in the country, placing it within the top one half of one percent of the industry. For more information about Whelan Security, please visit www.whelansecurity.com.