Ridge Global Names Two New Members to Flag Bridge™ Team

WASHINGTON, March 13, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Ridge Global, an international provider of security and risk management services, today named Vice Admiral Brian Peterman (United States Coast Guard, Retired) and Matt Branigan as the newest members of Flag Bridge™, a recently launched service focused on maritime risk and sovereignty management.

Flag Bridge provides high-level, strategic consulting in the areas of maritime safety, security and environmental management and is focused on serving a diverse group of clients, including maritime nations, defense contractors, ship owners and management companies, maritime industry associations and law firms.

"Strategic maritime challenges are increasing at an alarming rate," said Tom Ridge, Ridge Global president and CEO and former secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. "Brian and Matt's expertise will help us further address these challenges, and add depth to an already extraordinary Flag Bridge team."

In addition to Peterman and Branigan, Flag Bridge members include: Admiral Tom Collins, 22nd Commandant of the USCG; Vice Admiral Jim Hull; former USCG Area Commander; Rear Admiral Norm Saunders, former USCG District Commander; and Dan Sheehan, former USCG Chief Information Officer.

"We are stacking the deck at Flag Bridge with some of the best experts in the business," said Luke Ritter, principal for global trade security at Ridge Global and Flag Bridge practice leader. "We have a world-class team for maritime risk management."

Vice Admiral Brian Peterman, USCG (ret.), is a recognized leader in the fields of maritime safety and security, border and port security, maritime domain awareness and emergency management. He retired from the U.S. Coast Guard in 2008 after 36 years of service to the United States. His final assignment on active duty was USCG Atlantic Area Commander, where he oversaw all Coast Guard operations in a region that ranged from the Rocky Mountains to the Arabian Gulf. Admiral Peterman holds a Bachelor's Degree from West Chester University and a M.S. from the Naval War College.

"The U.S. Coast Guard has pioneered solutions to some of the most difficult maritime challenges," said Peterman. "I'm delighted to be part of a team that will carry forward these important lessons learned to benefit new clients."

Matt Branigan has over 28 years of experience managing and leading diverse security organizations at many levels. As the former vice president and chief security officer of Brinks Incorporated, he provided strategic oversight and daily management for one of the world's leading security/risk management firms. Branigan served 22 years in the U.S. Air Force as a career security forces officer and retired at the rank of Colonel. His assignments included a tour as the senior security officer at Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology, a Master of Arts degree in Management, a Master of Science degree in Administration of Justice, and a Master of Science degree in National Security Strategy.

"Flag Bridge offers a great value proposition to maritime clients," said Branigan. "I'm eager to join forces with this experienced group of thought leaders."

About Ridge Global
Headquartered in Washington, D.C., Ridge Global provides strategic and operational services that advance the security and economic interests of businesses and governments worldwide. Led by The Honorable Tom Ridge, the first secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and former governor of Pennsylvania, Ridge Global offers international expertise across a scope of risk management and core business concerns, including security and infrastructure protection, emergency preparedness and response, energy, maritime management and strategic growth. For further information, please visit www.ridgeglobal.com.

SOURCE Ridge Global