Gerald P. "Buster" Ferguson Jr. President

Buster Ferguson began working for Murray Guard. in 1977, serving through the years as financial manager, vice president of finance, executive vice president and currently as president and chief operating officer, a position he has held since 1988. Ferguson is responsible for all areas in the daily operations of Murray Guard.

Ferguson attended Jackson State Community College and graduated from the University of Tennessee Knoxville.

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James L. Exum Executive Vice President

Jimmy Exum, executive vice president of Murray Guard., started with the company in 1983. He has also served as president of Total Reach Inc.,  a subsidiary of Murray Guard. Exum is responsible for sales and operations of commercial security accounts in Murray Guard.’s 12 branch offices.

Exum, who lives in Jackson, attended Jackson High School and Lambuth University.

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Claude H. Kelly Jr. Vice President/Human Resources

Claude, vice president for human resources for Murray Guard., has been with the company since 2008. He has extensive service in human resources since 1971 and previously served as director of human resources with Black & Decker in Jackson.

In 2006, Kelly received the 2006 Leadership Award for Black & Decker, an award given to only one Black & Decker employee worldwide per year.

Kelly, who lives in Jackson, graduated from the University of Tennessee Knoxville.

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Bruce K. Burch Vice President/Sales and Marketing

Bruce has been with Murray Guard. as vice president for sales and marketing since 1988. Burch develops marketing and sales strategies for the corporation.

Over the years, Burch has been involved with the following professional organizations: American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS), Building Owners and Managers Association International (BOMA), Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), Mid South Cargo Security Council and National Classification Management System (NCMS).

Burch is a graduate of the University of Kentucky.

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Marvin “Rocky” Acuff Vice President/Operations

“Rocky” Acuff has served as vice president for operations with Murray Guard. since 2008. Acuff is responsible for overseeing daily operations of all branch offices. He has been with the company since 1989, working also as branch manager, manager of training and development, regional manager and vice president for the southern region before taking his current position. Acuff came to Murray Guard. from the Jackson Police Department, where he worked as an investigator in the Criminal Investigation Division.

Acuff is a member of the American Society of Industrial Security and a past chairman of the State of Tennessee Private Protective Services Advisory Committee.

Acuff graduated from Jackson State Community College.

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David F. Tremblay Vice President/Risk Management

David, vice president for risk management, has been with Murray Guard. since 1984, previously working as a personnel director, branch manager, human resources specialist/corporate auditor and western regional manager. His current responsibilities include directing and managing liability claims from the corporate office; implementing the company’s worker’s compensation and safety program; evaluating and directing branch and general managers in present and future accounts; securing and maintaining various types of liability coverage; and directing and assisting in acquisitions, transitions and large job start-ups.

Tremblay is a member of the American Industrial Security Association and a licensed private investigator in the State of Tennessee.

Tremblay attended Jackson State Community College and the University of Tennessee.

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David M. Harris Vice President/Controller

David has worked with Murray Guard. since 1989, serving as a controller until 1996, when he became vice president/controller. His duties include overseeing accounting, data processing and the company’s 401K program and analyzing the worker’s compensation program. He’s also responsible for monthly financial statements, salaried payroll and working with an outside accounting firm.

Harris attended Jackson State Community College and the University of Tennessee, and he graduated from the University of Mississippi.

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Ricky V. Shackelford Vice President/Accounting

Ricky, vice president for accounting, has been with Murray Guard. since 1980. He’s responsible for oversight of the information technology department and different accounting departments; preparation of financial statements; administration of the company’s 401K program; and accounting for subsidiary companies.

He lives in Jackson, and he graduated from Union University.

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John M. Carter Vice President/GM Government Services Division

John, vice president/general manager for the government services division, has been with Murray Guard. since 2008. His responsibilities include maintaining a separate profit and loss center focused on nuclear, federal and international opportunities and overseeing stand-alone administrative services that include sales and marketing, contracts and sub-contracts, legal support, purchasing, and proposals. He has also created a national strategic alliance methodology aimed at small business firms.

Carter served for 23 years in the U.S. Navy, active duty and active-ready reserves, as a surface warfare officer and a naval aviator. He is a member of the National Defense Industrial Association, Navy League and the National Contract Management Association.

He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy, and he received a master’s degree in contracts and acquisition management from the Florida Institute of Technology, a master’s degree in public administration from Troy State University and a master’s degree in business administration from New Hampshire College. Carter also received a law degree from Nashville School of Law.

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