Michael J. Penders is Chairman of Environmental Security International (ESI) L3C. He previously led consulting firms which conducted advanced investigations, helped develop standards for integrated environmental and security management, and tested their application in numerous critical infrastructure sectors.

Mr. Penders led assessment teams at CI facilities in the private and public sectors. He has directed investigations into acts of terrorism, environmental crimes, industrial sabotage, and security risks around the world. Mr. Penders chaired the international group of experts that developed the first standard for integrated Security Management Systems (SMS).

This approach has been adopted in numerous international standards such as ISO 28000, ISO 31000, ISO 27000, and ISO 26000, as well as environmental and security regulations, and guidance for best management practices. In the private sector since 2001, Mr. Penders has worked with organizations as diverse as EPA, DOD, DOE, NATO, the UN, the American Chemistry Council, major corporations, ports, and public utilities on environmental and security matters, risk management, policy, and technologies. He served as Chairman of the American Bar Association (ABA) Committee on Homeland Security in the Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources till 2010.