LEADERSHIP TEAM
Meet The Leaders Driving Our Success
KEY LEADERSHIP
Ethan Lazar
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Ethan Lazar, Founder and CEO of Cambridge Security, graduated from Columbia University with a B.A. in International Relations which included time abroad studying terrorism at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. He then earned a J.D. from New York University School of Law. Currently, Ethan is a member of the New York and Florida Bar Associations. He brings extensive and deep expertise in international security and law.
Vice President and General Counsel for The Cambridge Companies, a real estate development firm, he saw a gap in quality doorman and concierge services, and decided to fill it. Driven by his expertise and commitment to service excellence, he founded Cambridge Security in 1987. Under his leadership, Cambridge grew from a local provider in New York City to a national security leader. In 2008, he expanded into Florida, later relocating the headquarters to Palm Beach County, now exclusively serving the South Florida community as the pre-eminent security provider.
James D’Arcy
Chief Operating Officer
Jim D’Arcy joined Cambridge Security in 2016 as Vice of Operations and became COO within two years. Previously, he served as Vice President at A&P, overseeing corporate security, executive protection, loss prevention, and crisis management across 600 retail locations, seven warehouses, and a corporate campus. His oversight included advanced security systems and a team of over 500 personnel.
Jim’s career began in New Jersey law enforcement before transitioning to the private sector. A certified interrogator with over 1,000 interviews conducted, he has also spoken at industry conferences on active shooter incidents, disaster response, and crisis management. A former Fire Captain with 20 years of service, including a decade in Special Services and Hazardous Materials, Jim is a decorated professional with six commendations, including saving a fellow firefighter’s life. Jim is an active board member of the Boca Raton Police Foundation.
Karen Lazar
Vice President and Director of Marketing and Community Outreach
Karen brings expertise in the real estate industry, a key client base for Cambridge Security. With over a decade at Cambridge Management and Realty, a family-owned residential management company, she has a firsthand understanding of this unique market.
A graduate of The George Washington University with a Master’s in Physical Therapy from Columbia University, Karen’s leadership and communication skills shone early as Director of Physical Therapy for a private practice, where she balanced clinical work with business growth. This role marked the start of her successful career in business, driven by her natural leadership and marketing acumen. Karen’s passion for volunteerism and philanthropy inspired our Cambridge Cares initiative, our outreach wing to the communities we serve. She actively volunteers and serves on several local boards and committees, giving back to the communities we serve.
TEAM DIRECTORS
Ali Abed
Director of Operations for Boward, Miami-Date & South Palm Beach
Ali’s career began protecting American engineers in Iraq with Al Hureau. He then joined Cambridge Security, rising in the ranks from Security Officer to Captain at Frenchman’s Reserve Country Club and later managing security at Old Palm Golf Club. Most recently, Ali was promoted to Director of Operations. He’s received twelve commendations for outstanding performance.
Michael St.juste
Director of Operations for Palm Beach & Treasure Coast
Michael St.juste joined Cambridge in May 2022 as an armed security officer at a country club, quickly advancing to become Corporal, then Sergeant, at the same location. In 2023, he was promoted to Operations Manager of the North Palm Branch, demonstrating his ability to manage the branch's operations effectively. Michael was appointed Director of Operations, Palm Beach/Treasure Coast in 2024. Prior to joining Cambridge, Michael was a successful business owner.
MaryEllen Hernandez
Director of Human Resources & Recruiting
MaryEllen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Pace University and a Master of Science in Counseling. She oversees all aspects of our Human Resources program, including benefits administration, workers compensation, compliance, progressive discipline, and labor-related issues. Before joining Cambridge Security, she worked as a Vocational Counselor for the Florida Department of Education.
CAREERS
Help Empower Our Security Officers to Deliver Exceptional Service.
A career at Cambridge Security goes beyond the front lines. Our branch team works just as hard behind the scenes.
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