Founder
Frank Elsner
Frank Elsner is a Canadian safety, security, and risk management executive with more than 30 years of leadership across public service, corporate security, workplace safety, crisis management, and organizational resilience.
As Founder of Stonehaven Risk Group Ltd., Frank advises organizations on corporate security, workplace safety, crisis preparedness, business continuity, regulatory compliance, and enterprise risk management. He is an expert in identifying vulnerabilities, strengthening preparedness, improving governance, and making informed decisions in environments where safety and compliance are essential.
Building Stonehaven Risk Group
Frank founded Stonehaven Risk Group to provide organizations with access to experienced security and risk management leadership without the need to maintain a full-time executive security function.
Throughout his early career, he observed that many organizations faced increasing expectations related to workplace safety, security governance, regulatory compliance, crisis preparedness, and operational resilience. At the same time, many lacked access to experienced leadership capable of providing practical guidance during periods of growth, change, disruption, or elevated risk.
He established Stonehaven to address those challenges through executive advisory services grounded in operational experience, leadership accountability, and practical problem-solving.
Corporate Security and Risk Management Leadership
Frank’s experience spans strategic leadership and operational implementation across a wide range of security and risk management disciplines.
Over the course of his career, he has led security modernization initiatives, workplace violence prevention programs, crisis management planning, supply chain security projects, and enterprise governance efforts. His experience includes both operational security functions and executive-level advisory roles.
He has directed programs designed to improve operational effectiveness, strengthen oversight, support compliance requirements, and reduce organizational risk. His work has included assessing organizational vulnerabilities, improving internal processes, overseeing the implementation of security technologies, and advising leadership teams during critical incidents.
Frank has worked extensively within highly regulated environments where safety, accountability, compliance, and operational reliability are closely connected to organizational performance.
Workplace Safety, Compliance, and Organizational Resilience
A significant focus of Frank’s work involves helping organizations create safer workplaces and strengthen internal safety programs.
His experience includes developing workplace violence prevention programs, crisis response frameworks, travel risk protocols, and enterprise safety initiatives. He has also worked closely with regulatory bodies and government agencies, including Health Canada and WorkSafeBC, on matters related to workplace safety, compliance, and organizational accountability.
Frank believes effective safety and security programs contribute to stronger organizational performance by supporting people, protecting operations, and improving leadership confidence during periods of uncertainty.
Supply Chain Security and Governance
Frank has extensive experience supporting organizations in supply chain security, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation.
Among his accomplishments, he designed and led a supply chain security program that successfully met the audit requirements established by U.S. Customs and Border Protection under the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program.
His work has included reviewing supply chain vulnerabilities, strengthening security controls, supporting compliance efforts, and helping organizations reduce exposure to operational and reputational risks associated with complex supply networks.
Public Service and Executive Leadership
Before founding Stonehaven Risk Group, Frank served in senior positions within Canadian policing.
Beginning his career in 1983, he served with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Ontario Provincial Police, and the Thunder Bay Police Service. During those years, he worked in investigations, intelligence, undercover operations, tactical assignments, and leadership roles of increasing responsibility.
He later served as Deputy Chief and subsequently Chief of Police in Greater Sudbury, where he was responsible for organizational leadership, public safety priorities, strategic planning, and community accountability.
The leadership principles developed throughout his public service career continue to guide his work today, particularly in areas involving responsible governance, crisis leadership, public trust, organizational accountability, and effective decision-making.
Education and Professional Credentials
Frank holds a Bachelor of Political Science from Lakehead University and a Master of Public Administration from Western University.
He has earned the Certified Protection Professional (CPP) and Chief Security Officer (CSO) designations through ASIS International and completed executive leadership training through the FBI Executive Leadership Institute.
His professional development also includes advanced training in security, public safety, investigations, intelligence, and risk management.
Supporting Organizations Across Canada
Drawing on more than 30 years of leadership experience, Frank brings a practical perspective shaped by both public service and corporate security leadership.
Through Stonehaven Risk Group, Frank continues his mission to support organizations across Canada in strengthening decision-making, improving readiness, and addressing complex challenges with confidence and clarity.
