ABOUT US
The Axtell Group
The Axtell Group specializes in assisting organizations in achieving growth, facilitating transformation, and safeguarding their reputations. Our comprehensive suite of risk mitigation consulting services encompasses public safety and police department staff evaluations, policy assessments, compliance audits, leadership development programs, crisis communication strategies, and facility safety and security evaluations.
Our unwavering dedication is to empower your organization in "building your bank of trust".
Our Team
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Todd Axtell, President & CEO
ToddAxtell@theaxtellgroup.com
Phone: 651-925-7169
Todd is co-founder, president and CEO of The Axtell Group, a risk mitigation, quality control and crisis management team that works with police departments, private companies and government agencies across the country.
Robert Thomasser, COO
RobertThomasser@theaxtellgroup.com
Phone: 651-497-1437
Robert retired from the Saint Paul Police Department in 2022 after a distinguished 32-year career that began with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's and ended with him serving as the Assistant Chief for his hometown police department.
John Kirkwood, Sr. Advisor
John's long and distinguished career spans nearly four decades and work in both the public and private sectors. He began his career as a police officer in Lincoln, Neb., before joining the U.S. Secret Service as the Special Agent in Charge and the Ramsey County (Minn.) Sheriff’s Office as the Chief Deputy Sheriff.
Warsame Shirwa, Sr. Advisor
Warsame specializes in community relations, education and outreach. In addition to serving as a community outreach specialist with the Saint Paul Police Department, he has worked with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, nonprofit organizations and community organizations to help new immigrants connect with government services. ​
Daphne Van Buren, Sr. Advisor
With a wealth of experience in local and state government, law enforcement, and the private sector, Daphne provides responsive support to leaders as they work to develop and achieve their visions in both government and corporate environments.
Camille Hepola, Sr. Advisor
Camille brings a diverse experience in solving complex problems for the public and private sectors. Specializing in city and county governments, Camille has worked in various executive leadership roles for district attorney offices, city administration, county administration, and school districts.
Sue Hartnett, Sr. Advisor
As an Inspector with the St. Paul Police Department, Sue honed her expertise in risk mitigation, policy development, and compliance audits, ensuring that agencies operated with efficiency and accountability. Her keen analytical skills and forward-thinking approach have made her a trusted advisor in shaping policies that enhance public safety and operational effectiveness.
John Harrington, Chief Public Safety Advisor
John brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and success to his role in helping our law enforcement partners identify and overcome barriers to success. ​He's a former police officer, police chief, state public safety commissioner and state senator.
Matt Clark, Sr. Advisor
Matt Clark is a veteran public safety executive, serving as Police Chief at the University of Minnesota and Assistant Chief in Minneapolis. He managed significant incidents, reduced crime, and improved community engagement. Clark holds a Master’s in Public Administration and graduated from the FBI National Academy.
Adam Wojciehowski, Sr. Advisor
Adam Wojciehowski is a certified resilience expert with 15+ years in finance, healthcare, energy, and public safety. He has led enterprise risk, security, and continuity programs, consulted for global firms, and is pursuing a PhD in Emergency Management to advance evidence-based practices in crisis management and organizational preparedness.
John Swenson, Sr. Advisor
John Swenson contributes over 30 years of distinguished public safety leadership to The Axtell Group. Retiring in 2025 as Director of Public Safety for Lino Lakes, he unified police and fire operations emphasizing innovation and community partnership. John now advises agencies on organizational effectiveness, proactive policing, leadership mentoring, and community engagement.