Leadership and Support

Chance L. Collins is the President of PPI Security.

Chance Collins served as Chief of the Texas Rangers from 2018 to 2022. His previous leadership roles within the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) included Commander of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team, Ranger Major of Company “F” in Waco, Texas Ranger Assistant Chief, and Regional Director of the Capitol Region.

Collins began his career with DPS in 1993 as a state trooper. He later served on the SWAT Team and as a special agent on the Governor’s Protective Detail before being promoted to Texas Ranger in 2002. Throughout his tenure, he held key assignments with the Officer Involved Shooting Committee, Crime Scene Investigation Committee, Unsolved Crime Investigation Program, and Special Operations Group—where he oversaw high-risk tactical operations statewide and counter-drug initiatives along the Texas-Mexico border.

Chief Collins holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Wayland Baptist University. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the Texas Command College, and the National Forensic Academy at the University of Tennessee. Collins retired from DPS in September 2022.

Gene entered law enforcement in 1977 with his acceptance to the Texas Department of Public Safety and retired with the rank of Captain in the Narcotics Service.

Among his many duties, Gene carried federal task force credentials for most of his investigative career, coordinating investigations with law enforcement counterparts nationwide.

In an off-duty capacity, he has 30+ years of proactive experience coordinating professional security services for clients ranging from individuals to corporate entities.

Brandon Bess joined the Texas Department of Public Safety in 1995 and served 10 years as a highway patrol trooper, 8 years as a Special Crimes and Criminal Intelligence Sergeant before promoting into the Texas Rangers in 2013. Bess’ experience in the rangers included murder, sexual assault, escaped inmate, public corruption and numerous other types of high profile investigations. During his tenure in the Texas Rangers, he received numerous awards and commendations including the United State Attorney Generals and the ATF awards for distinguished service. Bess was appointed to the Unsolved Crimes Investigation Team in 2020 and became a subject matter expert among his peers in conducting cold case homicide investigation using the latest DNA and forensic genetic genealogy to solve those homicides and sexual assaults. Bess joined PPI in 2024 after his 30-year career in law enforcement.

Tonie McMahon is our “go-to” person in matters relating to Human Resources and Customer Service.

Prior to joining PPI Security in 2016, Tonie assisted all levels of Executive Management in the daily operation of businesses serving as Executive Assistant, Human Resources Manager, Sales Manager and Office Manager.

Throughout the course of her career, Tonie has mastered and become the unofficial expert in all matters concerning Office Management.

Presently, Tonie is a licensed Private Investigator for the State of Texas and holds a Level IV license. At PPI, she performs background checks, from minor to extensive, using various search databases.

Tonie is a graduate of Ashford University where she received her BA in Human Resources Management, her MA in Organizational Management and a MBA in Business Administration.