Team

At Western Confluence Group, our strength lies in the diverse expertise, experience, and dedication of our team. Each member brings a unique skill set—from executive protection, fire and emergency services, to maritime rescue and predictive threat monitoring—and together we deliver comprehensive security, safety and resilience solutions for families, businesses and communities.

The Experts Behind Western Confluence Group

Explore our comprehensive range of services tailored to meet your needs. From executive protection to fire and natural disaster monitoring, we ensure proactive solutions for every challenge. Our commitment extends to protecting your assets, whether tangible or invaluable, offering peace of mind in an ever-changing world. Count on us to make your security our top priority and safeguard what is most important to you.

Tony Arce

Chief Executive Officer and Founder

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Sam Burton

Chief Security Officer

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Scott Watson

Special Projects Manager, Fire Division

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Allen Jones

Maritime Rescue Medic & Protective Services Agent

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Jiles Maness

Protective Services Program Manager & Maritime Rescue Team

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Rob Chang

Range Master & Executive
Protection Agent

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Danny Clark

Lead Boat Captain & Dive Rescue Coordinator

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Why Our Team Matters

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world.

  1. We fuse executive protection and residential security with wild-fire monitoring, maritime rescue and predictive threat detection.

  2. Our collective approach is data-driven, technology-enabled and globally oriented—designed for clients who operate in high-stakes, high-risk environments.

  3. We act proactively: identifying vulnerabilities, planning for worst-case scenarios, and maintaining a state of readiness through specialized training and real time monitoring.

Want to learn more about how our team can support your security, safety and risk-management needs? Let’s talk about your situation—and how WCG’s team can tailor a solution that protects your people, property and peace of mind.
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Tony Arce

Cheif Executive Officer and Founder

Tony Arce began his firefighting career in 1990 as a volunteer with the Higgins Fire District at just 16 years old. After high school, he was hired by CAL FIRE, where he was stationed primarily at headquarters in Auburn, California—one of the busiest wildland stations in Northern California at the time. After seven years with CAL FIRE, he transitioned to North Tree Fire, a company led by retired U.S. Forest Service and CAL FIRE chiefs, where he received invaluable mentorship and career development. His role at North Tree Fire provided him with the opportunity to operate on fires and incidents nationally while also gaining experience burning unexploded ordnance on military ranges to restore landscapes to safe conditions.

During his tenure at North Tree Fire, Tony oversaw operations throughout the western United States. His responsibilities included serving as a Task Force/Strike Team Leader, Division Supervisor, Initial Attack Incident Commander, Equipment/Dozer Boss, Structure Protection Task Force Leader, Engine Boss, Crew Boss, and Type 1 Ignition Specialist

In 2004, Tony transitioned to a confidential government organization in Southern California, where he became a HazMat Specialist while continuing to teach wildland fire courses for government agencies and junior colleges. During this time, he played a key role in unionizing the fire department under the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), advocating for improved working conditions and firefighter health.

Tony later returned to Northern California to be closer to his family and North Tree Fire headquarters, where he continued working part-time. He accepted a position with a confidential government organization, where he has held various leadership roles and currently serves as a Firefighter Engineer. As Union President, he and his board successfully advocated for a Cancer Presumption Bill at the state level.

Tony holds a Bachelor of Science in Fire and Emergency Management from Purdue University Global. As Founder & CEO of Western Confluence Group, he oversees the company’s fire operations, strategic growth, and client relations. His leadership ensures that WCG provides expert consultation, training, and operational support for clients in high-risk environments, including wildfire response, prescribed fire planning, and emergency preparedness.

Outside of work, he enjoys surfing, skiing with his wife and Bernese Mountain Dogs, and coaching high school football.

Sam Burton

Chief Security Officer

Sam Burton is an executive protection professional with over 15 years of experience in executive protection, embedded security program management, residential security, law enforcement, natural disaster relief, estate management, and corporate security. As a co-founder of Western Confluence Group, he has played a key role in developing and managing comprehensive security programs for high-net-worth individuals and corporate clients.

Before launching WCG, Sam was an owner and program manager at Keelson Strategic, overseeing full-time embedded security teams for high-profile clients in the San Francisco Bay Area. His background also includes work as an intelligence analyst for the DEA in Seattle, providing critical support for domestic law enforcement operations. He also served in law enforcement while in the military, gaining extensive experience in security operations and crisis response. During his time in the Army, he also served on a natural disaster relief unit in Washington State, providing emergency response and support in disaster-affected areas.

Sam holds a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from Boston University and a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Psychology from Purdue University. He remains actively involved in field operations, supporting clients in high-risk environments and wildfire response efforts. His expertise in executive protection, operational security, and crisis management ensures that WCG delivers top-tier security solutions tailored to the unique needs of its clients.

Scott Watson

Special Projects Manager, Fire Division

Scott Watson is a wildland fire expert with nearly 30 years of service in the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), where he rose through the ranks to Battalion Chief. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Forestry Science with a specialization in Wildland Fire Management from Humboldt State University.

Scott began his career with the U.S. Forest Service in road engineering before moving into timber and recreation management. His firefighting experience includes roles as an engine crewman, fuels management specialist, and Hotshot on the Stanislaus National Forest. Over his career, he became a qualified Type I Operations Section Chief, Air Support Group Supervisor, Type I Helibase Manager, and Helicopter Manager. He is also a Certified Fire Officer and a Registered Fire Training Officer with the State of California.

As an aerial firefighter, Scott has over 20 years of experience in tactical helicopter operations. He was awarded the prestigious “Order of California” from the California National Guard for his leadership in the Interagency Military Helicopter Firefighting Program. He also received three “Superior Achievement Awards” from CAL FIRE’s Director and a Letter of Commendation from the Federal Aviation Administration for superior performance in air base operations.

Scott continues to be actively involved in fire science education, teaching part-time at Los Medanos College. He also owns a business providing state fire training to fire departments across California and consulting services in wildland fire management, emergency planning, prescribed fire, and fuels mitigation. At WCG, Scott oversees special projects in fire operations, focusing on wildfire preparedness, response, and mitigation strategies for clients. He also directs all of WCG’s wildland fire training programs, ensuring that personnel and organizations receive expert instruction in fire behavior, suppression tactics, and operational safety.

Scott enjoys retirement with his wife and family, spending his free time engaged in outdoor activities and writing. He recently published Diablo Wind and is currently working on Sundowner Wind, set for release in late 2024.

Allen Jones

Maritime Rescue Medic & Protective Services Agent

Tony Arce began his firefighting career in 1990 as a volunteer with the Higgins Fire District at just 16 years old. After high school, he was hired by CAL FIRE, where he was stationed primarily at headquarters in Auburn, California—one of the busiest wildland stations in Northern California at the time. After seven years with CAL FIRE, he transitioned to North Tree Fire, a company led by retired U.S. Forest Service and CAL FIRE chiefs, where he received invaluable mentorship and career development. His role at North Tree Fire provided him with the opportunity to operate on fires and incidents nationally while also gaining experience burning unexploded ordnance on military ranges to restore landscapes to safe conditions.

During his tenure at North Tree Fire, Tony oversaw operations throughout the western United States. His responsibilities included serving as a Task Force/Strike Team Leader, Division Supervisor, Initial Attack Incident Commander, Equipment/Dozer Boss, Structure Protection Task Force Leader, Engine Boss, Crew Boss, and Type 1 Ignition Specialist

In 2004, Tony transitioned to a confidential government organization in Southern California, where he became a HazMat Specialist while continuing to teach wildland fire courses for government agencies and junior colleges. During this time, he played a key role in unionizing the fire department under the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), advocating for improved working conditions and firefighter health.

Tony later returned to Northern California to be closer to his family and North Tree Fire headquarters, where he continued working part-time. He accepted a position with a confidential government organization, where he has held various leadership roles and currently serves as a Firefighter Engineer. As Union President, he and his board successfully advocated for a Cancer Presumption Bill at the state level.

Tony holds a Bachelor of Science in Fire and Emergency Management from Purdue University Global. As Founder & CEO of Western Confluence Group, he oversees the company’s fire operations, strategic growth, and client relations. His leadership ensures that WCG provides expert consultation, training, and operational support for clients in high-risk environments, including wildfire response, prescribed fire planning, and emergency preparedness.

Outside of work, he enjoys surfing, skiing with his wife and Bernese Mountain Dogs, and coaching high school football.

Jiles Maness

Protective Services Program Manager & Maritime Rescue Team

Jiles Maness brings a decade of elite operational and leadership experience to Western Confluence Group. A former U.S. Navy SEAL Officer, Jiles combines the precision of special operations with a modern, intelligence-driven approach to executive protection. At WCG, he leads high-threat protective details and manages complex domestic and international travel operations, ensuring every mission is executed with discipline, adaptability, and absolute discretion.

Known for his calm presence under pressure, Jiles has built and directed protection teams capable of operating seamlessly in austere and unpredictable environments. His ability to assess risk, lead under stress, and safeguard principals during high-threat movements reflects a rare blend of tactical mastery, strategic awareness, and emotional intelligence. Beyond his protective leadership, Jiles is an active member of WCG’s Maritime Rescue Team, supporting experimental flight operations and water-based rescue missions throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, where he applies his advanced scuba and sub-surface rescue expertise.

Career Highlights

  • Former U.S. Navy SEAL Officer and Troop Commander, Naval Special Warfare Assessment Command (NSWAC)

  • Directed nationwide SEAL Officer assessment and selection programs, ensuring only the highest-caliber leaders advanced to training

  • Foxtrot Platoon Commander and Dive Operations Officer in Charge at SEAL Team 4, leading joint missions across EUCOM and AFRICOM

  • Augmented with Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU) during AFRICOM deployment, providing advanced maritime and sub-surface capability support

  • Honor Man, Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) Class 329 — top graduate in leadership, academics, and performance

  • Master of Science in Applied Design for Innovation (Naval Postgraduate School) with a focus on Artificial Intelligence Systems Development

  • Bachelor of Science in Oceanography, U.S. Naval Academy

  • Certified in Advanced Tactical Driving, Evasive & Off-Road Operations, and Close Protection

  • Holds BSIS Guard Card, BSIS Firearm Permit, and active U.S. security clearance (eligible for renewal)

Rob Chang

Range Master & Executive Protection Agent

Rob Chang stands at the center of Western Confluence Group’s firearms and tactical training philosophy — a mentor, craftsman, and lifelong instructor dedicated to developing disciplined, capable protectors. With more than two decades of experience leading live-fire programs and building training curricula for thousands of students, Rob’s influence defines the standard by which WCG agents train and operate.

A consummate professional and educator, Rob brings a calm, methodical approach to every range session. His background spans private-sector protection, tactical program design, and advanced emergency response instruction. Whether teaching a first-time shooter or refining the performance of seasoned executive protection agents, Rob’s focus on fundamentals, judgment, and precision makes him an unmatched instructor in the field.

Career Highlights

  • Over 25 years of experience in firearms instruction, tactical program development, and range operations

  • Owner and Lead Instructor at Silicon Valley Tactical, providing professional-level training in pistol, rifle, shotgun, and carbine disciplines

  • Former General Manager of Coyote Valley Sporting Clays, overseeing a 90-acre range facility and its instructor development programs

  • California Department of Justice–certified Instructor in multiple disciplines, including CCW, Firearm Safety, and Equivalent Entity training

  • NRA Chief Range Safety Officer and Certified Instructor in pistol, rifle, shotgun, and both defensive handgun courses (inside and outside the home)

  • Certified AVERT (Active Violence Emergency Response Training), Emergency Medical Response (EMR), BLS, Wilderness First Aid, and Advanced Bleeding Control Instructor

  • Holds active BSIS Guard Card, BSIS Firearm Permit, and multi-state CCW permits (CA & AZ)

  • Extensive real-world incident response experience including major natural disasters and emergency interventions

  • Accomplished mountaineer and expedition leader, with ascents on Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Denali, Mount Shasta (100+ ascents), and other peaks worldwide

  • Over 2,500 days of expedition-level climbing and 140 days above 16,000 ft, integrating human performance, risk management, and survival expertise into his teaching

Danny Clark

Lead Boat Captain & Dive Rescue Coordinator

Danny Clark is Western Confluence Group’s lead boat captain and dive rescue coordinator, specializing in maritime safety and underwater recovery operations. With over a decade of experience in high-risk, over-water missions, Danny combines expert vessel handling with advanced dive safety protocols to ensure seamless, coordinated operations.

Danny’s role includes leading dive safety briefings, overseeing underwater search and recovery missions, and managing the day-to-day coordination of rescue vessel operations. He is a certified Open Water Rescue Diver and Performance Freedive International (PFI) Level 2 Freediver, trained to handle complex subsurface scenarios with a calm and disciplined approach.

Career Highlights

  • Over a decade of maritime safety, dive recovery, and vessel operations experience in high-risk environments

  • Lead operator and captain for WCG’s rescue vessels, specializing in emergency navigation and dynamic deployment conditions

  • Conducts dive safety briefings, coordinates underwater operations, and ensures adherence to all emergency protocols

  • Certified in trauma care, CPR/AED, and rapid-response medical support in maritime settings

  • Extensive background in executive protection and high-risk security, applying de-escalation and risk mitigation techniques

  • Known for his calm leadership, disciplined work ethic, and unwavering focus on operational safety and team accountability