Matthew Johnson
Founder & CEO
Matthew Johnson brings over a decade of elite security and counter-terrorism experience to Cohen Security, shaped by his service in the Israel Defense Forces and subsequent work with U.S. diplomatic security programs.
A San Diego native, Matthew relocated to Israel after high school to join the IDF, where he rose to the rank of non-commissioned officer, led high-risk combat operations, and gained firsthand expertise in threat detection, tactical leadership, and strategic defense planning.
Following his military service, Matthew was selected by the U.S. government to provide security for American diplomats stationed at the U.S. Embassy in Israel. The advanced training he received during this time, delivered by both U.S. and Israeli agencies, refined his ability to assess, evaluate, and mitigate threats on a local, national, and international scale. This deep foundation of real-world experience and government-level security strategy became the cornerstone of Cohen Security.
Today, Matthew leads a team of hand-picked professionals trusted not just to provide protection, but to deliver peace of mind. His approach blends military precision with private-sector discretion, ensuring every client receives a security solution as sophisticated and individualized as the lifestyle it’s designed to protect.
For a firsthand account of Matthew’s military journey, read So You Want to Join the I.D.F.?—a candid exploration of life on the front lines in Israel.
Cohen Security Foundation
The Cohen Security Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Cohen Security, dedicated to empowering IDF veterans as they transition and resettle in the United States. Founded in 2022 by the same IDF “Lone Soldiers” who established Cohen Security, the Foundation addresses a critical gap often overlooked by traditional industries, transforming exceptional military experience into invaluable civilian leadership through resettlement support, educational scholarships, community-building initiatives, and holistic rehabilitation services.
Focused exclusively on IDF Lone Soldiers returning to the U.S., this 501(c)(3) organization provides meticulously tailored, culturally attuned assistance ranging from funding academic pursuits and professional certifications to fostering the unique camaraderie these veterans cherished in Israel through curated social programs. In response to pressing needs following October 7, 2023, the Foundation has expanded its mission to include funding for cutting-edge emotional and physical rehabilitation, ensuring these heroes have access to the highest caliber of private healthcare.
Operating nationally from its headquarters in San Diego, the Cohen Security Foundation honors the valor and sacrifice of IDF veterans by delivering strategic grants, compassionate mentorship, and exclusive career pathways, including opportunities within its sister organization, Cohen Security.
For philanthropists seeking to create lasting impact through supporting those who have served with distinction, the Cohen Security Foundation offers a meaningful avenue to invest in the future of these extraordinary individuals and the communities they enrich. Learn more by visiting the website.