Foundation for Advancing Security Talent (FAST) - Experts & Thought Leaders

The 2024 Foundation for Advancing Security Talent (FAST) Golf Classic tournament, formerly known as the AIREF Golf Classic, is set to take place on Monday, May 13, at the Cowboys Golf Club in Grapevine, Texas. This event, held in conjunction with PSA TEC, brings together industry professionals for a day of networking and golf while supporting initiatives to connect talent with careers in the security industry. The FAST Golf Classic is the primary fundraising event for FAST, a 501(c)(3) organization created by the Electronic Security Association (ESA) and the Security Industry Association (SIA) to promote careers in the physical security technology industry. NFL-themed golf club This year’s tournament aims to raise funds that will be funneled into initiatives supporting workforce development efforts to attract more qualified talent to the growing and evolving security industry. By participating in the tournament, attendees will not only enjoy a day of golf at the distinguished Cowboys Golf Club but also contribute to a worthy cause. “We are excited to host the FAST Golf Classic at the Cowboys Golf Club, the first and only NFL-themed golf club in the world,” said FAST Executive Director Aiden O’Brien, adding “This event provides a unique opportunity for industry professionals to come together, network and support initiatives that are crucial for the future of our industry.” Event details Date: Monday, May 13, 2024 Time: Check-in/breakfast at 7:45 a.m., shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. Location: Cowboys Golf Club, 1600 Fairway Dr., Grapevine, TX 76051.

The Foundation for Advancing Security Talent (FAST) has named Kerri Sutherland of Axis Communications as Chair of the FAST Board of Directors. Sutherland will lead the Board of Directors drawn from the membership of the Electronic Security Association (ESA) and the Security Industry Association (SIA), in developing and refining FAST’s strategic plan and identifying the foundation’s annual goals. Kerri Sutherland has held a human resource business partnership position at Axis Communications since 2017. She holds an MBA with a concentration in human resource management from the University of Texas A&M and is certified as a senior professional by the Society of Human Resource Management. Security technology industry She has more than a decade of successful experience in the field with a primary focus on hiring, employee development and employee engagement. Sutherland’s human resource journey began at various international tech companies, and she currently supports the Americas region at Axis by recruiting and retaining top talent while safeguarding the company’s culture. She also sits as the chair for Axis’ Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee and serves on the board of a local nonprofit humane society. She has more than a decade of successful experience in the field with a primary focus on hiring “I am delighted to have been elected as the new board chair of FAST and have the privilege to serve our community, alongside my accomplished peers on the board. We are committed to building awareness and attracting top talent to the security technology industry through collaboration, outreach and education,” said Sutherland, adding “Grounded in my human resource experience, I look forward to providing a fresh perspective and creating a robust future in the ever-changing industry landscape.” Fast-paced technology industry The FAST Board of Directors now includes the following members: Chair: Kerri Sutherland, Manager, Human Resources Business Partnerships, Axis Communications Vice Chair: John Nemerofsky, Chief Operating Officer, SAGE Integration Secretary: Erin Mann, Senior Manager, Business Operations, Latch Treasurer: Ken Kocher, President, Force Security Solutions Neil Atha, President, Atronic Alarms Brendan McFall, East Coast Operations Manager, Northland Controls Yaron Zussman, General Manager, Magos America Inc. Career advancement opportunities FAST is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization promoting careers in the physical security technology and life safety industry. Created in 2020 through a partnership of ESA and SIA – the industry’s leading associations – FAST connects passionate, innovative professionals with new opportunities in electronic security and life safety. The foundation brings awareness to the career advancement opportunities within the fast-paced technology industry that serves to keep people, places and property safe. The FAST website offers job seekers information about the security industry’s growth The FAST website offers job seekers information about the security industry’s growth and unique position at the convergence of cutting-edge technology and a mission that matters, the types of roles available in the industry, what employers are looking for, leading certifications in physical security and cybersecurity and a jobs board featuring immediate opportunities in security technology and life safety. Workforce development needs The FAST Jobs Board allows job seekers to search by keyword, job title and location and features thousands of jobs from over 800 companies. The jobs board continues to grow in 2022 and has become the go-to destination for hiring and finding job opportunities in the security industry. FAST’s key efforts include outreach to schools, colleges and universities to increase awareness of the exciting and rewarding careers available in security; research on the industry’s workforce development needs and possible solutions; and continuing education resources to help those already in the industry stay current with rapidly emerging and evolving technologies. FAST’s school and outreach programs, research and resources are funded by individual and organizational donations.

The Security Industry Association (SIA) has opened the 2022 call for nominations for the George R. Lippert Memorial Award and the SIA Progress Award – key awards celebrating outstanding volunteer contributions to SIA and leadership within the security industry. The recipients of this year’s Lippert and Progress Awards will be recognized at the 2022 SIA Honors Night event, which is taking place on Nov. 16, 2022, in New York City, in conjunction with ISC East. SIA’s Lippert Award SIA’s Lippert Award, founded in 1989, is named in honor of George R. Lippert SIA’s Lippert Award, founded in 1989, is named in honor of George R. Lippert, who dedicated more than 20 years of his life to the security industry and SIA. This honor is presented each year to a distinguished individual for their long-term service to the Security Industry Association and the security industry, the impact of their efforts on behalf of SIA and the industry, and their integrity, leadership, and diplomacy, as demonstrated in industry dealings. SIA Progress Award The SIA Progress Award, presented by the SIA Women in Security Forum, celebrates individuals who are advancing opportunities and paving the way to success for women in the security industry. Each year’s recipient is determined based on their contributions to fostering women in the industry, promotion of women’s professional growth through mentorship and/or sponsorship, recognition and awards for related activities, and outstanding professionalism and integrity in the security industry. SIA Honors Night Don Erickson, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the Security Industry Association (SIA), said “SIA Honors Night is one of the most inspiring events of the year. Together with industry friends and colleagues, we celebrate the extraordinary leadership of security luminaries and thank them for their dedication to furthering this vital industry.” He adds, “We look forward to recognizing the 2022 Lippert Award and Progress Award honorees for their service to the security industry and to SIA and efforts to create value for our members and experiences that will help our industry to achieve even more.” Special annual event The deadline to submit nominations for the Lippert Memorial Award and the SIA Progress Award is Friday, Sept. 30, 2022. Interested parties can submit their nominations for the Lippert Award and the SIA Progress Award online on the official SIA website. SIA Honors Night is a special annual event honoring industry leaders’ contributions to the security industry. The 2022 SIA Honors Night program will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022, at Meta’s offices in New York City, New York, USA, in conjunction with ISC East 2022 global security event. Presentation of the SIA Insightful Practitioner Award This year’s event will benefit the Foundation for Advancing Security Talent (FAST) In addition to recognizing the recipients of the Lippert Award and the Progress Award, the 2022 SIA Honors Night program will include the presentation of the SIA Insightful Practitioner Award, as well as a premier cocktail reception and top-quality networking. This year’s event will benefit the Foundation for Advancing Security Talent (FAST), a 501(c)(3) organization created by the Electronic Security Association (ESA) and SIA to promote careers in the physical security technology industry. FAST is dedicated to connecting passionate, innovative professionals with new opportunities in the electronic security and life safety industry. Security Industry Association (SIA) Security Industry Association (SIA) is the globally renowned trade association for global security solution providers, with over 1,200 innovative member companies representing thousands of security leaders and experts who shape the future of the security industry. SIA protects and advances its members’ interests by advocating pro-industry policies and legislation at the federal and state levels, creating open industry standards that enable integration, advancing industry professionalism through education and training, opening global market opportunities, and collaborating with other like-minded organizations. Premier sponsor of expos and conferences As the premier sponsor of ISC Events' expos and conferences, SIA ensures its members have access to top-level buyers and influencers, as well as unparalleled learning and network opportunities. SIA also enhances the position of its members in the security marketplace through SIA GovSummit, which brings together private industry with government decision-makers and Securing New Ground, the security industry’s top executive conference for peer-to-peer networking.