Working together as family might sound risky to some, but for Ford and Meyer, it’s been a formula for clarity and success. “We knew our skill sets were complementary,” Meyer says. “Kathleen brings operational leadership and grit; I bring strategy and vision. That synergy allowed us to move quickly and make decisions with confidence.”
Their roles are clearly defined: Ford focuses on operations and mission alignment, while Meyer drives growth and innovation. But mutual respect is the foundation.
“We communicate often and clearly — especially when we disagree,” says Meyer. “And we’re intentional about creating space for both the business partnership and the personal relationship.”
That strong foundation has seen the company through some of its most pivotal moments, including a career-defining win: securing a multi-million-dollar federal contract with the Department of Veterans Affairs. At the time, the value of the contract exceeded all of scDataCom’s revenue from the previous three years combined. It was a leap — but one they were ready for.
“It wasn’t overly complex — we simply needed the opportunity to prove what we were capable of,” Meyer recalls. And they did. The VA’s Contracting Officer later wrote: “scDataCom is among the best contractors with whom I've worked… Their technical expertise, combined with highly effective supervision, cost controls and ability to meet project deadlines have made them a true pleasure to work with.”
That letter didn’t just validate their work; it changed their trajectory.
Today, scDataCom continues to serve a broad range of clients, including small businesses, healthcare clinics, local schools, and city and county agencies. The company is also a trusted provider to the Georgia Ports Authority and other major commercial and industrial clients.
Beyond the Southeast, scDataCom has built an impressive national footprint, with federal contract experience in 27 states and counting. Their team has delivered low-voltage and integrated security services for agencies such as the Department of Defense, GSA Public Buildings Service and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Women Leading With Purpose
Both Ford and Meyer are members of the Security Industry Association’s Women in Security Forum Power 100, a recognition they say affirms the values they’ve brought to leadership.
“It’s a moment of pride and reflection,” Ford says. “It’s not just about the work we’ve done, but the principles we’ve stood by — especially in an industry that hasn’t always made space for women leaders.”
Meyer adds, “It reinforces that success doesn’t require compromising your values. It also motivates me to keep mentoring others and helping to reshape the leadership landscape in security.”
They’re not just talking the talk. scDataCom has built a culture that actively values diverse perspectives and prioritizes excellence, transparency and empathy — qualities they believe are shifting the industry’s old paradigms.
“The old definitions of leadership in security are changing,” says Ford. “There’s more openness to different styles of decision-making and team building. Women bring valuable perspectives — especially when it comes to communication, collaboration and resilience.”
Built to Scale, Anchored in Values
Under their leadership, scDataCom has landed on the prestigious Vet100 list and expanded both its service model and geographic footprint. The company’s veteran-owned, woman-led identity is not just a footnote — it’s embedded in how they operate.
“We approach every engagement with professionalism, transparency and purpose,” says Meyer. “Being veteran-owned means we bring a unique level of discipline and accountability, but it’s our ability to connect with people and deliver solutions that earns trust over the long term.”
They’ve also leaned heavily into internal innovation, investing in technology tools to improve communication and execution across teams. The result? A high-performing culture that delivers measurable outcomes, and has fun doing it.
“We believe you can do well by doing good,” Meyer says. “This is a business, and we are here to be successful. But one of the ways we measure that success is through the impact of our actions.”
Looking Ahead, and Pulling Others Up
Ford and Meyer are optimistic about the future, especially when it comes to the evolving role of women in the security industry. “I see women playing increasingly strategic roles—not just in HR or support functions, but leading technology, operations, and innovation,” says Meyer. “The momentum is real.”
And they’re eager to help accelerate that shift. “Don’t wait to be asked — take initiative,” she advises other women entering the field. “Be unapologetically clear about what you bring to the table. And when you reach a milestone, turn around and help someone else climb. That’s how we change the game.”
It’s clear that Ford and Meyer aren’t just building a successful company — they’re helping to redefine what strong, values-driven leadership looks like in the security industry. And they’re doing it on their own terms.
(Editor’s Note, April 10: This article has been updated to reflect accurate details about the founding of scDataCom. The company was founded by Alaina Meyer in 2013, and Kathleen Ford joined the business about a year later. An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that Ford founded the company and had a background as a federal contractor.)
