Foundation for Advancing Security Talent welcomes Ken Kocher to FAST Board of Directors
DALLAS, Texas – The Foundation for Advancing Security Talent (FAST) has named Ken Kocher of Force Security Solutions to serve on the FAST Board of Directors. Kocher will join the nine-member 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.
“It is a true honor and a privilege to be able to participate on the board and as a member of FAST,” said Kocher. “I am excited to also work alongside the leadership of ESA and SIA as we work together to promote careers in the physical security technology industry – an industry that I am passionate about and have been a part of for a very long time.”Ken Kocher is the founder and president of Force Security Solutions, a managed security solution provider located in the Washington, D.C., area. Force Security Solutions provides proactive, high-tech, high-quality, integrated IP security products, installation and managed support service and monitoring for its commercial and government clients throughout the D.C. area and beyond. Kocher is a retired police officer from Montgomery County, Maryland, who has over 40 years of combined experience in law enforcement, physical security and security consulting. Before starting Force Security, he also worked in retail security, as well as with Science Application International Corp. (SAIC), one of the largest government contractors, where he was responsible for providing security risk assessments, consulting and recommendations for electronic security technology to state and federal government agencies for some of the most secure facilities in the in the United States and the world.
“We are honored to have Ken Kocher join the FAST Board,” said Paul Hevesy, chair of the FAST Board of Directors. “His leadership, experience and knowledge in the security industry over the last 20+ years will be a tremendous asset to our board. We look forward to Ken’s input and guidance as we continue our mission to connect passionate and innovate professionals with new opportunities across the security and life safety industry.”
Kocher joins the existing board members in serving on the FAST Board of Directors:
- Chair: Paul Hevesy
- Vice Chair: Kerri Sutherland, human resources business partner, Axis Communications
- Treasurer: Keith Baird, senior director of sales, Resideo
- Secretary: Erin Mann, manager, Latch Canada
- Neil Atha, president, Atronic Alarms
- Michael Keen, vice president, commercial product and talent, ADT Commercial
- Brendan McFall, East Coast operations manager, Northland Controls
- Yaron Zussman, general manager, Magos America Inc.
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 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. 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. Learn more and donate to FAST here. Learn more about getting involved with FAST activities on the Partner With FAST page.
About FAST
FAST is a 501(c)(3) organization created by 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. Through a partnership of the industry’s leading associations, ESA and SIA, FAST brings awareness to the career advancement opportunities within the fast-paced technology industry that serves to keep people, places and property safe.
About ESA
Established in 1948, ESA is the largest trade association in the United States representing the electronic security and life safety industry. Member companies install, integrate and monitor intrusion and fire detection, video surveillance and electronic access control systems for commercial, residential, industrial and governmental clients. ESA provides technical and management training, government advocacy and delivers information, advice, tools and services that members use to grow their businesses and prosper. Together, ESA member companies employ more than 500,000 industry professionals and serve more than 34 million residential and commercial clients.
About SIA
SIA is the leading 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. 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.
