Foundation for Advancing Security Talent Welcomes Kerri Sutherland as FAST Board of Directors Chair

Sutherland, human resources business professional at Axis Communications, will lead the expert group of security and life safety professionals in guiding FAST’s efforts to promote careers in the physical security technology industry.

DALLAS, Texas – 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. 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.

“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. “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.”

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.

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 2023 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 1,300 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.