FAST names Dr. Elli Reges executive director

SILVER SPRING, Md.—The Foundation for Advancing Security Talent (FAST) has named Dr. Elli Reges as its new executive director.

FAST, which was created in 2020 through a partnership among the Electronic Security Association (ESA), Security Industry Association (SIA) and PSA, works to connect job seekers and students with career opportunities in the electronic security and life safety industry.

Reges, who serves as SIA's director of learning and development, will take on the additional role of executive director of FAST. In the dual position, she will oversee the foundation's efforts to expand education, strengthen career pathways and attract new talent to the security workforce.

“Our industry has an incredible story to tell, yet too many students and job seekers simply don’t know the opportunities that exist,” Reges said. “Together, we have an opportunity to redefine how people see the security industry - not just as a place to find a job, but as a place to build a meaningful career, solve complex challenges and make a lasting impact." 

According to FAST, Reges has led several collaborative programs involving ESA, PSA and SIA and will focus on advancing the foundation's workforce development mission through industry partnerships.

Reges has more than a decade of experience in learning strategy, credentialing and organizational development within the security industry. Before joining SIA, she developed training and certification programs for sport and event security professionals at the National Center for Spectator Sport Safety and Security (NCS4).

She holds a Ph.D. in human capital development from the University of Southern Mississippi and is a certified credentialing professional.

John Nemerofsky, FAST board chair and chief operating officer of SAGE Integration, said Reges' background makes her well suited to guide the organization's next phase of growth.

“FAST has built tremendous momentum by bringing our industry together around one of its most important priorities - developing the next generation of security professionals,” Nemerofsky said. “Dr. Reges has been instrumental in advancing workforce development initiatives across the industry, and her expertise, collaborative leadership and strategic vision make her exceptionally well suited to lead FAST into its next phase of growth.”

Related: FAST announces 2026 Security Technician of the Year Award winners