FAST names Kerri Sutherland as board of directors chair

DALLAS—The Foundation for Advancing Security Talent (FAST) has named Kerri Sutherland of Axis Communications as chair of its board of directors.

As chair, 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.

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.

Sutherland has more than a decade of successful experience in the field with a primary focus on hiring, employee development and employee engagement. Her 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
• Secretary: Erin Mann, senior manager, business operations, Latch
• Neil Atha, president, Atronic Alarms
• Ken Kocher, president, Force Security Solutions
• Brendan McFall, East Coast operations manager, Northland Controls
• John Nemerofsky, chief operating officer, SAGE Integration
• 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.

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.