In brief: Security 101 & Pye-Barker make buys, SIA names COO, FAST seeks top techs

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.—Security 101 has acquired Ford Industries, its Salt Lake City, Utah-based franchise operation, further expanding the company’s footprint in the western United States and reinforcing its long-term growth strategy. 

The acquisition adds an experienced team with deep project capabilities, a solid cultural fit, and valuable federal government customer relationships to the broader Security 101 organization, the company says. 

“Expanding in Salt Lake City is a meaningful next step in our westward growth strategy,” said Greg Daly, CEO of Security 101. “Ford Industries has built a highly capable team with a strong reputation for technical execution, attention to detail, and customer commitment. Just as important, they are an excellent cultural fit for our organization. We continue to believe that bringing strong franchise partners into the corporate organization is a powerful expression of confidence in where we are headed as a company. It reflects the strength of the broader platform we are building and our continued commitment to growing with people who believe in the mission, the model, and the future of Security 101.” 

The acquisition also strengthens Security 101’s strategic position in the Mountain West region, expands its ability to support national customers, and positions the company to capitalize on growing demand driven by commercial expansion, infrastructure investment, and evolving security requirements. 

Nancy Ford, founder and co-owner of Ford Industries, has built the company into a trusted provider of high-quality security solutions through a focus on technology, operational excellence, and customer partnerships. 

“As a franchisee, we’ve grown with the strength, credibility, and support of the Security 101 brand, and this transition is a natural next step for our team,” said Ford. “We are incredibly proud of what we’ve built and deeply grateful to the employees, partners, and customers who have been part of that journey. Joining the corporate organization allows us to continue doing what we love while becoming part of something bigger. We’re excited for what’s ahead and confident this next chapter will deliver even greater value for our team and the customers we serve.” 

SIA names new COO 

SILVER SPRING, Md.—The Security Industry Association (SIA) has named Amanda Garzon as COO to oversee the association’s strategic execution and day-to-day operations. She will also ensure alignment across internal functions and deliver programs and initiatives.  

Most recently, Garzon served as COO of the Hydrocephalus Association, where she supported organizational growth and program expansion across a national network of stakeholders, including patients, caregivers, clinicians, researchers and industry partners. She also led the development of HydroAssist, a mobile app designed to help patients and caregivers manage hydrocephalus treatment. 

“With Amanda joining our already exceptional team, SIA is poised to deliver additional value to our members and become engaged in new areas that will further SIA’s influence within the industry globally,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “Amanda’s perspective and experience will increase SIA’s effectiveness and also ensure that we increase our responsiveness to our members and ensure we deliver the programs that they expect in efficient and innovative ways. I know SIA members will enjoy working with her as we build on SIA’s member value, programs and offerings.” 

Other recent additions to the SIA team include Briana Jeter, senior manager of marketing and events; Courtney Kay, manager of industry relations; and Nicholas Matzerath, coordinator of member services. 

Pye-Barker Fire & Safety acquires Communication Systems International (CSI) 

ATLANTA—Pye-Barker Fire & Safety has announced the acquisition of Communication Systems International dba CSI, enabling Pye-Barker to bring full-service code compliance and peace of mind to more customers throughout Texas. Established in San Antonio, Texas, in 1996, CSI is a fully integrated and diversified security and communications company. CSI - led by co-owners Carl Lyssy, Roger Lyssy and Darryl Mosses - designs, installs, tests and maintains fire alarm and security systems. It also specializes in video surveillance and monitoring, access control and communication systems, integrating products into a single solution that meets customer needs and provides peace of mind for commercial, industrial and residential buildings. "Selling this company required the perfect culture match, and Pye-Barker provides just that," said Carl Lyssy. "It's a relief to know we are now a part of a company with the national impact and resources needed to back our local mission. Together, we can continue to push innovation in fire and life safety to protect the communities we live in." 

ESX 2026 education speakers released 

DALLAS—The Electronic Security Association (ESA) announce its lineup of educational speakers for Electronic Security Expo (ESX) 2026, delivering a peer-driven program built for today’s security leaders. ESX 2026 will take place June 1-4 at the Irving Convention Center in Irving, Texas.  A defining strength of ESX education is its peer-led format, where integrators, monitoring professionals, and executives share real-world strategies that directly impact business performance. The 2026 program spans four core tracks - Sales & Marketing, Field Operations,  Management, and Monitoring - along with Executive Leadership Workshops designed for senior decision-makers. Each session is built to address the priorities that matter most, from driving recurring monthly revenue (RMR) growth and improving operational efficiency to strengthening leadership and scaling sustainably. This year’s program also takes a practical look at how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the industry. From improving monitoring accuracy and reducing false alarms to enabling more proactive service models and smarter operational decisions, sessions will focus on how security companies can apply AI in ways that drive real business outcomes.  

SIA announces agenda for 2026 SIA GovSummit 

SILVER SPRING, Md.—The Security Industry Association (SIA) has revealed the agenda and speaker lineup for the 2026 SIA GovSummit - SIA’s annual public policy and government security technology conference. SIA GovSummit 2026 will be held May 20–21 in Washington, D.C. Each year, SIA GovSummit brings together government security leaders with private industry technologists for top-quality information sharing and education on security topics affecting federal, state and local agencies. The 2026 GovSummit program includes specialized sessions on essential topics in contracting, procurement, infrastructure and facility protection; highlights how security product standards help meet government needs; and explores the latest policies, practices and trends impacting security. “SIA’s 2026 GovSummit offers a compelling lineup of expert-led sessions on the most relevant issues and concerns in government, security and technology,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “We look forward to gathering leaders across government and industry in Washington, D.C., to share information, form connections and examine today’s security policy landscape, the procurement needs of the government, the latest industry trends and how security innovations are being used to safeguard schools, government facilities, public spaces, critical infrastructure and more.” 

SIA names Rita Mounir as chair of Member Engagement and Experience Committee 

SILVER SPRING, Md.—The Security Industry Association (SIA) has named Rita Mounir as the new chair of the SIA Member Engagement and Experience (MEE) Committee. The MEE Committee is a key group whose mission is to create and evaluate initiatives that increase member participation within SIA and guide the development of the association’s member engagement strategies. Mounir is the co-founder and COO of Allthenticate, an identity and access control company revolutionizing workforce security through password-less and keyless solutions. She operates at the center of the identity and access management conversation, driving strategic partnerships, overseeing product go-to-market execution, and leading cross-functional initiatives that bring password-less authentication from concept to deployment at scale. Mounir’s work champions decentralized identity, FIDO-aligned credential frameworks and the enterprise-wide shift away from shared secrets - not just as industry talking points, but as operational realities she helps organizations navigate every day.  

NFPA announces event details, including keynotes 

QUINCY, Mass. – The National Fire Protection Association has announced the dates and location of its annual conference and expo: June 22-24, 2026, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Last Vegas. The conference will draw thousands of the industry’s leading professionals to 130 educational sessions that address the latest issues, challenges and trends in the world of fire, electrical and life safety. The expo will feature more than 420 exhibitors showcasing the latest products and services. Other highlights from the event: 

• A keynote from Dan Chuparkoff, one of the world’s leading experts on AI, innovation, and the future of work. As a technology leader at Google, McKinsey, and more, Chuparkoff has led transformations for teams in every industry in the world, navigating three decades of technological change. 

• NFPA Specialty Theaters: Facility Manager Theater, Responder Theater and Products and Solutions Theater. 

• NFPA Spotlight on Public Education: A three-day program specifically for individuals in the public education field. 

• NFPA Technical Meeting: Members and the public can express positions through debate on each certified amending motion. 

FAST seeks the next top security technicians 

DALLAS – The Foundation for Advancing Security Talent (FAST) seeks nominations for the 2026 Security Technician of the Year Awards. The awards recognize security technicians who demonstrate exceptional technical expertise, unwavering customer service and leadership that elevates their entire profession. Award recipients will be honored during a special recognition ceremony on June 4 at ESX 2026. “Each year, the Security Technician of the Year Awards remind us just how much talent, dedication and professionalism exist within the technician community,” said John Nemerofsky, chair of the FAST board of directors and COO at SAGE Integration. “The individuals recognized through this program represent the very best of our industry - professionals who solve complex challenges in the field, deliver exceptional service to customers and take pride in the quality and integrity of their work.” First introduced in 2023, the Security Technician of the Year Awards were created to recognize the exceptional technicians whose work often happens behind the scenes but has an enormous impact. These awards highlight individuals who go beyond technical proficiency demonstrating leadership, integrity and a deep understanding that every installation, service call and customer interaction contributes to the reputation and value of the security profession. The nominations deadline is April 22. Learn more and submit a nomination here. 

March Networks wins SIA award for cloud storage innovation at ISC West 2026 

OTTAWA, Ontario—The Security Industry Association (SIA) has announced the winners of the 2026 New Products and Solutions (NPS) Awards, an annual global security awards program. Presented annually at ISC West, the awards celebrate innovation across security technologies. March Networks was named the winner of Best in Video Surveillance Data Storage for its Long Term Cloud Storage solution. The solution was recognized for transforming long-term video retention with a scalable hybrid-cloud approach that reduces storage costs by up to 80% without compromising security or performance. March Networks’ Long Term Cloud Storage solution was recognized for redefining how organizations manage and retain video surveillance data. 

ADI Expo Tour goes further in 2026, delivering strategies to help dealers grow 

MELVILLE, N.Y.—ADI has announced the launch of its annual ADI Expo Tour, with its most business-focused and growth-oriented program to date. Beginning in April, the ADI Expo will travel to 28 cities across the United States and Canada, bringing the power of an industry tradeshow to selected markets by connecting dealers, integrators, and leading manufacturers for an immersive one-day experience designed to uncover new revenue opportunities, strengthen competitive positioning, and deliver actionable insights participants can implement immediately to grow their business. Building on more than three decades of success, the 2026 ADI Expo is intentionally designed to go beyond product discovery and technical training. Each stop delivers practical, real-world education focused on helping dealers increase revenue and adapt to evolving customer demands.  

Eventide Communications launches expanded channel partner program 

LITTLE FERRY, N.J.—Eventide Communications has announced the launch of its expanded channel partner program for 2026, an initiative for reseller engagement across Eventide's mission-critical recording, analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions. The Eventide channel partner program is designed to recognize partner performance, strengthen reseller relationships, and support continued growth across the company's NexLog DX-Series recording systems, EventideAssure maintenance and support program, and Critical Insights AI platform. As mission-critical communications environments continue shifting toward automation and AI-assisted operations, the program is intended to encourage that transition by aligning partner benefits with growth, technical readiness, and critical insights AI adoption. 

Telguard announces TG‑7FX Sole Path Fire Communicator for commercial applications 

ATLANTA—Alarm communications provider Telguard has announced the upcoming availability of the TG‑7FX Sole Path Fire Communicator, a streamlined cellular solution designed to support reliable signal delivery for commercial fire alarm systems. Built for straightforward installations and broad compatibility, the TG‑7FX delivers exactly what commercial fire applications require: dependable connectivity, universal panel support, and compliance with key fire signaling standards. Designed to be installed inside a UL Listed enclosure and powered directly from the fire panel’s auxiliary output, the TG‑7FX eliminates the need for added outlets or electrical work, helping simplify deployments across a wide range of fire installations. The TG‑7FX replaces traditional landlines with LTE cellular service and supports either AT&T or Verizon networks, giving dealers flexibility based on regional coverage needs while introducing a more cost‑efficient option within Telguard’s fire communicator lineup.