TMA’s fresh vision for a connected future

MCLEAN, Va.—The Monitoring Association (TMA) is entering a new chapter with the appointment of Whitney A. Doll as CEO and Alan Gillmore as president - two leaders with visions that promise to shape the future of professional monitoring. 

Evolving education and workforce development 

Both leaders emphasized the need to modernize TMA’s educational offerings to keep pace with rapid technological change. Doll highlighted AI, cybersecurity, and data privacy as key areas for learning. 

“We’re diversifying our programs and creating more opportunities for collaboration,” said Doll, who assumed her new role on Oct. 1.

Gillmore, president of Gillmore Security Systems, added that TMA is exploring micro-certifications and short-form training. 

“Think of it like certificate courses versus an MBA,” he said. “These shorter sprints can add real value.” 

Workforce development is also a priority, Doll said. 

“Labor shortages are real,” she said. “We need to educate the public about why this is a great industry - whether for young professionals, veterans or career changers.” 

Strategic priorities for growth 

Gillmore has identified five areas for strategic growth for TMA: 

1. Attracting new verticals: TMA is expanding into video monitoring, IoT, PropTech and building automation. “We’re building value propositions that apply across sectors,” he said. 

2. Collaboration: Gillmore stressed working with associations like the Security Industry Association (SIA), Electronic Security Association (ESA) and Alarm Industry Communications Committee (AICC). “We need to speak with one voice and avoid duplicating efforts,” he said.  

3. Scaling ASAP: He called the Automated Secure Alarm Protocol (ASAP) program a “no-brainer,” citing its growing adoption for faster, more accurate, more informed emergency response. “If you haven’t looked at ASAP in the last two years, you won’t recognize it,” he said.  

4. Promoting standards: TMA is committed to maintaining and marketing standards like AVS-01. “We can’t just publish and forget,” he said. 

5. Thought leadership: Gillmore sees TMA as a guiding beacon. “We want to help members navigate turbulent, rapidly changing times,” he said.  

Navigating industry challenges 

When it comes to navigating those industry challenges, Doll cited three interconnected areas of focus: 

• Rapid tech evolution 

• Workforce shortages 

• Industry consolidation 

Gillmore agreed. “We’re in a tech shift - outsourcing, hosted solutions, AI,” he said. “Anyone who buries their head and hopes the wave will pass is going to be left behind.” 

TMA’s role, Doll and Gillmore said, is to help members adapt through education, standards and collaboration. 

“We have access to the best in the business,” Doll said. “They’re coming to TMA to set the direction for the future.”