About

Building Careers in Security

The Foundation for Advancing Security Talent (FAST) is a 501(c)(3) organization that connects individuals with meaningful careers in the physical security and life safety industry.

Created by the Electronic Security Association (ESA) and the Security Industry Association (SIA), FAST helps students, job seekers, and career changers learn about the industry, build skills, and access real opportunities.

We work with employers, partners, and supporters to grow awareness, expand access to training, and develop the workforce the industry needs.

Our Mission

FAST exists to strengthen the security industry through workforce development. Our mission is to raise awareness about career paths, support training and certification, and connect people to opportunities through outreach and industry collaboration.

Board of Directors

FAST is guided by leaders from across the security and life safety industry. Their expertise and support help advance our mission to grow and strengthen the industry’s workforce.

Angelo Faenza

Director,
Head of Digital Access Solutions,
ASSA ABLOY

Heather Torrey

Director,
General Manager, Honeywell

Hilary Gallagher

Director,
Chief Operating & Marketing Officer,
The Access Control Collective

Jeff Fulciniti

Director,
Senior Director,
GS&S People Strategy and Enterprise Initiatives, Salesforce

Jim Lantrip

Director,
Chief Operating Officer, Plugout

John Nemerofsky (Chair)

Chief Operating Officer,
SAGE Integration

Ken Kocher (Treasurer)

President,
Executive Director of Government Solutions, Digital Monitoring Products

Matt Barnette

Director,
President and CEO, PSA Security

Rick Seymour (Secretary)

Chief Operating Officer,
Guardian Hawk Security

Ryan Kaltenbaugh

Director,
Head of Global Sales,
Security, M.C. Dean, Inc.

Scott Harkins

Director,
Vice President of Sales, Resideo

Shaun Castillo

Director,
President, Preferred Technologies

Stephenie Haldane

Director,
Vice President, End User Business Development, HID

Taylor Carr

Director,
President, Allied Universal Technology Services

Tony Wilson

Director,
President, CMS

Wayne Smith

Director,
President, Tech Systems

Latest from FAST

Stay up to date on FAST’s work, industry involvement, and upcoming opportunities.

Join FAST in Celebrating Security Technicians — January 23 and Beyond

Raising awareness, showing appreciation, and recognizing the people behind the systems — on January 23...

Foundation for Advancing Security Talent Welcomes Eight New Members to the FAST Board of Directors

Eight security industry leaders join the expert group of security and life safety professionals in...

Foundation for Advancing Security Talent Announces 2025 Security Technician of the Year Award Winners

DALLAS, Texas—The Foundation for Advancing Security Talent (FAST) has named 10 winners for the 2025...

Foundation for Advancing Security Talent Welcomes Ryan Kaltenbaugh to the FAST Board of Directors

Ryan Kaltenbaugh of M.C. Dean joins the expert group of security and life safety professionals...

FAST Forward: Renewed Focus. Real Impact

FAST Forward: Renewed Focus. Real Impact A message from the CEOs of SIA and ESA...

Foundation for Advancing Security Talent Welcomes Stephenie Haldane to the FAST Board of Directors

Stephenie Haldane of HID joins the expert group of security and life safety professionals in...

Want to Get Involved?

Have a question, want to get involved, or looking for ways to support FAST? Whether you’re an individual, an employer, or just exploring how you can help, we’d love to hear from you. Fill out the form below and a member of our team will be in touch.