PASS Adds Steering Committee Members

Security Industry Association (SIA)

New steering committee members and endorsing organizations support PASS

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — The Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS)—an initiative developed by the National Systems Contractors Association (NSCA) and the Security Industry Association (SIA)—is excited to announce that it has added three new members to its steering committee.

Michele Gay, founder of Safe and Sound: A Sandy Hook Initiative, chose to take action as an advocate for improved school security and safety. She joins the PASS Steering Committee as a director.

Guy M. Grace Jr., who serves as director of security and emergency planning for Littleton Public Schools in Colorado, has led the district’s security department since 1999, and has been involved in designing physical security programs for Littleton Public Schools as well as other districts. He joins the PASS Steering Committee as a director as well.

Mark Williams serves as vice president of architectural and construction services for Allegion PLC, and is also part of the PASS Steering Committee. In his role at Allegion, he aims to make the world safer by securing the places where people thrive – such as schools. He has over 30 years of experience in the security and safety industry, including 15 years as a fire and life-safety code instructor. Additional experience includes architectural specifications and safe schools survey development.

PASS has also added Fairfax County Public Schools’ Director of Safety and Security Tom Vaccarello to its growing list of endorsing organizations, along with several integration firms:

  • Ray Bailey, President, Lone Star Communications
  • Mike Bradley, CEO, ECD Systems
  • Mike Hester, Managing Partner, Beacon Communications
  • Scott Lord, Director of Innovation and National Accounts, All Systems
  • Rob Simopoulos, President, Advance Technology
  • Paul Thomas, Northland Controls
  • Eric Yunag, President/CEO, Dakota Security Systems

“Since the PASS launch at ISC West in April, we’ve gained a tremendous amount of visibility and interest both inside and outside the technology industry,” said Brett St. Pierre, PASS chairman. “To keep in line with our diverse committee, we felt that the steering committee needed to grow to support our vision. These three additional members will provide an even broader perspective and further strengthen our steering committee so we can continue to build awareness about the proven methods that work best for school safety and security.”

PASS has been made a reality thanks to an increasing collection of industry visionaries who are trained in foreseeing security and life safety vision, and enrolling and inspiring others into joining their efforts.

To learn more about PASS, or to download a copy of the PASS School Security Guidelines, visit http://www.passk12.org.


About NSCA

The National Systems Contractors Association (NSCA) (http://www.nsca.org) is the leading not-for-profit association representing the commercial low-voltage electronic systems industry. NSCA is a powerful advocate for all who work in the low-voltage industry, including systems contractors/integrators, product manufacturers, consultants, sales representatives, architects, specifying engineers, and other allied professionals. NSCA is dedicated to serving its contractor members and all channel stakeholders through advocacy, education, member services, and networking designed to improve business performance. For more information, visit http://www.nsca.org.

About the Security Industry Association (SIA)

The Security Industry Association (SIA) (https://www.securityindustry.org) is the leading trade association for electronic and physical security solution providers, with more than 600 innovative member companies representing more than 350,000 security leaders and experts who shape the future of the security industry. SIA protects and advances its members’ interests by advocating pro-industry policies and legislation at the federal and state levels; creating open industry standards that enable integration; advancing industry professionalism through education and training; opening global market opportunities, and collaboration with other like-minded organizations. As a proud sponsor of ISC Events expos and conferences, and owner of the Securing New Ground® conference, SIA ensures its members have access to top-level buyers and influencers, as well as unparalleled learning and network opportunities.