Longtime Member and Volunteer Leader Jerry Howe Passes

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The Monitoring Association (TMA) is saddened to share the passing of Peak Alarm Founder and CEO Jerry Howe, a visionary entrepreneur, devoted family man, and proud veteran. Jerry passed away on May 12 at the age of 83.

Following his military service, Jerry began his career in the security industry at Bay Alarm in Oakland, California, where he developed the skills and experience that would shape his future in the field. In 1969, he and his wife, Gayle, moved to Salt Lake City in pursuit of the American Dream and founded Peak Alarm Company, Inc. Together, they built a life and legacy that would span more than six decades and include six children.

Under Jerry’s leadership, Peak Alarm grew from a local startup into one of the largest multi-regional security companies in the United States, providing safety and peace of mind to thousands of customers. At its peak, the company employed nearly 500 people across Utah, Idaho, and Colorado, reflecting Jerry’s impact as both a successful entrepreneur and a respected member of the business community. His lifelong dedication to the industry was recognized in 2023 when Peak Alarm received the prestigious National Dealer of the Year award.

Jerry was also a committed supporter of the professional monitoring community. He was an active member of CSAA and served on its Board of Directors, contributing his experience and leadership to help advance the industry.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jerry was deeply devoted to his faith, family, and community. An active member of the LDS Church, he spent many years mentoring young men as a dedicated Scout leader. He also found great joy in his renowned show car collection, his many loyal dogs, and his lifelong love of the outdoors.

Funeral services will be held privately by the family. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jerry’s memory may be made to Alzheimer’s charities.

Read his full obituary HERE.

Announcing the 2026 TMA Excellence & Monitoring Technology Marvel Award Winners

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We’re thrilled to celebrate the incredible companies and individuals recognized in this year’s TMA Excellence Awards and Monitoring Technology Marvel Awards!

Presented in partnership with our publication sponsors CI+SSI and SDM Magazine earlier today, this year’s awards recognize the innovation, impact, and dedication shaping the future of the monitoring and security industry.

🏆 TMA Excellence Awards Winners
Congratulations to the companies and individuals recognized for outstanding innovation and performance. Your work continues to advance the professional monitoring industry and deliver meaningful value to customers and communities.

Monitoring Center of the Year – Enterprise
Becklar Monitoring

Monitoring Center of the Year – Small-to-Medium
Elite Interactive Solutions

Monitoring Center of the Year – GSOC
Puget Sound Energy

Monitoring Center Manager of the Year
Galina Klimchuk of Vivint

Monitoring Center Operator of the Year
Cherray Clifton of UCC

Monitoring Center Support Person of the Year
Bill Kaelin of ADT

Marvel Technology Award Winners
A special round of applause to the recipients of the Monitoring Technology Marvel Awards, recognizing breakthrough technology that demonstrates extraordinary creativity and industry impact.

These award-winning organizations exemplify the spirit of progress and collaboration that defines the TMA community.

Monitoring Technology Marvel Award – Traditional Monitoring Center was presented to Security Central.

Monitoring Technology Marvel Award – GSOC was presented to Costco.

Join us in celebrating the winners!
Thank you to all of the companies who submitted nominations and to our panel of judges for their thoughtful evaluation process. And a special thank you to CI+SSI and SDM Magazine for helping us spotlight the innovators driving our industry forward.

Please join us in congratulating this year’s winners. Your achievements inspire the entire monitoring community.

TMA CEO Presents on Standards, ASAP, and Emerging Trends at UL Security Council Meeting

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TMA CEO Whitney A. Doll recently presented at the UL Security Council meeting, joining leaders from public safety, cybersecurity, and technology to discuss the future of security.

Her presentation, “Strengthening Public Safety Through Professional Monitoring: Standards, ASAP, and Emerging Trends,” highlighted how The Monitoring Association (TMA) is advancing professional monitoring and emergency response through the Automated Secure Alarm Protocol (ASAP) and the TMA-VMS-01 Monitoring Center Video Procedural Standard.

The discussion throughout the meeting underscored how rapidly the security landscape continues to evolve. As technology reshapes the industry, collaboration among standards organizations, public safety agencies, and the professional monitoring community is more important than ever.

By working together, these groups are helping ensure that innovation in monitoring technology translates into faster, more reliable responses that strengthen public safety.

 

NAPCO Security Technologies Announces Four New Regional Sales Manager Appointments

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NAPCO Security Technologies is pleased to announce the appointment of four new Regional Sales Managers, strengthening the company’s sales leadership across key territories. These strategic additions reinforce NAPCO’s commitment to expanding market presence and delivering exceptional support to its partners and customers in Intrusion, Commercial Fire, & Access Control.

Edwin Paiz – Regional Sales Manager, Florida Territory (NAPCO Division)
Edwin Paiz joins NAPCO as Regional Sales Manager for the Florida territory within the NAPCO Division. In this role, Edwin will be responsible for driving sales growth, supporting distribution partners, and expanding customer relationships throughout the region. Edwin will report to David Sperber. His industry experience and strong customer-focused approach position him to make an immediate impact in this key market.

Jason Summers – Southeast Regional Sales Manager (NAPCO Division)
Jason Summers has been appointed Southeast Regional Sales Manager for NAPCO Security Technologies. Jason will oversee sales operations across the Southeast region, working closely with dealers, integrators, and distributors to grow market share and strengthen brand presence. He will also report to David Sperber. Jason brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success in regional sales leadership.

Clayton Shelander – Regional Sales Manager, Mid-Central Territory (NAPCO Division)
Clayton Shelander has been appointed Regional Sales Manager for the Mid-Central territory within the NAPCO Division. Clayton will focus on driving sales and supporting customers across commercial fire and intrusion solutions in the region. He will report to Troy Bonanno. Clayton brings valuable industry knowledge and will play an important role in strengthening NAPCO’s presence in the Mid-Central market.

Curtis Boardman – Northeast Regional Sales Manager (NAPCO Access Pro Division)
Curtis Boardman joins the NAPCO Access Pro Division as Northeast Regional Sales Manager. In this position, Curtis will lead sales efforts across the Northeast territory, focusing on expanding adoption of NAPCO’s access control solutions and supporting key partners. Curtis will report to Rob Etmans. His expertise in access control and regional market dynamics will be instrumental in driving continued growth.

“We are excited to welcome Edwin, Jason, Clayton, and Curtis to the NAPCO Security Technologies team,” said Stephen Spinelli, SVP of Sales. “Each brings valuable experience and energy that will help us continue to strengthen our relationships with customers and partners while accelerating growth across these important regions.”

These appointments reflect NAPCO’s ongoing investment in top talent and its commitment to providing industry-leading solutions backed by strong regional support.

Holly Borgmann of ADT to Receive Prestigious Moody Award for Leadership in Advancing Alarm Management and Public Safety Policy

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Smiling woman in professional attire portrait.Holly Borgmann, Vice President of Government Affairs at ADT and former Board Member of the Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC), has been selected to receive the prestigious William N. Moody Award at the Electronic Security Expo (ESX) 2026, on June 2nd during the SIAC reception at the Irving Convention Center in Irving, Texas.

The Moody Award is presented annually to an individual who demonstrates a passion for advancing positive alarm management and best industry practices.

“During her time as a board member, Holly’s leadership, expertise, and unwavering commitment to our industry made a lasting impact on alarm management and public safety policy,” said Grady Medcalf, SIAC Board Chairman. “During her service as a SIAC Board Member, she always helped focus our discussions with out of the box thinking and by asking tough, thoughtful questions as SIAC navigated the complex, evolving landscape of law enforcement relationships and government affairs. Her ability to help bring stakeholders together and drive meaningful outcomes exemplifies the spirit of the Moody Award.”

Borgmann has played a significant role in shaping public policy affecting the electronic security industry through her leadership at ADT and active involvement in key industry organizations. She has served in leadership roles with the Security Industry Association (SIA) and the Electronic Security Association (ESA), where she has been a strong advocate for policies that support innovation, public safety, and effective collaboration between the alarm industry and law enforcement.

“Holly is widely respected across the industry for her deep understanding of legislative and regulatory challenges and her ability to translate that knowledge into effective advocacy,” said Steve Keefer, Executive Director of SIAC. “Her contributions to SIAC have been invaluable, particularly as we address critical issues such as alarm management, police response, and strengthening partnerships with public safety agencies. She brings clarity, foresight, and a collaborative approach that benefits the industry.”

“I am truly honored to receive the Moody Award,” said Borgmann. “It has been a privilege to work alongside the dedicated SIAC team and so many other dedicated professionals across the industry to advance policies that enhance public safety and strengthen the relationship between alarm companies and law enforcement. I remain committed to supporting efforts that ensure our industry continues to serve and protect communities effectively.”

About the William N. Moody Award

The William N. Moody Award was established in 2004 by the SIAC Board of Directors to recognize those who embody Bill Moody’s dedication to alarm management issues. The award honors individuals who reflect attributes that include integrity, fairness, and perseverance in the face of adversity.

About SIAC

SIAC represents one voice for the electronic security industry on alarm management issues communicating solutions and enhancing relationships with law enforcement. SIAC is comprised of four major North American security associations: the Canadian Security Association (CANASA), Security Industry Association (SIA), The Monitoring Association (TMA), and the Electronic Security Association (ESA). For more information, visit www.siacinc.org.

Celebrating Our Volunteers During Volunteer Month

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April is Volunteer Appreciation Month, and we’re proud to recognize the members who strengthen our professional community every day.

Across TMA, volunteers share their time, expertise and leadership – serving on committees, mentoring peers, and helping guide our work. Your contributions drive our growth, deepen our impact, and create meaningful opportunities for members and their companies.

Volunteering at TMA is about more than giving time; it’s about building connections and strengthening our industry together. We’re grateful for the commitment and leadership that each of our volunteers bring to this community.

To all who serve, thank you. Your efforts make a lasting difference.

Our gratitude to our Board of Directors and Committee Leaders:

Board of Directors

President
Alan Gillmore IV, Gillmore Security Systems Inc.

Vice President
Daniel Oppenheim, Affiliated Monitoring

Vice President
Mike Picciola, ADT, LLC

Vice President
Wes Usie, Guardian Alarm Systems

Secretary
Justin Bailey, Becklar

Treasurer
Shannon Woodman, Washington Alarm

Immediate Past President
Steve Butkovich, CPI Security

Special Advisors to the President

Jau Hauhn, Hauhn & Associates
Morgan Hertel, Rapid Response Monitoring
Pam Petrow, Vector Security

Directors
Caroline Brown, Security Central
David Charney, Everon
Chet Donati, DMC Security Services, Inc.
Jack Doyle, Doyle Security Systems, Inc.
Scott R. Elkins, Zeus Fire and Security
Richard Flores, Puget Sound Energy
Mark Hillenburg, DMP
Brandon Niles, Acadian Monitoring Services, LLC
Stanley Oppenheim, DGA Security Systems, Inc.
Mark Miller, Johnson Controls Security (JCI)
Joseph Pereira, Securitas Technology
Joey Rao-Russell, Kimberlite Corporation dba Sonitrol
Tim Westphal, Bay Alarm Company

TMA Committee Leaders

AICC
Tiffany Garlaza, ADT, LLC
Sascha Kylau, Jadugar

Associate Member Council
Mark Hillenburg, DMP
Jennifer Holloway, CIBC

Bylaws
Chet Donati, DMC Security Services, Inc.
Jay Hauhn, Hauhn & Associates

Compliance Community
Kate Fisher, Compliance Management Solutions, LLC
Tommy Whisnant, CPI Security

Education
John Brady, TRG Associates Inc.
Brandon Niles, Acadian Monitoring Services, LLC

Ethics
Jau Hauhn, Hauhn & Associates

Five Diamond
Caroline Brown, Security Central
Jeff Cohen, Quick Response
Ralph Sevinor, Wayne Alarm Systems

GSOC
Richard Flores, Puget Sound Energy
Randy Rickert, Thrivent Financial

Government Relations
James Marcella, AXIS Communications
Tommy Whisnant, CPI Security

Marketing and Communications
Brandon Freedman, Wayne Alarm Systems
David Morgan, Security Dealer Marketing

Membership Development and Retention
Jack Doyle, Doyle Security Systems, Inc.

NextGen
Amy Becht, Vivint
Jessica Lambert, Becklar

Standards
Morgan Hertel, Rapid Response Monitoring

Surveillance Video and Verification
David Charney, Everon
Wes Usie, Guardian Alarm Systems

Technology
Stephen Kovacsiss, Radionix
Matt Narowski, Security Central

If you’re interested in getting more involved, we encourage you to explore volunteer opportunities within TMA. Whether you can contribute a few hours or take on a leadership role, your involvement helps us strengthen our network and support the success of professional monitoring.

TMA Is Hiring: Director of Certification

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The Monitoring Association (TMA) is seeking an experienced and strategic professional to join our team as Director of Certification.

This leadership role is responsible for overseeing and advancing TMA’s certification programs. The Director of Certification will guide program strategy, certification operations, and stakeholder engagement while working closely with volunteer leaders, committees, and industry professionals to maintain the high standards that define TMA credentials.

The ideal candidate is a strategic, execution-focused leader with deep experience in certification programs and a strong business mindset. They have a proven ability to grow and optimize underperforming programs while identifying new opportunities such as micro-credentials and workforce certifications. This individual is both detail-oriented and visionary, able to build high-quality programs while driving measurable growth and engaging industry stakeholders.

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of professional certification.

View the full job description at:
https://tma.us/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Job-Description-Director-of-Certification.pdf

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to jfranklin@tma.us.

Kat Tallman Named Executive Vice President at COPS Monitoring

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COPS Monitoring today announced that Kat Tallman has been named Executive Vice President of Software and Technology, expanding the leadership of a respected executive whose deep experience across operations and technology will help strengthen innovation, support dealers, and enhance the service that protects their customers.

Tallman began her career with COPS in 2000 as an alarm dispatcher and built her leadership foundation from the monitoring center floor upward. Over the years, she advanced through a series of increasingly important roles, including Floor Supervisor, Dealer Support, Dealer Support Manager, Shift Manager, Special Projects Site Manager, and Director of Special Projects. Her career path reflects both the depth of her experience and the breadth of her understanding of the company’s operations, the needs of its dealer partners, and the evolving demands of the alarm industry.

During her time in Operations, Tallman led a specialty division that functioned as a central within a central, overseeing the monitoring operation for a dedicated segment monitoring division. In that role, she was responsible for the full scope of the operation, including staffing, hiring, team leadership, shift management, technical support for the platform, and dealer support for the customer. She managed that highly specialized area for approximately eight years, giving her uncommon experience in both frontline execution and complex operational leadership.

As the company grew, Tallman became a key contributor to major strategic initiatives across the business. She worked on special projects related to acquisitions, helped migrate a billing of 250,000 accounts to the company’s proprietary platform, and supported many acquisitions and line swings into COPS. That combination of operational knowledge and cross-functional experience helped position her to move into technology leadership, where she became Director of Software Development and served as project manager for the Generations Software Development team, and later VP of Proprietary Software Development

In these positions, Tallman leveraged her broad understanding of the business to successfully lead technology initiatives from initial concept to final implementation, benefiting both internal teams and external clients. Her hands-on experience with the Dice and Manitou monitoring platforms, along with several generations of COPS’ proprietary software, provided her with deep insight into monitoring center operations and the critical systems that power them.

In her new role as Executive Vice President, Tallman will oversee a broader technology and operational portfolio that includes existing software development for Generations and MPower, network infrastructure and integrity, network security, and vendor and product integrations, including APIs. Her responsibilities now extend across teams supporting technology in multiple facilities and locations, encompassing approximately 20 professionals and reflecting a significant expansion in scope and leadership impact.

“Kat’s promotion reflects the kind of leadership that can only be built through experience, credibility, and results,” said Jim McMullen, President and Chief Operating Officer, COPS Monitoring. “She understands our business from the inside out, from the monitoring floor to complex technology initiatives, and she brings a rare ability to connect operational needs with technical execution. That makes her exceptionally well-positioned to help lead COPS forward.”

Tallman’s promotion strengthens COPS Monitoring’s ability to continue investing in technology, supporting dealers, and delivering the reliability and performance their customers depend on when it matters most. Her career also reflects the company’s longstanding commitment to developing leadership from within and recognizing individuals who combine deep institutional knowledge with the ability to help shape the future.

With more than two decades of experience across both operations and technology, Tallman brings a perspective that is both practical and strategic. Her leadership will help ensure that COPS continues to advance the systems, infrastructure, and integrations that support dealers while reinforcing the quality and consistency of the service delivered behind them.

Elite Appoints New Chief Revenue Officer to Accelerate Strategic Growth

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Elite Interactive Solutions, the industry pioneer in remote video guarding and real-time crime prevention, has named Peter Hargittay as its new Chief Revenue Officer. He brings more than 25 years’ experience designing revenue systems that align marketing, sales, partnerships and customer success.

Hargittay’s background spans branding, demand generation, enterprise sales, partner ecosystems, and post-sale organizations. As CRO for Elite, he will be responsible for all revenue-generating processes, aligning sales, marketing, customer success, and revenue operations to drive growth.

“We are delighted to welcome Peter as CRO at a vital moment in Elite’s journey. As the company enters its next phase of growth, we are at an inflection point that demands disciplined leadership and execution, and a vision for scalable growth,” says Elite CEO Michael Zatulov. “This appointment reflects our commitment to strategically scaling the organization, strengthening our go-to-market capabilities, and accelerating revenue performance. Peter’s demonstrated success as a cross-functional operator equally adept at brand, pipeline and customer ownership will serve this mission well.”

Hargittay’s most recent and longest association was with Intellect, a leading provider of quality management solutions with an AI platform enabling quality and regulatory compliance teams to automate critical quality processes, such as CAPAs, audits, document control, and supplier management. His roles there included Chief Marketing Officer, VP of Business Development, SVP of Sales and Chief Customer Officer.

“My approach springs from a full customer lifecycle perspective — including acquisition through retention, expansion, and advocacy. I favor an account-based experience that aligns marketing, sales, and customer success around shared account ownership to increase net revenue retention and expansion,” says Hargittay. “I am excited to apply my skills and join the winning team at Elite, whose innovative approach to crime prevention has paced the remote guarding industry and is transformative to security overall.”

Hargittay spent nearly 14 years with Intellect, which included delivering record revenue growth through building data-driven systems, high-impact marketing and SDR/BDR teams, and a partner ecosystem. His other previous positions include executive roles with PeopleSupport, Aegis Ltd. and Arise Virtual Solutions. Hargittay is based in the Los Angeles area, along with his wife and two sons, ages 15 and 11.

Telguard Announces TG 7FX Sole Path Fire Communicator for Commercial Fire Applications

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Telguard, a trusted leader in alarm communications, today 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. Using a single DACT connection, the communicator interfaces with virtually any fire panel equipped with a dialer and transmits signals to any central station using commonly supported formats, including CID, SIA, Pulse (4×2, 3×1), Radionics (IIe/3a2,4), and DMP.

“TG‑7FX was designed to meet the everyday needs of commercial fire installations with a focused and simple approach,” said George Brody, President of Telguard. “It delivers the same Telguard reliability, compliance, and support customers expect, in a streamlined communicator built for entry level and economical applications.”

The TG‑7FX is UL 864 Listed for use in a UL 864 Listed enclosure certified, reinforcing its suitability for commercial fire signaling applications. Compact in size and efficient in power consumption, the communicator is engineered to integrate seamlessly into existing fire system designs.

The TG‑7FX joins Telguard’s comprehensive portfolio of fire alarm communicators, alongside intrusion and residential solutions, offering dealers the flexibility to select the right communicator for each application.

TG‑7FX Features:

  • LTE sole path cellular communicator for commercial fire systems
  • Supports AT&T or Verizon LTE service (model dependent)
  • Universal compatibility with most fire panels
  • Installs in a UL Listed enclosure; powered by panel auxiliary output (12 or 24 VDC)
  • UL 864 Listed for commercial fire signaling
  • Backed by Telguard’s industry‑leading technical support

The TG‑7FX is now available for pre‑order, with general availability expected in June this year.

For additional product details or to place a pre‑order, visit www.telguard.com/product/tg-7fx

For more information, please visit https://www.telguard.com