Verkada Appoints Deriso New Head of Global Channel

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Verkada announced the appointment of Micah Deriso as Head of Global Channel. In this role, Deriso will lead Verkada’s global channel strategy and partnerships.

Today, the company is trusted by more than 30,000 customers to protect people and places across 93 countries. Its more than 8,400 partners play a critical role in accelerating the delivery of its solutions to organizations across the globe. With leaders like Deriso, Verkada is strengthening its channel organization and expanding investments in co-marketing programs and partner resources and training to help the integrators, resellers, distributors, and installers it partners with capture new opportunities.

“Micah is a seasoned leader with a strong track record in the technology industry, making him the ideal candidate to bring our channel organization to the next level,” said Eric Salava, Chief Revenue Officer at Verkada. “Under his leadership, we’ll deepen our relationships with our channel partners—providing them with the tools, expertise, and innovative solutions they need to grow their businesses and enhance safety and security for organizations worldwide.”

Deriso was most recently the Chief Growth Officer at K2View, where he spearheaded global channel partnerships and led the go-to-market strategy for generative AI solutions. Prior to K2View, Deriso held several senior sales and channel leadership roles, including SVP and GM of Conga and VP of Sales at Informatica.

“Verkada is solving a pressing challenge in the world today: safety,” said Micah Deriso, Head of Global Channel at Verkada. “I’m honored to join an organization committed to tackling such an important issue. I look forward to working with our channel partners to help further Verkada’s mission of protecting people and places in a privacy-sensitive way.”

Deriso’s appointment follows Verkada’s $200 million Series E funding round, which now values the company at $4.5 billion. Verkada also recently appointed Boudewijn Pesch as Vice President of JAPAC Channel Sales as it continues to invest in international markets. In recognition of its growing partner community, Verkada celebrated its Partners of the Year who demonstrated outstanding growth, customer commitment, and collaboration.

Allied Universal on Newsweek List of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Women for Second Straight Year

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Global security and facility services company Allied Universal has been named to the Newsweek list of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Women 2025 for the second consecutive year.

This recognition “underscores the company’s commitment to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where women can thrive professionally and personally,” according to the company announcement.

Receiving a ranking of four and a half stars, the publication evaluated the company’s compensation, work-life balance and proactive management on diversity to compile its ranking, the announcement says.

“As we prepare to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8, we are honored to be recognized as one of the best workplaces for women,” says Steve Jones, global chairman and CEO of Allied Universal, in the company announcement.

“Allied Universal is committed to fostering an inclusive, empowering environment where all employees—especially women—can thrive, lead and innovate,” he says. “This recognition reflects our dedication to creating an environment where everyone has an opportunity to succeed.”

The Newsweek list of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Women is compiled from an independent study conducted by the publication and market research firm Plant-A Insights and is based on insights from over 142,000 female employees across the U.S.

Allied Universal is “dedicated to becoming an Employer of Choice, providing all employees with an inclusive workplace, rewarding career advancement opportunities and a positive work environment, including the removal of any barriers preventing women from having a rewarding career in a male-dominated industry,” according to the company announcement.

Hear from Allied Universal women leaders in its 2025 International Women’s Day video.

Security Central Welcomes Dan Turner as Chief Technology Officer

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Security Central is excited to announce the appointment of Dan Turner as its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO). With over 25 years of experience in the security industry, including a distinguished tenure as Chief Information Officer at Per Mar Security Services, Dan brings a wealth of expertise in information technology, cybersecurity, and business transformation to Security Central.

“Dan’s track record of innovation and his deep industry knowledge make him the perfect addition to our leadership team,” said Caroline Brown, CEO of Security Central. “As we continue expanding our monitoring solutions, Dan’s expertise will be instrumental in enhancing our technology platforms, strengthening cybersecurity, and driving the future of intelligent security monitoring.”

Beyond his professional achievements, Dan is a dedicated community member, serving on governing boards for local youth sports leagues and coaching football, baseball, basketball, and
volleyball. His commitment to family and community makes Dan a natural fit for our team and aligns with our Core Values. He holds academic experience from St. Ambrose University in
Communication and Computer Science, as well as Iowa State University, where he studied Chemical Engineering. He has also completed the Executive Integral Leadership program at the
University of Notre Dame.

Dan joins Security Central at an exciting time as the company continues to push the boundaries of traditional monitoring services. His leadership will enhance our executive team allowing us to offer even greater solutions to our dealer network.

Elite Interactive Solutions 4/15 Webinar to Focus on Maximizing Multifamily Property Protection

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Elite Interactive Solutions announces the second installment of its educational webinar series. Featuring some of the industry’s foremost subject matter experts and thought leaders, Elite Education Webinar sessions aim to inform security practitioners about the latest developments in security technologies and methodologies, crime and loss prevention, vertical market challenges, law enforcement, and more.

The newest offering in the free series, “Stellar Strategies to Mitigate Multifamily Security Risk,” is set for Tuesday, April 15 at 11 a.m. Pacific Time / 2 p.m. Eastern Time. In addition to preventing crime, the hourlong presentation will cover how the solution profoundly impacts losses, liability and false alarms.

Tenant safety is top of mind for owners and managers of apartment, condominium and other multiunit residential complexes. Crimes such as violence and theft greatly reduce residents’ sense of security. A building that is ultimately seen as unsafe negatively impacts a community’s reputation score, which in turn adversely affects the tenant retention and occupancy rates that keep these assets profitable. Moreover, a lack of oversight leaves properties vulnerable to damaging claims and liability judgments.

Without the ability to prevent crime and settle disputes, communities experience a negative reputation from which it is difficult to recover. Unfortunately, the traditional means of securing multidwelling residential communities just don’t work. Security guards are not only expensive but are inherently limited in their coverage and effectiveness. And while access control systems can control parking and building access, such systems are easily thwarted by tailgating. Even video security cameras are less effective nowadays with criminals realizing they are passive, reactive solutions.

When properly deployed by a proven provider, remote video guarding prevents crime before it ever happens. By combining advanced AI-driven video technologies with highly trained security manpower, this solution reduces your security spend while dramatically improving tenant safety. It not only eliminates the need for onsite security guards but can also help prevent unbudgeted expenses that can be attributed to lack of security, such as broken windows, damaged gates/doors, and vandalized property.

By combining proven system design practices, strategically placed surveillance cameras, specially tuned analytics and AI, high-end cybersecurity, skilled command center agents experienced in diffusing threats, and a trusted relationship with law enforcement, remote video guarding is dramatically transforming security across multiple industries.
This session’s panel of leading crime prevention, multifamily, technology and community policing experts will help you evaluate how remote video guarding can help better protect your properties – including augmenting or replacing security guards.

Participating in the panel-style webinar are Elite Vice President of Client Success & Security Solutions Scott Blakeman, former law enforcement executive Tom Stone, who leads Elite’s Law Enforcement Advisory Board, and Fore Property Vice President, Property Management Peggy Walker. All are experienced authorities for the topic at hand. Their bios can be reviewed through links at the bottom of the registration page.

Those in attendance will have their eyes and minds opened to how advances in AI, video analytics, cybersecurity and other leading-edge technologies are being calibrated, integrated and deployed to deliver real-world results that proactively stop rather than merely react to crime. Attendees will also come to understand the key characteristics that encompass a true remote guarding solution, as opposed to more general video surveillance or alarm monitoring.

This webinar is essential for anyone wanting to know more about heretofore unattainable benefits gained through properly executed remote video guarding. By its conclusion, attendees will appreciate how and why remote guarding is the ultimate multifamily solution to prevent:
• Crimes of theft & violence
• Loitering, vagrancy & trespassing
• Vandalism of property
• Insurance losses
• Legal liabilities
• False alarms

Register at https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/64163469-0825-4733-a8dd-2c464dfaeadf@e0bcce62-4971-40b2-b244-467ff207d061

The previous Elite Education Series webinar, “How Remote Guarding Crushes Crime,” is available on demand.

SIA names Holly Borgmann as 2025 SIA Chair’s Award Honoree

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The Security Industry Association (SIA) has named Holly Borgmann of ADT as the 2025 recipient of the SIA Chair’s Award, an award presented annually and selected by SIA’s Board of Directors chair recognizing SIA members’ diligent efforts in furthering the association’s mission and commitment to its future.

SIA will present Borgmann with the award at Security Hill Day, an executive event that raises the collective voice of the security industry with members of Congress and their staff.

Holly Borgmann is the Vice President of Government Affairs at ADT, a provider of electronic security, home automation, and alarm monitoring services. She has advocated for and successfully enacted meaningful legislative and regulatory changes at the state and federal levels to help clear the way for increased adoption of new technology in homes and businesses.

Borgmann spends much of her time focused on public safety policy, data privacy, data security, and other tech issues. A leader in the security industry, she serves on a number of boards dedicated to advancing public safety initiatives and other industry priorities.

Borgmann has been recognized for her contributions to the industry, winning the Security Systems News’ 20 Under 40 award in 2015 and the SIA Industry Advocate Award (then the SIA Statesman Award) in 2017, was named one of the 50 Most Powerful Women in Tech in 2019, and earned a place on the SIA Women in Security Forum Power 100 list in 2023. She was also named to Florida Trend Magazine’s Florida 500 list in 2022, 2023, and 2024, and in 2024 she was awarded the Electronic Security Association’s Sara E. Jackson Award in recognition of her work leading the organization’s Government Affairs committee. In addition to serving as secretary of SIA’s Board of Directors, Borgmann is a member of the Security Industry Alarm Coalition Board of Directors.

“SIA’s ability to bring together so many best-in-class industry experts to advance policies, priorities, and best practices helps to make us all safer and more secure,” said Borgmann. “I’m honored to have been selected for this year’s Chair’s Award.”

Borgmann has served on the SIA Board of Directors since 2022 and serves as secretary on the SIA Executive Committee. She has been a key leader and volunteer with SIA, with active engagement in SIA’s Women in Security Forum community and a founding member of the Power 100 subcommittee, dedicating substantial time and expertise to evaluating hundreds of nominations each year for the distinguished award program.

Borgmann is heavily involved in SIA’s government relations and industry relations efforts. She serves as vice chair of the SIA Government Relations Committee, which helps identify and advise SIA members regarding legislation, regulations, and other policy trends or pending government actions affecting the security industry and makes high-level recommendations for related actions, and she has also served as a member of SIA’s SecurityPAC Board of Trustees and the Identity and Biometric Technology Advisory Board. Additionally, she serves on the SIA Data Privacy Advisory Board.

“Holly Borgmann is an inspiring security industry leader who has made invaluable contributions to SIA and the industry through her leadership on SIA programs, committees, and initiatives,” said Scott Dunn, chair of the SIA Board of Directors and senior director, business development at Axis Communications. “Holly’s expert leadership on the SIA Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and Government Relations Committee, as well as her dedication of time and knowledge on initiatives like the SIA Women in Security Forum Power 100 program and in our member-led advisory boards, have been extremely impactful, and her strong support and advocacy have helped us to further SIA’s mission and push the industry forward. We are thrilled to recognize her with the 2025 SIA Chair’s Award and look forward to celebrating her and her accomplishments with this well-deserved honor.”

 

SS&SI Opens New Distribution Center in Tulsa

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SS&Si Dealer Network has announced the opening of its newest distribution center in Tulsa, Okla.

This marks the company’s third location nationwide, alongside its headquarters in Deltona, Fla., and its “Rocket City” distribution center in Huntsville, Ala. With access to this new location, SS&Si said it can now provide 1-2 day ground shipping to nearly 80 percent of the U.S. population. Additionally, SS&Si Dealer Network has invested in printing technology for the Tulsa distribution center to support its one-of-a-kind branding program. This program allows dealers to showcase their own brand identity with free, full-color logo printing on a wide variety of products.

“This new distribution center is part of our ongoing initiative to bring value-added distribution to dealers across the country,” said Jake Voll, president, SS&Si Dealer Network. “With the addition of the Tulsa distribution center, we’re positioned to offer even faster support to our customers and help them succeed in an increasingly competitive industry.”

The Tulsa distribution center will be overseen by Kyle LaPach, branch manager, who joined SS&Si in September 2024 as a video surveillance subject matter expert. LaPach brings extensive management experience in the security industry and has a deep understanding of the market. As branch manager, LaPach is expected to further strengthen the company’s presence in the area and ensure exceptional service for regional dealers.

“I’m beyond excited to lead the new SS&Si Tulsa distribution center,” said LaPach. “The market here is thriving with incredible dealers, and this expansion will also improve shipping times for our existing partners out West. I’m eager to continue driving excellence and value for our dealers at SS&Si Dealer Network.”

Courtesy of SDM Magazine, 2/20/25.

Guardian Alarm Acquires Frase Protection, Expands Into Tennessee & Mississippi

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Guardian Alarm announced the acquisition of Frase Protection, a security provider serving customers in Tennessee and Mississippi.

Since 1930, Guardian Alarm has been providing security and fire alarm services across Michigan and Ohio. This acquisition marks the company’s expansion into the Southeast, bringing its security solutions to more customers and communities in Memphis and beyond.

“Frase Protection has built a strong legacy of protecting the Memphis community and beyond,” said Brent Uhl, president and CEO, Guardian Alarm. “We are excited to welcome Frase’s customers to the Guardian Alarm family while retaining the trusted Frase Protection name. Together, we will exceed homeowners’ expectations while delivering smarter security to more businesses.”

Jonathan Frase, owner, Frase Protection, said, “For decades, the Frase team has been dedicated to safeguarding homes and businesses across Tennessee and Mississippi. By joining forces with Guardian Alarm, we are enhancing our ability to provide the latest security technology while elevating the customer experience. Our customers can expect the same trusted service from the team they know — now backed by the strength of Guardian Alarm.”

Alarm Lock Introduces New Trilogy Touch Standalone & Trilogy Wireless Networx Access Locks

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Alarm Lock, a division of NAPCO Security Technologies, Inc., is pleased to introduce its new TL-Series Trilogy Touch™ as part of its class-leading standalone & wireless networked models. This aesthetic access control solution features a sleek and modern EZ Touch Sense Panel, which has illuminated numbers that light up when touched and dim after use, in place of the standard all-metal keypad, for which Trilogy’s are well known. Like its original products, the TL-Series still offers all the same functionality and operation, weather proofness, and minimal maintenance requirements for the lowest total cost of ownership.

“Alarm Lock is committed to setting the standard for keyless access control locking and reliability. This dedication is underscored by the innovative Trilogy Touch and several more exciting new advances coming very soon”, says Peter Lowenstein, VP of Sales at Napco Access.

Multi-award-winning Trilogy’s have been widely recognized as the leading electronic access control locks in their class, earning the trust of security professionals and that of numerous prominent retailers, major corporations, hospitals, educational institutions, and airports across the country year after year. They are available in numerous architectural finishes, including trendy matte black (US 19), and in cylindrical, mortise, and exit trim models, providing advanced PIN/Prox/iClass access control for every application inside and out.

Ask for Trilogy Touch, available at your local locking distributor. For more, contact your local Alarm Lock Pro, check it out here online: https://alarmlock.com/products/cylindrical-pin#trilogytouch, or at ISC West Booth 12031 in Las Vegas this April.

RAD Announces HERO, the Humanoid Security Robot

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Robotic Assistance Devices, Inc. (RAD), a subsidiary of Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc. (the “Company”) (OTCPK:AITX), announced the development of HERO™ (Humanoid Enforcement & Response Officer), an advanced humanoid security robot engineered to further expand the physical forms in which RAD delivers safety and security functionality. HERO joins the RAD hardware family that includes the award-winning ROSA™, RIO™, AVA™, TOM and ROAMEO™. HERO will make its public debut at ISC West in Las Vegas this April.

HERO, in development by AITX’s subsidiary Robotic Assistance Devices Mobile, Inc. (RAD-M), could be commercially available towards the end of 2025. HERO is powered by RAD’s hardware and software suite, as are the Company’s other mobile solutions, including RADDOG LE2™ and ROAMEO, via its RAD electronics vest and backpack. This enables that RAD’s core software for SARA™, response options, and mobility functionality are fully compatible with all other RAD devices making start up time and operational effectiveness quick and easy for clients. RAD-M is expected to bring HERO to market quickly, and at little cost, as the bulk of the software and has already been tested and proven on other mobile devices. One of AITX’s strategic goals is to develop portable autonomous packs as shown on HERO and RADDOG, allowing for cost-efficient development for new hardware.

HERO Applications
HERO is designed to address the human preference of engaging humanoid-type form factors. While the balance of RAD’s product set are purpose-built devices designed to reduce human labor and increase cost efficiency for specific duties related to safety and security, HERO packages these functional abilities in a more approachable or intimidating, depending on what is happening, demeanor. This form is expected to encourage high compliance with facility rules as well as provide additional de-escalation benefits that a non-humanoid form cannot offer.
Human security officer roles are often underappreciated, poorly compensated, and carry an element of physical and verbal abuse risk. Compounded by rising labor costs, high turnover rates, and shortages of qualified security personnel have left many organizations struggling to maintain effective coverage. HERO offers a reliable alternative by providing consistent, around-the-clock security operations without the financial burden associated with staffing, training, and employee benefits.

“HERO is a continuation of AITX’s mission to improve safety, security and efficiency while under cost pressures, exactly as the market is demanding,” said Steve Reinharz, CEO/CTO of AITX. “When ready for commercial deployment, we will have further solidified our offering as having unmatched utility through both our software and hardware.”

Technology Built for Real-World Applications
HERO, like all RAD solutions, is being engineered to interact naturally with individuals. Much like a human security officer, HERO can provide de-escalation through its presence and conduct, perform access control duties, issue verbal warnings, and escalate incidents as needed via its immediate connection through SARA (Speaking Autonomous Responsive Agent). Furthermore, verified recipients of SARA telephone calls will be able to verbally direct HERO remotely. Its ability to process vast amounts of data in real time allows it to recognize potential threats and respond appropriately, significantly improving response times, reducing reliance on human intervention and lowering costs when compared to legacy solutions.

Solutions developed by RAD-M are marketed and distributed by AITX subsidiary, Robotic Assistance Devices, Inc., and through RAD’s extensive network of channel partners. This structure ensures that innovations like HERO reach a broad market efficiently, providing businesses and organizations with access to advanced, AI-driven security solutions backed by a trusted ecosystem of industry professionals.

Unveiling at ISC West 2025
HERO will be formally introduced to the security industry at ISC West.

Alarm.com Acquires CHeKT

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Alarm.com announced a majority-stake acquisition of CHeKT, a cloud platform for remote video monitoring (RVM) services.

CHeKT’s enterprise-ready platform includes subscription-based RVM services that enable central stations and service providers to deliver high-value, proactive, crime-stopping solutions to commercial and residential subscribers.

According to the announcement, CHeKT has cultivated a robust partner base, and the acquisition strengthens Alarm.com’s market opportunity in the emerging professional video monitoring space. CHeKT’s intuitive control room operator interface enables proactive video verification and response capabilities, allowing central station operators to evaluate video alarm events quickly and accurately.

CHeKT’s RVM solution is already embedded into many central stations and offers compatibility with many different video camera brands and other security products. CHeKT will continue to operate independently, and the Alarm.com video solution and the OpenEye enterprise video solution will be fully integrated into CHeKT’s control room software. With the addition of CHeKT, Alarm.com’s service provider partners can deliver an RVM solution to protect any property type.

“CHeKT is a pioneer and a leader in the RVM space,” said Jeff Bedell, president, ventures business and corporate strategy, Alarm.com. “CHeKT’s deep industry experience has allowed them to design a comprehensive product that fits in seamlessly with monitoring station workflows. Their technology has attracted an impressive roster of partners, and we look forward to building on that momentum with the CHeKT team.”

Wes Usie, president and founder of CHeKT, said, “We’re excited to take CHeKT to the next level with Alarm.com. We built the CHeKT platform to help professional security providers deliver a unique and crucial video security solution to their customers. No company delivers on that vision as comprehensively as Alarm.com, making it an ideal outcome for CHeKT to continue to evolve and expand our solutions with them.”

This announcement appeared on SDMmag.com on Feb. 11, 2025.