The Electronic Security Association has announced Kevin Stone, COO of Doyle Security Systems in Rochester, N.Y., as the Incoming ESA Chairman. Stone succeeds John Loud, president of LOUD Security Systems, who held the position the last two years.

“Doyle has been a member of ESA for many years; we’re big believers in giving back to the industry,” Stone stated. “John Loud encouraged me to become more involved with the association and I started on the Board, then served as Treasurer, then Chairman of the Finance Committee, and now as Chairman.”

With 35 years of industry experience and active involvement in industry relations, Stone has made a lasting impact both at Doyle and within ESA. When asked which accomplishments in both his professional career at Doyle and his work with ESA that he is most proud of, he replied: “Doyle has one of the best cultures in the industry. I’ve been able to continue to maintain and grow that culture, which is something I’m really proud of. It’s part of the legacy I’ll leave behind at Doyle.”

He added, “I’m really proud of the security and life safety professionals that have joined our Board. I’m awestruck by the wealth of knowledge, talent, and expertise they bring to it. We’ve grown so much over the years, but there’s a lot we can still do.”

As Incoming ESA Chairman, Stone has some goals for even further advancing the association and the industry as a whole. Chief among them, he expressed: “To create more awareness of ESA’s benefits. We’re kind of an untold secret; some companies don’t fully realize all that we do and offer. They may know we offer training but may not know about the other member benefits and great educational sessions we offer. I want to help increase that awareness, build membership and get people to understand and utilize all the benefits we can provide. A lot of people are attracted to the insurance program and the savings from that can be in the thousands. But from there, they can also learn that there are so many other benefits we offer that they can take advantage of.”  

ESA CEO Merlin Guilbeau commented Stone’s vast industry experience will be invaluable as chairman.

“Since joining the Board, he has been a tremendous advisor to me and ESA. His vision, thoughtful counsel, and dedication to the association creates a blueprint for how to build upon the legacy of ESA,” Guilbeau said. “We are grateful to Kevin’s family and Doyle Security for supporting him as he leads the Association for the next two years.”