The Electronic Security Association (ESA) announced Kevin Stone, COO and executive vice president of Doyle Security Systems in Rochester, N.Y., will serve as the association’s chairman elect for 2023-2024. 

Stone will serve as chairman elect through June 30, 2024, as the association’s current chairman, John Loud, finishes his term. 

“The future of a thriving ESA depends on a leader who can help drive excellence and embrace our members to have a voice — and an impact. Kevin’s passion for the industry coupled with his track record of successful leadership makes him an ideal person for this role,” Loud said. “I am confident Kevin will leave a lasting impact on ESA and its members. I look forward to transitioning the chairman position, knowing the association is in very good hands.” 

Stone began his security industry career with Doyle Security in 1989. Starting off as a commercial security consultant, he has come to own responsibility for sales, installation and service for Doyle Security’s eight branches. Stone helped launch and oversee the Doyle Medical Monitoring Division. 

With 34 years of experience in the security industry, Stone has collected a number of titles and varied expertise as a Rochester Business “Journal 40 Under 40” recipient, as well as a Rochester Police Rosewood Club Distinguished Service Award recipient. In addition, he was also named Rotarian of the Year by the Local Chapter of Rotary International.    

Stone also currently serves on the advisory boards of The Monitoring Association (TMA), Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC), Resideo, and the American Cancer Society. He previously served as president of the Akron Newstead Rotary, vice president of the Akron Central School District Board of Education, and as chairman of the Western New York Chapter of the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS). 

Stone also holds a Certified Protection Professional (CPP) certification and served as a Crime Stoppers board member. 

Stone is eager to dedicate his talents and experience to ESA as chairman elect, according to the announcement. He is a firm believer in ESA’s determination to develop and expand the organization’s strategies and is committed to making its many services and benefits more widely available to industry professionals. 

Throughout industry tenure, he has found that few companies are fully aware of the vast and varied membership benefits ESA offers. He believes that it is time for that to change. It's time for the industry to take advantage of ESA’s resources and offerings, the announcement states.   

“I’m at a point in my career where I want to give back to an industry that I’m passionate about. I love what I do each day and believe in the greater good contributions the electronic security and life safety industry make to society,” Stone said.   

The announcement states: By building on the great work countless staff members and volunteers have done until now, Kevin wants to drive ESA’s mission and vision by providing resources, training, and advocacy for professionals. He wants to leave ESA in an even better position for continued growing success in the future, and he is very excited to do it in collaboration with ESA’s existing dynamic team. 

“Well respected by his peers, Kevin has a long history of leadership which, coupled with his experience and passion for the industry, makes him an ideal person for this role. I look forward to working closely with Kevin to continue to ensure ESA makes a positive impact for all stakeholders,” said Merlin Guilbeau, ESA CEO.