Darryl Keeler, founder, CEO and chairman of the board for Tech Systems Inc. (TSi), a 100% employee-owned company in security systems integration and managed services, has transitioned into the role of executive chairman of TSi while maintaining his role as chairman of the board. Wayne Smith, president of the company, will assume the combined role of president and CEO, effective immediately.

Keeler, who joined TSi in 1989 and guided the company through nearly four decades of growth, will continue to shape the organization’s strategic direction in his new role as executive chairma. As the architect of TSi’s culture and the pioneer behind its F.O.C.U.S. service model, Keeler will remain actively involved in long-range planning, board governance and leadership mentorship.

“The secret to TSi’s success has always been the culture,” Keeler said. “By leaving the CEO role in Wayne’s capable hands, I will be able to focus almost exclusively on the company culture as the executive chairman. I’m genuinely excited to dig into that work and ensure that the culture at TSi continues to be focused on extraordinary customer service.”

Smith, who joined TSi in 2006 and has served as president since 2015, brings more than 30 years of experience in security operations, information technology and organizational leadership. As CEO, Smith will oversee the company’s strategic initiatives, national operations and continued investment in employee ownership, quality standards and innovation including AI readiness, cybersecurity alignment and managed services growth. He was recently appointed to the FAST board of directors.

“The DNA of TSi will remain unchanged,” Smith said. “Our reputation and success have always been based on our commitment to fanatical customer service. While Darryl and I might get to our decisions through different processes, we always get to the same answers. I’m incredibly proud of what we have accomplished, but believe our biggest successes are still ahead of us.”

The leadership transition follows a period of significant company advancement, including the achievement of ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certifications, and most recently ISO 42001 certification in June 2025 for responsible AI management.