The Electronic Security Association (ESA) announced Michael Barnes as the recipient of the 2026 Sara E. Jackson Award, one of the association’s highest honors recognizing extraordinary leadership, service and dedication to the electronic security and life safety industry. Barnes will be formally recognized during ESX 2026 in Irving, Texas.

Named in honor of former ESA president Sara E. Jackson, the award is presented annually to an ESA member who has demonstrated exceptional commitment through service on ESA committees, task forces or boards while helping advance the industry and the association.

Barnes is the founding partner of Barnes Associates, an investment banking and consulting firm specializing in the security alarm industry. Widely respected throughout the industry, Barnes has spent decades advising security companies on acquisitions, capital formation, strategic planning and operational performance.

Since launching Barnes Associates in 1986, the firm has participated in more than 285 transactions with an aggregate value exceeding $30 billion. Barnes also pioneered several industry benchmarking initiatives that continue to provide valuable financial and operational insight for security companies nationwide. In 1995, he co-founded the annual Barnes-Buchanan Conference alongside the law firm Buchanan Ingersoll, creating a forum where capital providers and security alarm companies could collaborate on industry growth and value creation.

Barnes’ involvement with ESA dates back more than four decades. In 1984, while working with Potter Electric Signal Company, he was elected to the board of directors of the Security Industry Association (SIA), which, at the time, held a representative seat on the NBFAA board of directors — the organization now known as ESA.

“I was new to the industry, and it was through this involvement that I learned about how the industry was structured and its common challenges,” Barnes said. “It also was a great platform for meeting and interacting with industry leaders.”

He continued his involvement with NBFAA and ESA after founding Barnes Associates, serving on numerous committees focused on industry growth, performance and financial issues. In 2022, Barnes joined the ESA board of directors as a competency director.

“ESA is such a great organization and voice for the industry, and I am pleased to have contributed to its success,” Barnes said. “To receive this important award means the world to me.”

Merlin Guilbeau, CEO, ESA, said, “Michael Barnes exemplifies the spirit of ESA and the legacy of Sara Jackson. His unwavering commitment to service, leadership and advancing our industry has made a lasting impact on both ESA and the professionals we represent. Michael’s passion for giving back and elevating others sets a standard we can all aspire to, and we are proud to recognize him as our 2026 honoree.”

Kevin Stone, outgoing chairman, ESA, added, “I am thrilled that Michael Barnes has been named the recipient of the 2026 Sara E. Jackson Award. Michael’s deep industry knowledge and unwavering leadership on the ESA board and finance committee have been vital to our mission and success. His dedication perfectly mirrors the legacy of resilience and service established by Sara E. Jackson herself.”