ESA released news of the passing of its associate executive director in the following statement:

"It is with the deepest sense of loss that I must inform my colleagues of the untimely death of Tonja Jenkins on Saturday night.  As many of you know, Tonja was the Associate Executive Director of the Electronic Security Association.  Anyone who knew Tonja understands the tremendous, positive impact she had on this association and the industry at large. 

"She loved what she did and was a driving force in many of the successes of the association.  Many programs, including the Young Security Professionals and Executive Strategic Partners, were products of her tenacity and vision.  She will be profoundly missed.  

"No further details are available, and in accordance with the family’s wishes, we ask that their privacy be respected," wrote Merlin Guilbeau, ESA executive director.