The Security Industry Association (SIA), Alexandria, Va., announced the appointment of its next chief executive officer (CEO). SIA Government Relations Director Don Erickson was named CEO at the annual board of directors meeting on Tuesday.

“After an extensive evaluation over the past several months, the SIA Board this week unanimously decided to select Don Erickson to lead this association,” said Gordon Hope, chairman of the board. “His dedication, impeccable reputation and track record of success at SIA played a large role in our ultimate decision.”

Transitions: The Security Industry Association (SIA) announced at its annual board of directors meeting on Tuesday that Don Erickson is the association’s new chief executive officer. At last night’s Security Week Gala, Erickson (right) — who has served as SIA’s Government Relations director since 2006 — thanked outgoing SIA chairman Gordon Hope (left) and welcomed incoming chairman Jay Hauhn (center).

Erickson has served as director of government relations for SIA since February 2006. During this time, he worked closely with SIA's leadership to build a robust government relations program for SIA members and serve as SIA's chief advocate before Congress and other government agencies. As director of government relations, Erickson was responsible for successfully implementing key SIA public policy initiatives such as the enactment of legislation creating the GSA Schedule 84 Cooperative Purchasing Program, as well as legislation signed by President Obama in January that provides SIA member manufacturers with an exemption from certain onerous Department of Energy efficiency requirements. Erickson serves as SIA’s representative to the Department of Homeland Security Emergency Services Sector Advisory Committee and the TWIC Stakeholder Communications Committee. He previously served on the GSA Multiple Award Schedules Advisory Committee.

Prior to joining SIA, Erickson served as manager of legislative affairs for Alcatel and legislative director for the Organization for the Promotion and Advancement of Small Telecommunications Companies (OPASTCO). He spent six years on the senior legislative staff of U.S. Sen. Rod Grams (R-Minn.), where he facilitated the enactment of legislation pertaining to telecommunications and technology policy.

“I am honored to have been selected by the SIA Board of Directors to serve as our association's CEO,” Erickson said. “I look forward to working closely with the board and SIA staff to strengthen SIA's value to our membership. I share the board's commitment to working together to help SIA become a greater resource for our members.”