At the 2014 ESA Leadership Summit, the Electronic Security Association (ESA) recognized Charles “Dom” D’Ascoli, founder and vice president of Smoky Mountain Systems in Franklin, N.C., as its 2013 Morris F. Weinstock Person of the Year Award winner.

Named in honor of ESA’s co-founder, the Weinstock Award is presented each year to an individual who is nominated and selected by former winners for their outstanding achievement and ongoing efforts on behalf of ESA. D’Ascoli was chosen based on his service to the community and providing leadership on local, state and national boards, which ESA says have been a hallmark of his career.

A familiar face to many in the industry, D’Ascoli got into the security industry in 1982, when he founded Smoky Mountain Systems, a security installation and monitoring company that also provides telephone system sales and service, home automation and associated low-voltage equipment and applications. In 1998, he founded Smoky Mountain Internet Services, a facilities-based Internet service provider and Web hosting and design company.

In 1984, shortly after incorporating Smoky Mountain Systems, D’Ascoli joined the Georgia Electronic Life Safety and Security Association (GELSSA), where he successfully lobbied for the passage of that state’s current licensing requirements. He also served as the association’s secretary for three years.

He joined the North Carolina Electronic Security Association (NCESA) in 1995. Since then he has held two nonconsecutive terms as president, a term as vice president and a term as treasurer. For eight years, he represented NCESA on the ESA board of directors. He also served as chairman of the standards committee and sat on the elections, NTS and investment committees.

In 2007, he was elected vice president on the ESA executive committee and served in that capacity until his election as president of ESA in 2010. As president, his vision incorporated building a world-class association to serve members by delivering exceptional value. D’Ascoli put the infrastructure and revenue in place to pave the way for future growth. He oversaw the move to new headquarters that reflect the strength and quality of ESA. The expanded space gave ESA room to increase service to members. Because of his vision, the member service center was created and now members are able to get immediate help when they call ESA.

Throughout his career, D’Ascoli has been active in his community, serving as board chair for the Macon County (N.C.) Department of Social Services, vice president of REACH of Macon County, past chair of the Finance Counsel at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic church, member of the Child Fatality board for Macon County, past officer and current member of Rotary International, and president of Children’s Home Society of Florida. He currently works with, and supports, various wounded warrior foundations.