Foundation for Advancing Security Talent Welcomes Ryan Kaltenbaugh to the FAST Board of Directors

Ryan Kaltenbaugh of M.C. Dean joins the expert group of security and life safety professionals in guiding FAST’s efforts to promote careers in the physical security technology industry.

DALLAS, Texas— The Foundation for Advancing Security Talent (FAST) has named Ryan Kaltenbaugh of M.C. Dean to the FAST Board of Directors – an expert-led group drawn from the membership of the Security Industry Association (SIA) and the Electronic Security Association (ESA) and that defines and refines FAST’s strategic plan, as well as the foundation’s annual goals.

Ryan Kaltenbaugh leads global sales for M.C. Dean’s Security & Electronic Systems business unit, where he is responsible for customer growth, partner development and expanding the company’s cyber-physical solutions across global markets. Prior to joining M.C. Dean, Kaltenbaugh held leadership roles at LenelS2, AMAG Technology, videoNEXT Federal and systems integrators across business development, operations and software/ software as a service (SaaS) sales.

A longtime advocate for workforce development, Kaltenbaugh helped launch National Security Technician Day in 2022, served on the SIA Board of Directors from 2022 to 2025, chaired multiple industry committees, frequently speaks at industry events and received SIA’s Sandy Jones Volunteer of the Year Award in 2023.

“It is an honor to be nominated to the FAST board of directors and join leaders dedicated to advancing the security workforce,” said Kaltenbaugh. “I look forward to supporting FAST’s mission by building greater awareness of career opportunities in our industry, strengthening training and development for technical professionals and fostering collaboration across manufacturers, integrators and end users. By investing in people, we can ensure the security industry continues to grow and adapt to meet evolving customer needs.”

FAST is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization promoting careers in the physical security technology and life safety industry. Created in 2020 through a partnership of SIA and ESA— the industry’s leading associations—FAST connects passionate, innovative professionals with new opportunities in electronic security and life safety. The foundation brings awareness to the career advancement opportunities within the fast-paced technology industry that serves to keep people, places and property safe.

FAST’s school and outreach programs, research and resources are funded by individual and organizational donations. You can donate to FAST here. Learn more about getting involved with FAST activities on the Partner With FAST page.

About FAST

The Foundation for Advancing Security Talent (FAST) is a 501(c)(3) organization that connects individuals with meaningful careers in the physical security and life safety industry. Created by the Electronic Security Association and the Security Industry Association, FAST helps students, job seekers and career changers learn about the industry, build skills and access real opportunities. FAST works with employers, partners and supporters to grow awareness, expand access to training and develop the workforce the industry needs.

About SIA

SIA is the leading trade association for global security solution providers, with over 1,600 innovative member companies representing thousands of security leaders and experts who shape the future of the security industry. SIA protects and advances its members’ interests by advocating pro-industry policies and legislation at the federal and state levels, creating open industry standards that enable integration, advancing industry professionalism through education and training, opening global market opportunities and collaborating with other like-minded organizations. As the premier sponsor of ISC Events expos and conferences, SIA ensures its members have access to top-level buyers and influencers, as well as unparalleled learning and network opportunities. SIA also enhances the position of its members in the security marketplace through SIA GovSummit, which brings together private industry with government decision makers, and Securing New Ground, the security industry’s top executive conference for peer-to-peer networking.

About ESA

Established in 1948, ESA is the largest trade association in the United States representing the electronic security and life safety industry. Member companies install, integrate and monitor intrusion and fire detection, video surveillance and electronic access control systems for commercial, residential, industrial and governmental clients. ESA provides technical and management training, government advocacy and delivers information, advice, tools and services that members use to grow their businesses and prosper. Together, ESA member companies employ more than 500,000 industry professionals and serve more than 34 million residential and commercial clients.