Kirk MacDowell, President and CEO, MacGuard Security Advisors, Inc. was recently inducted into the Security Sales & Integration’s 2024 Industry Hall of Fame at the International Security Conference & Exposition (ISC West) in Las Vegas. SSI’s Industry Hall of Fame is one of the security industry’s most prestigious groupings of security professionals, industry legends, and difference makers. Kirk, along with four other inductees—Kelly Bond, Aria Kozak, Andrew Lanning, and Jeffrey Zwirn—were celebrated on the ISC West show floor, a leading security trade event attended by thousands of security and public safety professionals.
“This is a tremendous honor,” said Kirk MacDowell. “I wouldn’t be standing here if it were not for the fantastic community of security industry professionals that I’ve worked with over the past forty-three years who make a difference every day supporting safe and secure environments, as well as volunteering in our important trade organizations.”
The induction came as no surprise to one of Kirk’s role models, Bob Haskins, who was the former General Manager of US Security at GE and United Technologies. “Kirk has dedicated his entire career to the betterment of the security industry. Those of us who have had the pleasure of working with, for and alongside him, have benefited from his vision, dedication, and absolute drive for perfection.”
Merlin Gilbeau, Executive Director & CEO at the Electronic Security Association (ESA), agreed that Kirk’s “…achievement is no surprise to anyone. He is an inspiring leader with strong values and a unique ability to foster positive change in individuals and organizations. His career has produced a body of work that is deserving of this distinguished honor.”
Today, Kirk offers his expertise to the security industry through his consulting services at MacGuard Security Advisors. His personal passion for mentoring others continues with ESA's Leadership Identification and Nominating Committee (LINC), and he hopes more follow in his footsteps.
“I would love to see more volunteers step up to help mentor others. It’s all about leaving a legacy that somebody else can grab onto for the betterment of the industry,” said Kirk.