'20 under 40' 2013 - Elizabeth Blair

Elizabeth Blair, 34
Director of legal and dealer relations, Alarm Capital Alliance
Media, Pa.

How did you get into the security industry?

Actually, the security industry found me. I have a business and paralegal background, and as a contracts paralegal for a $1.4 billion IT outsourcing account, I was contacted by a headhunter for ACA over six years ago. And when I met with Amy Kothari [company president and CEO] and Anastasia Bothos [chief business development officer and EVP of acquisitions], not only was I intrigued by the company and the management and the opportunity the industry offers, but I realized there was a perfect marriage of skill sets. The position that I'm in involves dealing with dealer relations and legal. So it draws on my marketing skills, my creativity and interaction with people and yet also the legal side, reviewing contracts and things like that.

Who or what in the industry has inspired you most in your security career?

Anastasia Bottos. I work very closely with her. Her dedication to our dealers and the company is unparalleled and she motivates everyone around her to strive to their utmost potential. It's wonderful.

What can be done to boost the ranks of young people in the industry?

Increased awareness of the fast-paced, constantly evolving industry. Most young people are used to an ever-changing environment due to next-gen technology and young people are becoming accustomed to what used to be spylike features, like fingerprint readers or voice recognition, like Siri on the iPhone. Having a marketing background, I believe that if they were informed of how entwined the security industry is with technology that we'd attract more young talent. And if we paint a picture for the younger people, a vision of what not only is right now but the limitless possibilities in the future, I think they'd be very interested in it.