Kirk MacDowell wins Sara E. Jackson Award at ESX 2023

LOUISVILLE, Ky.­—Industry veteran Kirk MacDowell was recognized for his more than 40 years of contributions to the security industry by winning the Sara E. Jackson Award during Electronic Security Expo (ESX) 2023.

Named for Electronic Security Association’s (ESA’s) former president, the Sara E. Jackson Award recognizes an ESA member's work on an association committee, task force or board. ESA Chairman John Loud presented MacDowell with the award during the opening keynote luncheon. 

“We get stronger when we work together and solve common problems. We work across different teams, and we work with other associations. There is not an association in this industry that does it better than ESA,” MacDowell said upon receiving the award. “I am just honored and privileged to have done this for 43 years. I don’t know how much longer I’ll do it, but the best thing is leaving somewhat of a legacy for other people to grab on and to better themselves. That’s what mentoring is about, and that’s what ESA is about. Thank you all very, very much.”

MacDowell has held a variety of roles in law enforcement and the private sector throughout his 43-year security career.

MacDowell previously served varying roles of increasing responsibility at General Electric, United Technologies, and Alarm.com, and ran his own electronic security firm as well. In addition, he served 29 years with the Los Angeles Country Sheriff’s Department as a full-time deputy and retired as a reserve lieutenant.

He has also served the electronic security industry as past chairman, Alarm Industry Research and Education Foundation (AIREF); chairman, Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC), chairman, Leadership Identification and Nomination Committee of ESA (LINC); former board member, Security Industry Association (SIA); former board member, The Monitoring Association (TMA); and past president, Los Angeles County Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (LABFAA).

MacDowell is currently the CEO at MacGuard Security Advisors Inc., which specializes in working with electronic security companies to assess business operations, review short- and long-term business initiatives, and provide blueprints for long-term success.

Just hours after receiving the Sara E. Jackson Award, MacDowell also received the William N. Moody Award from SIAC for his passion to advance positive alarm management and best industry practices.