New Hires and Promotions at Ken Gould Consulting, Automatic Systems, and COPS Monitoring
From senior consulting appointments to technical services and monitoring leadership roles, these latest security industry moves highlight experience-driven growth across consulting, manufacturing, and monitoring organizations.
Lewis Walters Joins Ken Gould Consulting as Senior Consultant
Ken Gould Consulting is proud to announce the appointment of Lew Walters as Senior Consultant. Known throughout the professional security community as the “Security Guru,” Walters brings over 55 years of experience to the firm, further strengthening its position as a leader in strategic security advisory.
Walters’ career is distinguished by deep involvement in both the manufacturing and monitoring sectors of the alarm industry. He has held pivotal roles, including national sales manager, regional sales manager, and product manager for several prominent organizations. A comprehensive understanding of UL requirements and NFPA regulations backs his technical expertise.
“I have known Lew for many years and have always admired his unwavering commitment to this industry,” said Ken Gould, principal of Ken Gould Consulting. “His addition to our team allows us to offer even more robust strategic consulting, leadership coaching, and subcontracting services to our clients.”
Automatic Systems Announces Two New Hires
Automatic Systems is pleased to welcome two hires - Andrew Saabas and Derek Whitis.
Saabas has joined the team as Technical Services Manager. In this role, he is responsible for leading and supervising the Technical Support and Service Technician teams to deliver high-quality, customer-focused technical services. This role ensures tailored support solutions that enhance the overall customer experience and strengthen long-term customer relationships. Saabas will also be responsible for developing and implementing a certified partner training program to support the company’s partner network and ensure consistent service standards. Saabas has 20 years of experience in electronic security, having worked for several different integrators. Additionally, for seven years, he focused on access control for the vehicle barrier and parking control space.
Whitis has accepted the role of regional sales manager for the Western United States. He will be working alongside Skip Williams to help grow relationships with security consultants, integrators, and key partners in the Western United States secure entrance market. Whitis will help enhance the company’s customer support while driving regional growth. His diverse experience has well equipped him to take on this position. After studying engineering and supply chain management at Purdue University, he served for several years as an account executive for a large security integration company, gaining expertise in designing and deploying world-class security measures and improving operational efficiency.
COPS Monitoring announced today the promotion of Shannon Handy to site manager of New Jersey Operations, recognizing her 10 years of service, leadership growth, and continued commitment to operational excellence.
Handy has spent her entire career at COPS Monitoring in the New Jersey monitoring center. She has progressed through multiple roles, including dispatcher, shift supervisor, shift manager, hiring agent, and, most recently, assistant site manager. Her advancement reflects a deep understanding of operations, a strong alignment with company culture, and a consistent willingness to take on greater responsibility.
In her new role, Handy is responsible for the growth and success of the New Jersey Operations Department. Her areas of focus include staffing, quality performance across response and customer service, and identifying and developing future leaders within the organization. She reports directly to the vice president of operations and oversees two assistant site managers, an additional 10 members of the New Jersey management team, and dozens of dispatchers. She will also lead initiatives focused on continuous improvement, operational efficiency, and overall output while maintaining the high service levels COPS is known for.
“Shannon has consistently demonstrated a tenacious approach to her work and a clear understanding of what excellence looks like in a professional monitoring environment,” said Jim McMullen, president and chief operating officer. “She has grown into a strong operational leader, is highly respected across the organization, and has earned the trust of both her peers and the leadership team.”