Michael Barnes Wins 2026 Sara E. Jackson Award
The ESA named the investment banking veteran as its top annual honoree for industry leadership.
- By Jesse Jacobs
- May 21, 2026
The Electronic Security Association has named Michael Barnes, founding partner of Barnes Associates, as the recipient of the 2026 Sara E. Jackson Award.
The accolade, which stands as one of the association's highest honors, recognizes extraordinary leadership, service and dedication to the electronic security and life safety industry. Barnes will be formally recognized during the Electronic Security Expo in Irving.
Named in honor of a former association president, the award is presented annually to a member who has demonstrated exceptional commitment through service on committees, task forces or boards while helping advance the industry.
Barnes established Barnes Associates, an investment banking and consulting firm specializing in the security alarm industry, in 1986. The firm has participated in more than 285 transactions with an aggregate value exceeding $30 billion.
He also co-founded the annual Barnes-Buchanan Conference in 1995, creating a forum where capital providers and security alarm companies collaborate on industry growth.
His involvement with the association spans more than four decades. He joined the board of directors as a competency director in 2022.
Outgoing Chairman Kevin Stone and Merlin Guilbeau, chief executive officer of the association, praised Barnes' contributions, noting that his deep industry knowledge, leadership and impact on the board and finance committee have been vital to the organization's mission.