Martha Entwistle is senior manager, corporate communications for Eagle Eye Networks, where she leads global communications and public relations strategy and execution for the organisation. She has worked in the security industry since 2005, first as a business journalist and more recently as a strategic communications and media relations professional for global security companies. Entwistle spent more than a decade reporting and writing about security industry business trends, mergers and acquisitions and technology as editor of Security Systems News (SSN). At SSN, she also directed two security technology conferences, Techsec Solutions and Cloud+.

“Promoting diversity and equity in the workplace is not only the right thing to do – it’s a business success strategy, and it’s essential to the future growth and prosperity of the security industry,” said Entwistle. “Working with industry colleagues, SIA staff and the many, many talented newcomers to the security industry on WISF initiatives is a pleasure and a privilege, and I am deeply honoured to receive the 2023 Progress Award.”

Entwistle wrote SSN’s first “Women in Security” special report in 2010, which subsequently became an annual issue, and launched a series of stories on “Women in Security Technology” about women who work in technology-specific roles. She was named to the 2022 SIA Women in Security Forum Power 100, and in 2013 she was honoured by the Women’s Security Council as a Woman of the Year. She serves on the SIA WISF Steering Committee and is chair of the WISF Scholarship Committee.

“Martha has been a long-term contributor to the Security Industry Association and has exemplified loyalty, commitment and dedication to the organisation,” said Ken Francis, president of Eagle Eye Networks. “Serving as the communications powerhouse at Eagle Eye Networks, Martha has a crystal-clear view of the industry with a unique wealth of history in both media and tech roles.”

SIA’s Progress Award recognises SIA members who have shown excellence in their advancement of opportunities and success for women in the security industry. Each year’s recipient is determined based on their contributions to fostering women in the industry, promotion of women’s professional growth through mentorship and/or sponsorship, recognitions and awards for related activities and demonstration of the highest levels of professionalism and integrity in the security industry.

“SIA is proud to honour Martha Entwistle with the 2023 SIA Progress Award,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “Martha is an inspiring security industry leader who has been an invaluable advocate and supporter of WISF in its efforts to foster the advancement of women and promote diversity, equity, innovation and inclusion in our industry, and her dedication and commitment to WISF’s scholarship program have made a tremendous impact in furthering educational and career development opportunities for a wide spectrum of students and emerging leaders in security.”