Women in Security: Alaina Meyer, President, scDataCom

SAVANNAH, Ga. –– Alaina Meyer recently made history when she joined her mother, scDataCom CEO Kathleen Ford, on the 2025 Security Industry Association (SIA) Women in Security Forum (WISF) Power 100 list.

Now, the president of scDataCom is sharing more about her career path in the security industry as part of our ongoing celebration of International Women’s History Month.

Security Sales & Integration: How did you get into the security industry?

Alaina Meyer: I started my career in fine art art sales and was successful, but I realized I wanted to sell something with real impact—something essential rather than a luxury. Security isn’t just a product; it’s a necessity that protects people, businesses, and livelihoods.

I’ve always been passionate about technology and I saw an industry that was not only critical but also ripe for innovation. That combination of purpose, opportunity, and my entrepreneurial mindset made it an easy decision to dive in headfirst. I haven’t looked back since.

SSI: Have you encountered any difficulties or obstacles in your security industry career?

Meyer: Absolutely. I stepped into leadership at a young age, often as the only woman in the room and sometimes the youngest person at the table by 20 years or more. I had to earn credibility quickly, which meant constantly educating myself, refining my expertise, and carrying myself with confidence.

Early on, there were people who underestimated me—whether because of my age, gender, or both. I had to learn how to navigate those biases without letting them slow me down. Instead of getting discouraged, I focused on proving my value through knowledge, execution, and results. Over time, I built a strong reputation and a team that has helped me grow a thriving business in the industry.

SSI: Whom would you point to as the most influential and helpful mentors in your career? What did they do to help you?

Meyer: My mom has been my most influential mentor. When I first started my company, I was only 22 and had no leadership experience. She, on the other hand, had decades of executive experience and multiple master’s degrees in leadership. I brought her into the business not just for support, but to help me develop as a leader.

She guided me through the challenges of leadership, helped me refine my decision-making, and gave me the confidence to step fully into my role. What started as a mentorship evolved into a strong professional partnership. We discovered that we worked incredibly well together and that dynamic became a key part of our company’s success.

SSI: What is your proudest career accomplishment?

Meyer: There are a lot of moments I’m proud of, but one that stands out is leading scDataCom to be recognized on the national Vet 100 list. It’s a testament to our team’s hard work, our commitment to excellence, and the impact we’re making in the security industry.

Building a company that not only provides mission-critical security solutions but also fosters a strong culture of leadership and innovation has been incredibly fulfilling. Seeing our work protect businesses and communities while also creating opportunities for my team has been the biggest win.

SSI: What do you love most about working in the security industry?

Meyer: Security is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. I love that what we do makes a tangible difference in people’s lives. Every day, we’re helping businesses and organizations protect their assets, their people, and their operations. It’s rewarding to provide solutions that create safer environments and have such a practical purpose.

I also enjoy the ever-evolving nature of the technology; the innovation in this space keeps things exciting. No two projects are the same, and there’s always a new challenge to tackle.

SSI: How can the security industry become even better?

Meyer: The security industry needs to continue evolving—not just in terms of solutions but also in the way we attract and develop talent – while progress has been made, there’s still work to do. To build a stronger, more resilient industry, we need to actively embrace the next generation and create more opportunities for diverse talent to enter and thrive.

A broader range of perspectives leads to better problem-solving, more innovative solutions, and a workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

We also need to shift the way security is perceived—not just as a product, but as a long-term investment in resilience and risk mitigation. Too often, security is treated as an afterthought rather than an essential part of an organization’s strategy. Educating customers on the value of security and taking a consultative approach rather than a transactional one will elevate the industry as a whole.

By embracing innovation, diversity, and a forward-thinking mindset, we can ensure a stronger, more adaptable security industry for years to come.