SBC Board At-Large Candidate: Gerald Connolly
Gerald Connolly Office Sought: At-Large Gerry Connolly is the CEO of Potter Signal, headquartered in Maryland Heights, MO. Potter is a leader in the fire protection and life safety industry. The company designs and manufactures a wide variety of mission critical, specialty electronic, electromechanical, and software products for fire and security applications. Potter’s product offering includes sprinkler protection equipment, fire alarm and voice evacuation and emergency radio communication enhancement systems. Potter has multiple sales, engineering, and manufacturing centers in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Gerry has extensive experience in leveraging technology to increase life safety and improve building and home construction. Prior to joining Potter, Gerry was the President of Pass and Seymour, a manufacturer of electrical wiring and safety devices. He also has held executive roles with UTC Fire and Security, Honeywell, and Brooks Automation. Early in his career, Gerry worked as a fire safety engineer at Factory Mutual International. Gerry earned his BSEE and MSEM from Northeastern University. Gerald Connolly Statement to Members: I am very pleased to be considered for a role on the Safer Buildings Coalition board because I have been impressed with the mission and programs of SBC in support of improving in-building communications capabilities for public safety personnel and occupants. Potter’s motto is “We Save Lives” and our sole focus is improving safety in residential and commercial settings. Starting in 1898, we developed a system for directly connecting buildings to fire and police stations to report emergencies such as fire, robbery, etc. This innovation of copper wire and coded wheels enjoyed widespread usage through the 1980s and there are even some municipalities where this is still in limited use. Like the life safety industry, Potter has continued to evolve and today we are a leader in fire sprinkler monitoring, fire alarm, voice evacuation and, more recently, Emergency Radio Communication Enhancement Systems (ERCES). Potter has many employees involved in the code making process both in North America and Internationally, including NFPA, IFC, IBC, etc. In approximately 2019, Potter became involved in the design and distribution of ERCES systems by partnering with several manufacturers of these systems. This began our focus on creating awareness, delivering education, and increasing the usage or ERCES and ARCS systems. With over a century of experience developing building code and products to improve building safety, Potter saw an opportunity to support the responsible expansion of ERCES. In 2019, Potter acquired TowerIQ, a manufacturer of Auxiliary Radio Communications Systems (derivative of ERCES) designed predominately for use in New York city and mandated by FDNY. This has been part of strong partnership with FDNY as they continue to develop and improve their requirements and operation of ARCS. Earlier this year, Potter acquired the Public Safety DAS business from Surecall as part of our continued investment in improving ERCES effectiveness. Later this year, we will launch new systems which will improve coverage, reduce interference, and simplify operation of both ARCS and ERCES. Potter is also investing in the training and education of regulatory agencies, building owners, first responders and installation companies, I would argue, consistent with SBC’s mission. My personal experience is over many (redacted!) years in the life safety industry, having started my career as a test engineer with Factory Mutual Research. I have worked globally with building owners, government agencies, service companies and R&D teams on life safety, fire protection and security systems. I was fortunate to join Potter in 2019 and am leveraging my experience to continue Potter’s mission of Saving Lives. I have been a member of committees, boards and task groups for National Electric Code, National Fire Protection Agency, International Building Code, NICET, Fire Suppression Systems Association (Past President), National Electrical Manufacturers Association, and National Association of Electrical Distributors. In addition, , I remain active with Northeastern University’s College of Electrical and Computer Engineering Industrial Advisory Board, the McCarthy Venture Mentor Network, Massachusetts Fallen Heroes Foundation and Camp Christian Meeting Association-Craigville. Given the above, and respecting your time, I will end my note here and respectfully request that you vote in favor my joining the SBC Board. Thank you and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions or require additional information.
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