Board of Directors
The Yankee Security Convention is a not-for-profit corporation. The organization was formed in 1978 by a group of New England locksmiths who saw the need to provide educational seminars and focus on the advancement of the trade. Run completely by volunteers, the Yankee Security Convention supports the Yankee Scholarship Foundation, which provides educational support to locksmiths and their families.
If you would like to learn more about available scholarships and the work of the Yankee Security Convention contact the Board of Directors at info@yankeesecurity.org.
Meet Our Board of Directors
D.J. Dabenigno: President
DJ is the owner of Dabbs Lock in Medford, Massachusetts and joined the Yankee Board of Directors in February of 2015. DJ started his business at just 20 years old after attending the locksmithing program at the North Bennet Street School in Boston, MA under the direction of former Yankee Director David Torino. While continuing to assist North Bennet after his graduation with outreach and alumni services, DJ joined the Massachusetts Locksmiths Association becoming one of the youngest members in the Association at 22, and shortly thereafter joining the executive board with roles in promotional materials and serving on the Membership Committee. In the fall of 2013 DJ was elected as the second youngest President of the MLA and was re-elected two years later to be the first President to serve two terms consecutively. During his presidency DJ started new yearly traditions like donating to Toys for Tots at Christmas and a Members Summer Outing at the Lowell Spinners as well as bringing the Association into the 21st century with a brand new web-site. When not focusing on work DJ can be found performing with his local Bagpipe Band and spending time relaxing with his significant other.
Steve McKinney: Director
Steve is the locksmith and carpenter foreman at Harvard Medical School. As an Institutional Locksmith, he has vast responsibilities including locking systems, types of hardware from mechanical to electronic and reporting hierarchy. Along with those duties are installation of various master key systems, multiple cross keying across different research labs, departments, and tenants to gain access to multi-purpose equipment rooms. Steve coordinates the role between the Facilities and Security Departments, and along with his knowledge of life safety and fire door codes, serves as a fully integrated security professional. His prior experience includes carpentry, locksmithing, and construction for a hospital. Steve's background brings a different perspective to Yankee Security's Board of Directors. He has supported Yankee throughout the years as an attendee, director, exhibitor, and Past President. Steve also assists the North Bennet Street School by serving on the Advisory Board for the Locksmith program and past accrediting surveyor of the Locksmith program. He is a founding member of the Institutional Locksmiths Association and Past President of the NE Chapter. He is a strong believer in continuing education for the ever-changing role of today's locksmith/security professional.
David Holt: Treasurer
David has been involved with Yankee Security Convention since 1984, serving both as a board member and as Treasurer.
A lifelong New Hampshire resident, David lives in the Capital region where he owns and operates Adams Lock, a full-service locksmith and safe company serving the Capital area. Adams Lock started in 1963 and David began with the company in 1970.
When not involved with daily work tasks, David enjoys both weather watching and coin collecting as hobbies.
Jesse Minghella: Vice President
Jesse Minghella joined the organization in March 2023 and brings a fresh perspective on the industry and a rich background in locksmithing, security and e-commerce solutions, sales, service and business and team development.
In the locksmith industry since 2004, Jesse started his career in Woburn, MA at P&M Locksmith Service before joining the Facilities team as a locksmith at his collage the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth in 2014. His work history also includes a security officer position for United Security, Inc. In 2016, he was promoted at the University of Massachusetts staff as a Technical Specialist and was instrumental in developing and implementing new standards of physical security for the University including hardware standards, new construction standards for access control, new integrated WiFi, POE card access devices and policies designed to protect the security of the institution. Since 2020, he has been a Physical Security Locksmith Engineer for Boston Children’s Hospital. He also serves on the Massachusetts Locksmith Association Executive team.
Rob Mahoney, Sr.: Director
Robert Mahoney, Sr. is the owner of Manchester Safe & Lock, LLC. Robert has been a locksmith since 1980 and has owned his business since 1988. He has been a member of LAOC (Locksmith Association of Connecticut) since 1984, serving as Sergeant of Arms from 1992-1994. Additionally, Robert has been a member of ALOA (Associated Locksmiths of America) since 1996 and SAVTA (Safe and Vault Technicians Association) since 1990. Since joining the Yankee Security organization in 1990, Robert has served in various positions, including President and Vice President. In his spare time, he enjoys hunting, fishing and spending time with his dogs. If you are in the market for, our platform is your best choice! The largest shopping mall!
Lee Whitford: Secretary
Lee has been a member of the Board of Directors since 1987. He has served in many capacities, including President, Vice President, and Secretary. He currently focuses on the Trade Show Exhibitor portion of the Convention. Lee is the owner of L.E. Whitford & Co in East Hartford, CT. He follows in his father’s footsteps. Len Whitford started the company in 1948 and was also a long-time Yankee Director. Lee graduated from Lebanon Valley College with a BS in Physics in 1985. When he is not spending time with his family or at work, he trains in Gracie Brazilian Jiujitsu.
Bob O'Keefe: Director
Yankee Security Convention Board Member Bob O’Keefe is president of Lexington Lock Service, a company he founded in 1988. Lexington Lock Service is in Lexington, MA.
Lexington Lock Service is a full-service lock and security company servicing the metropolitan Boston area, Merrimack Valley and North Shore Region. Bob is a Professional Registered Locksmith, and his licenses and certifications include: a Construction Supervisor for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (Consumer Protection & Business Licensing); a Fire Prevention Office for the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services; and a Registered Home Improvement Contractor.
As Board Member for the Yankee Security Convention, Bob has been working with the non-for-profit since 2021. Bob oversees sponsorships and automotive education.
In addition to volunteering to help drive the success of the Yankee Security Convention organization, Bob, ever willing to help, also dedicates time for another charity, Mother’s for Daughters’ and their motorcycle event that raises money for breast and ovarian cancer research.
Michael Kachmar: Director
Kachmar’s involvement with the Yankee Security Convention began in 2018 as an attendee, and his commitment to the industry and its educational initiatives has now led him to join the Board of Directors. “I am excited to be a part of the Yankee Security Convention’s Board of Directors and look forward to helping the team in any way I can,” said Kachmar. “This industry has so much to offer, and I’m passionate about seeing it grow and evolve. There’s always something new to learn or a problem to solve, and I’m eager to help educate others and further the work of the convention.
Michael Ercoli: Director
Mike Ercoli joined the Board of Directors of the Yankee Security Convention in 2024, bringing with him more than 35 years of hands-on experience in the locksmith and security industry.
Based in Waterbury, Connecticut, Mike is the owner of ERC Locksmith LLC, a full-service company specializing in mechanical and electronic locking systems, access control, and integrated security solutions for commercial, residential, and institutional clients.
In addition to operating his own business, Mike has served since 2005 as a locksmith at Western Connecticut State University, where he maintains and installs mechanical and electronic locking systems and advises facilities leadership on product selection, cost evaluation, and code compliance. He is deeply committed to staying current with emerging technologies, regularly pursuing manufacturer training and continuing education to ensure best practices in life safety and security standards.
Mike also serves as Vice President and Executive Board Member of the CT Employees Union Independent Local 511, demonstrating strong leadership, communication, and advocacy skills.
With his extensive technical knowledge, operational leadership, and dedication to advancing industry standards, Mike is a valuable resource to the Yankee Security Convention and a strong asset in supporting its mission to promote and strengthen the locksmith and security profession.
Wes Wade: Director
Wes Wade is a third-generation locksmith and President of Southington Security Services, a family-owned security and door hardware company founded in 1977. With more than 20 years of experience in the locksmith and security industry, Wes brings a broad background in mechanical and electronic security, access control, door hardware, safes and vaults, master key systems, and life-safety applications.
Wes began his career in the family business and later expanded his experience through roles in institutional facilities, electronic access control, and the security hardware industry. From 2016 through 2023, he worked at Trinity College, followed by more than two years with ASSA ABLOY as a manufacturer representative, where he focused on electromechanical security, access control, and door hardware solutions.
In 2026, Wes returned to the family business to lead Southington Security Services into its next chapter. Today, he is focused on growing the company while maintaining the craftsmanship, service, and relationships that have been the foundation of the business for nearly 50 years.
Wes is passionate about the locksmith and security industry and enjoys sharing knowledge, building relationships, and helping advance the profession. He is proud to serve on the Yankee Security Convention Committee and looks forward to helping create opportunities for education, networking, and connection within the New England security community.
John Bayrouty : Director
John Bayrouty is the Lead Locksmith at H. Perron & Son, Inc., specializing in commercial door hardware, access control, electrified locking systems, ADA operators, and master key systems. With years of hands-on experience in the security industry, he is dedicated to delivering high-quality solutions while continually expanding his knowledge of evolving technologies and industry best practices.
John serves as a Director for the Yankee Security Convention and as Secretary of the Massachusetts Locksmiths Association. Through these leadership roles, he is committed to strengthening the security industry by promoting education, encouraging collaboration, and helping develop the next generation of locksmiths and security professionals.
His vision is to see the trade continue to grow by attracting younger professionals, embracing new technologies, and ensuring that the knowledge and craftsmanship of experienced locksmiths are passed on to future generations. John believes that investing in education, mentorship, and professional development is essential to keeping the locksmith and physical security industry strong for years to come.
John believes that education, mentorship, and strong industry relationships are the foundation of a thriving profession, and he is proud to help ensure the Yankee Security Convention remains a place where current and future security professionals can learn, connect, and grow.
Are you interested in learning more about the Yankee Security Convention?
Contact us to discuss any interest you may have in supporting the Yankee Security Convention or being part of the ongoing growth and development of the locksmith and security industry. Info@yankeesecurity.org