Rockledge, FL, January 20, 2016 – Chief Douglas M. Aiken has been appointed as the Executive Director of the International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA).

“The Board is pleased to announce this appointment,” said IMSA Board of Directors President Hans Kristensen.  “In addition to his duties as IMSA Deputy Executive Director, Doug has served as Interim Executive Director on two occasions.  His leadership and vision have contributed greatly to the mission of IMSA and the support of our membership,” said Kristensen.  Chief Aiken has served as IMSA Deputy Executive Director since May 2011.  Prior to joining the IMSA staff he held elected offices as a member of IMSA including Chairman of the Board of Directors for three years.  Aiken is a 35-year veteran of the fire service and served in several public safety leadership positions at the national level.

Aiken’s experience and background will enable advancement of IMSA’s initiatives in certification and training as well as expanding its relationship with federal agencies and other public safety associations. He will work with international staff to continue to best serve the needs of our members. “I look forward to working with IMSA leadership and our members in support of IMSA’s mission,” said Aiken.

About IMSA

IMSA’s 12,000 members represent public safety agencies in all 50 states, all Canadian provinces and other countries.  Membership is divided into 23 geographic sections.  IMSA members serve on several standards making technical committees including those of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the National Council of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (NCUTCD).  IMSA is designated by the FCC as the public safety frequency coordinator for fire, EMS, and public safety pool frequencies including 800 MHz.

IMSA is the oldest known association of its kind in the world.  It dates back to October 1896, when a group of municipal signal men from several east coast cities met in Brooklyn, New York and organized the association then called the “International Association of Fire and Police Telegraph Superintendents.”  In 1900, the organization changed its name to “International Association of Municipal Electricians” (I.A.M.E.).  In September 1937, the organization name was officially changed to “International Municipal Signal Association” (IMSA).