#United States #Atlanta #Fire Protection #Pye-Barker Fire Safety #Kelly Rooney

Pye-Barker Fire & Safety Welcomes Kelly Rooney as New President

In a significant leadership move, Pye-Barker Fire & Safety, America's largest provider of integrated fire protection, life safety, and security services, has named Kelly Rooney as its new President. Announced on September 21, 2026, this appointment marks an important step in the company's journey as it gears up for extensive growth and transformation.

A Seasoned Professional with a Proven Track Record

Kelly Rooney brings to Pye-Barker a wealth of experience from her previous role as Chief Operating Officer at UniFirst, a leading supplier of uniforms and workwear, complemented by her substantial experience in the environmental services industry, notably with Waste Management (WM). Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her significant contributions to field operations, leadership, and business growth across varied markets.

Rooney’s up-close experience at different levels of the B2B services sector ensures a multifaceted perspective, making her an ideal fit for overseeing Pye-Barker's operational strategies and advancing the organizational culture. "Kelly has worked on all sides of the B2B services industry, and we value that expertise deeply," said Bart Proctor, CEO of Pye-Barker.

Nurturing a Family-like Culture

One of the key attributes that Rooney is expected to bring to Pye-Barker is her strong passion for team-building. Under her leadership, Pye-Barker aims to continue its commitment to fostering a family-like culture within its extensive workforce of over 9,000 employees across more than 250 locations nationwide. Her appointment comes at a time when the company is celebrating its 80th anniversary alongside several accolades, including a spot on the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies and the SDM 100 ranking for electronic security companies.

Ambitious Growth Plans Ahead

Pye-Barker has undergone rapid expansion, having acquired over 100 fire protection and security businesses in the last two years alone. As Pye-Barker seeks to strengthen its position, Rooney will play a critical role in spearheading new initiatives aimed at investing in team members and enhancing community relations. Notable programs such as the ALL In Ownership Program and the What Matters Community Impact Program illustrate the company’s commitment to making a positive difference in the communities they serve.

"My career has taken me from leading teams in the field to the leadership suite, and I have never lost sight of where the real work happens," Rooney stated, emphasizing her respect for frontline teams. She believes Pye-Barker represents an organization with aligned values, eager to create opportunities for growth and nurture the entrepreneurial spirit that has been the backbone of its success.

Educational Background and Future Outlook

Rooney holds a Master’s degree in organizational leadership from Gonzaga University and a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Roanoke College. She is also an active member of the board at TD Industries. As President, she will report directly to Bart Proctor, helping to lead the company into its next phase of growth while further strengthening its commitment to safety and community engagement.

Pye-Barker is positioned well not only to protect lives and property through its comprehensive fire safety services but also to act as a strong community partner under Rooney's leadership. For more information about Pye-Barker Fire & Safety and its services, visit pyebarkerfs.com.