NECA Boston board member Kathleen Guinee, president of Aetna Fire Alarm Service Co., Inc., is stepping down this year as chair of the Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians (BSEE). Guinee was appointed to BSEE by Governor Deval Patrick in 2008 and elected chair in 2018. Over 15 years, she served with distinction, providing a strong voice for the public interest, and maintaining high standards for the Commonwealth's community of electricians and technicians.
The first licensed female to serve on the board and the first to be elected board chair, Guinee said "I'm hoping that once I'm gone, there will be more female and minority representation. It's time." Guinee's statement carries significant weight, especially considering BSEE's critical role in licensure and the health of the Massachusetts construction industry.
BSEE is the principal state licensing body for electricians, entrusted with protecting the public by establishing standards for all persons performing electrical installations in the Commonwealth. The board meets monthly and examines and licenses master electricians, journeyman electricians, systems contractors, and systems technicians. Board members also conduct formal hearings to resolve disputes between contractors and inspectors, enforce the laws and regulations pertaining to installations conducted in Massachusetts, and, when necessary, prosecute violators.
Guinee brought to the board the benefit of 35 years of experience as a licensed contractor and technician. Her company, Aetna Fire Alarm Service Co. Inc., was founded by Guinee's father, James Murrin, in 1973. Guinee started working for Aetna in the late 1980s and has performed every job there is within the company.
By the early 90s, she had earned a place on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Board of Fire Prevention Regulations CMR 24 Subcommittee, where she helped revise and improve fire alarm life safety codes.
Since purchasing her father's business in 1995, Guinee continues to oversee Aetna Fire Alarm ‘s growth in the electrical industry specializing in U.L. fire alarm installations, retrofit, testing, commissioning, maintenance, and service.
The second-generation contractor believes she's been able to bring her specific insights and experience to her work with BSEE. Guinee has been proud to serve on the board and has earned a place as a leader in the fire alarm industry. “It’s all about giving back to the industry."