Ainsley Close

Ainsley Close has a diverse work experience spanning various industries. Currently, Ainsley is the President of Guardian Security Systems, a family-owned business headquartered in Seattle that specializes in providing managed access, intrusion, video, and fire alarm systems. Ainsley has been with Guardian since 2015 and has held multiple key roles, including leading customer care, business development, and human resources. Before joining Guardian, Ainsley worked at the Washington State Housing Finance Commission as a Senior Sustainable Energy Lead, where they developed and implemented innovative financing models to support renewable energy and energy-efficiency projects. Ainsley also played a crucial role in drafting proposed legislation and advising on policy decisions. Prior to that, Ainsley worked as a contractor at Cyan Strategies, conducting renewable energy market research. Ainsley's earlier experience includes working at the City of Seattle Mayor's Office as a Strategic Advisor and Policy Analyst, as well as at Forterra (formerly Cascade Land Conservancy) as a Project Associate in their Cascade Agenda Cities Program.

Ainsley Close pursued their undergraduate studies from 2001 to 2006 at Middlebury College, where they earned a degree in Economics and Environmental Studies with a focus on Conservation Biology. In 2012, they enrolled in the Evans School of Public Policy and Governance at the University of Washington, completing a Master of Public Administration (MPA) program by 2014. In 2021, Ainsley began studying at the Harvard Business School Executive Education to obtain an OPM degree in Business Administration and Management, with a specialization in General Management.

Additionally, in June 2015, they obtained a Housing Development Finance Professional Certification from the National Development Council.