The National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS⁴) at the University of Southern Mississippi has announced the winners for Emerging Industry Leaders and Professional of the Year Awards. The Emerging Industry Leader Award will honor nine individuals and the Professional of the Year Award will go to eight winners. They will be recognized at the 2023 National Sports Safety and Security Conference & Exhibition on June 27-29 in San Antonio, Texas.
The Emerging Industry Leader Award recognizes a young professional who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in addressing safety and security issues. In addition to the enhanced safety and security of their venue/event, the recipient’s contributions have set an example for others to follow. The award is sponsored by Momentus Technologies, which provides venue and event management software for venues of all kinds and events of all types.
“The Emerging Industry Leader Award allows professional leagues, NCAA member institutions, marathon and endurance events organizations, and interscholastic athletics programs to honor individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in addressing safety and security related issues,” said Brooke Graves, MSCJ, NREMT, NCS⁴ Senior Training Manager and Awards Luncheon Master of Ceremonies. “These contributions involve enhancing safety and security at their venue beyond what is normally required and setting an example for other young aspiring sports security professionals to follow.
Each league or organization selects the criteria and makes the determination as to who will be recognized. Individuals receiving the award include:
- Dr. Michele “Shelly” Weinstein, Medical Operations Coordinator, Marine Corps Marathon Organization
- Kyle Poore, Security Coordinator, Lincoln Public Schools
- Brooks Imhoff, CSSP, Director of Event Services, The Schottenstein Center, The Ohio State University
- Justin Pagan, Manager, Event Security and Team Travel, Chicago Cubs
- Nicholas Vajen, Director of Safety and Security, Sporting Kansas City
- Shaun West, Head of Team and Arena Security, National Basketball Association
- Adrianne Wynne, Director of Security, Golden State Warriors
- Anthony Kosednar, Cybersecurity Consultant, State Farm Stadium
- Colleen Iskenian, Facility Security Manager, Philadelphia Eagles
The Professional of the Year Award recognizes a member of management in the field who has, over the past year, demonstrated outstanding leadership in addressing safety and security issues. In addition to the enhanced safety of their venue/event, the recipient’s contributions have set an example for others to follow.
The award is sponsored by Prevent Advisors, a full-service security consulting company with extensive knowledge, expertise, and understanding of the operational aspects of sports and entertainment facilities and venues. They are the first and only company to receive SAFETY Act Designation for a Red Team Assessment Service.
“What a stellar group of professionals we are honoring this year. And there is no greater honor than being recognized by your peers for the work being conducted on a daily basis to ensure the safety and security of all,” said Dr. Stacey A. Hall, NCS⁴ Executive Director and Professor of Sport Management. “These individuals make a difference in our industry, and we look forward to acknowledging their contributions to the field.”
Each league or organization selects the criteria and determines who will be recognized. Individuals receiving the award include:
- Jan Seeley, Director, Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend
- Nathan Priest, Athletic Director, Morse High School
- Matt Davidson, Associate Athletic Director, Event Management and Operations, University of Nebraska
- Jorge Costa, Senior Vice President and Chief Venue Officer, Oracle Park, San Francisco Giants
- Kevin Clark, Director, Security, D.C. United
- Blake Paris, Senior Vice President of Public Safety and Guest Experience, Utah Jazz
- Leah Mastaglio, Senior Assistant General Manager, NRG Park
- Tim “Tuba” Smith, Director, Festivals and Strategic Initiatives, C3 Presents
The awards will be presented at an annual Awards Luncheon that takes place on the second day of the conference. The luncheon is sponsored by Evolv Technology, which provides weapons detection systems for security screening.
Make plans to join us and register now at http://www.ncs4.usm.edu/conference/. The deadline to register for the conference is June 8. For more information about the awards, visit https://ncs4.usm.edu/about/awards-recognition/.