Eight professionals will be recognized for their leadership in addressing safety and security issues during the 2025 National Sports Safety and Security Conference and Exhibition on June 30-July 2 in San Antonio, TX. The event is presented annually by the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) at The University of Southern Mississippi.
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.
Each league or organization selects the criteria and determines who will be recognized. Individuals receiving the award include:
- Bonnie Almond, Vice President, Venue Operations, Tepper Sports and Entertainment
- Austin Augustus, PMP, MBA, Security Manager, Florida Panthers
- Madison Benner, Manager, Ballpark Operations & Security, Major League Baseball
- Taylor Dey, Manager, Safety & Security, Major League Soccer
- Matt Elliot, Assistant Athletic Director, Events and Facilities Operations, The University of Alabama
- Aaron Moore, Athletic Administrator, Noble High School
- Ed Whetham, Director of Event Operations, Twin Cities in Motion
- Jacob Zive, Director, Event Security Operations, New York Road Runners
“We are thrilled to recognize these outstanding young professionals who are raising the standards of sports safety and security and setting an example for their peers,” said Dr. Stacey Hall, NCS4 executive director and professor of sport management.
The awards will be presented at the luncheon during the conference. The awards luncheon is sponsored by Evolv Technology, which provides weapons detection systems for security screening.