Awards & Recognition

The NCS4 values the contribution of professionals in the field and is proud to recognize those individuals and organizations having a positive impact on moving the industry forward. Recipients are selected by a panel of subject matter experts, industry peers, league associations, advisory committees, or the NCS4 leadership and awarded annually at the National Sports Safety and Security Conference and Exhibition.
The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes the long-term accomplishments and contributions of an individual who has earned the respect and admiration of professional colleagues in the sports safety and security community. The award was developed to commemorate exemplary talents and contributions as demonstrated by the nominee’s dedication, loyalty, ability, and integrity.
2022 Recipient
Peter Kranske, CSSP, President and Chief Operating Officer, Landmark Event Staffing Services, Inc.
2021 Recipient
Elizabeth Woollen, Chief (Ret.), The University of Oklahoma Police Department
2019 Recipient
John King, CSSP, Executive Director of Public Safety, Chief of Police (Ret.), Boston College
2018 Recipient
Dennis Cunningham, Executive Vice President/Director of Security, National Hockey League
2017 Recipient
Larry Buendorf, Chief Security Officer, United States Olympic Committee
In 2019, the Distinguished Leadership Award was renamed to honor Milton E. Ahlerich, former Vice President of Security of the National Football League. The Milton E. Ahlerich Distinguished Leadership award recognizes a professional whose career includes multiple achievements and contributions to sports safety and security. The recipient’s service, commitment, ingenuity, and integrity must have elevated the profession to new levels to warrant this prestigious honor.
2022 Recipient
Jeff Stonebreaker, CSSP, Senior Vice President, Safety and Security, Major League Soccer
2021 Recipient
Jim Mercurio, Executive Vice President, San Fransisco 49ers, and Levi’s Stadium General Manager
2019 Recipient
Dane Dodd, Vice President – U.S. Security Operations, Command Security Corporation
2018 Recipient
Peter Ciaccia, President, Events & Race Director, TCS New York City Marathon
2017 Recipient
Russ Simons, Chief Listening Officer/Managing Partner, Venue Solutions Group
2016 Recipient
Jeff Miller, Former SVP/Chief Security Officer, National Football League
2015 Recipients
Paul Denton, Chief of Police, The Ohio State University Police Division
Paul Turner, Director of Event Operations and Security for the Dallas Cowboys and AT&T Stadium
2014 Recipient
Rick Fenton, Vice President of Corporate Security, Ilitch Holdings
2013 Recipient
Dennis Cunningham, Executive Vice President, Security, National Hockey League
2012 Recipient
Dan Mullin, Senior VP, Department of Investigations, Major League Baseball
2011 Recipient
Mike Rodriguez, Director of Security, United States Tennis Association
2010 Recipients
Milt Ahlerich, Vice President for Security, National Football League
Thad Cochran, United States Senator for Mississippi
Bennie Thompson, Congressman Representing the 2nd District of Mississippi, Ranking Democrat, Committee of Homeland Security
The Champion of Change Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated the ability and commitment to bring about positive change in the sports safety and security industry. Through progressive leadership, this individual’s achievements have made a difference to organizational effectiveness and led the organization forward into the future.
2022 Recipient
Richard Fenton, CSSP, Vice President and Chief Security Officer, Ilitch Holdings, Inc.
2021 Recipient
James E. Craig, Chief (Ret.), Detroit Police Department
2019 Recipient
Cathy Lanier, Senior Vice President, Chief Security Officer, National Football League
2018 Recipient
Andrea Cunningham, Global Security VP of International Theme Parks, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney and National Geographic Expeditions, The Walt Disney Company
The Professional of the Year Award recognizes a member of management in the field that has, over the past year, demonstrated outstanding leadership in addressing safety and security issues. In addition to the enhanced safety and security of their venue, the recipient’s contributions have set an example for others to follow.
2022 Recipients
Carlos Campos, Senior Manager, Stadium Operations, Los Angeles Angels
Andrea Dowdy, CEO, Denver Colfax Marathon
John Graeber, Executive Director, Safety and Security, Navy Pier
Darren F. Johnson, Director of Stadium Safety and Security, Detroit Lions
Jennifer Pfeister, Director of Safety and Security, Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse
Mike Purdy, Regional Soccer Security Agent, Major League Soccer
André D. Walker, Director of Athletics and UIL Activities, Houston Independent School District
Robert Weiseman, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Athletic Facilities, Game Operations, Events & Championships, Duke University
2021 Recipients
Salvatore DeAngelis, Director, Operations/Security, Philadelphia Phillies
Brandon Flynn, Security and Parking Manager, Tampa Sports Authority
Mike Garrity, CSSP, Race Director, Little Rock Marathon
Greg Haapala, Race Director, Grandma’s Marathon
Bryon Hatch, Assistant Commissioner, Southeastern Conference
J.P. Hayslip, Director of Facility Security, Philadelphia Eagles
Jose Pico, Security Director, Inter Miami CF
Drew Pittman, CSSP, Associate Athletics Director, Event Management and Facilities, Baylor University
Ben Rolens, CSSP, General Manager of Facilities, Katy Independent School District
Jody Young, Vice President of Fan Experience and Security, Edmonton Oilers Hockey Club
2019 Recipients
Troy Brown, Vice President, Stadium Operations, Cleveland Browns
Jerry Conners, CSSP, Director of Security, Detroit Tigers
Andrea Evans, Security and Safety Manager, Gila River Arena/AEG
Guy Grace, Director of Security and Emergency Planning, Littleton Public Schools
Meredith Ley, Stadium Operations Manager, Columbus Crew Soccer Club
Joe Monroe, CSSP, Chief of Police, University of Kentucky Police Department
2018 Recipients
Virginia Achman, Executive Director, Twin Cities in Motion
Andrew Burchfield, Director of Emergency Management & Communications, University of Michigan
Gina Chapa, Vice President of Guest Services, American Airlines Center
Marmion Dambrino, Director of Athletics, Houston Independent School District
Michael Morrow, Managing Director of Security, CenturyLink Field
David Rinetti, Vice President of Stadium Operations, Oakland Athletics
2017 Recipients
John Bertsch, Executive Director of Global Safety & Security, IRONMAN World Championship
Tim Christansan, Director of Security, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment
Tom Gunnell, Chief Operations Officer, Katy Independent School District
Lawrence Rabalais Jr., Chief of Police, LSU Police Department
Vernon Conaway Jr., Vice President, Safety and Security, Maryland Stadium Authority
Randy Olewinski, Security Director, Milwaukee Brewers
2016 Recipients
Scott Anderson, Pinnacle Venue Services
Kim Boulet, MTS Center
Jennifer Grant, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Jack Hackett, Milton Academy
Ed Harris, Verizon INDYCAR Series
Jim Mercurio, San Francisco 49ers
Ted Metellus, Competitor Group
Greg Terp, Miami Marlins
Salim Toorbally, Private Security
2015 Recipients
David Born, Staples Center
Brian Corrigan, DC United, RFK Stadium
Brian Herbert, Quicken Loans Arena
John Leas, San Diego Padres
Mike Nishi, Chicago Marathon
Lon Rosenberg, formerly of the Washington Redskins
Amy Skeens-Benton, Carmel Clay High School
Jeff Steele, Auburn University
2014 Recipients
Mark Bodenschatz, Pennsylvania State University
Larry Bowman, Turner Field
Mark Brenner, First Niagara Center
Mark Briggs, Gillette Stadium
Mike Gulino, Byram Hills Central School District
Ed Klima, Dover International Speedway
James McFarland, BBVA Compass Stadium
Dave McGillivray, Boston Marathon
Donald Paisant, Smoothie King Center
2013 Recipients
Matt Bettenhausen, AEG Worldwide
Matt Brannock, Martinsville Speedway
Richard Fenton, Illitch Holdings
Thomas J. Gunnell, Katy Independent School District
Robert “Bob” Hundevadt, American Airlines Arena
Johnny Jackson, Joe Louis Arena
Gina McFarlin, FC Dallas Stadium
Larry Naifeh, University of Oklahoma
Executive Events Services, Yorba Linda, California
2012 Recipients
Edward Boyens, Amway Center
Dick Clark, Linder Family Tennis Center
Danny DeLorenzi, MetLife Stadium
Paul Denton, The Ohio State University
David Dollase, Livestrong Sporting
Rosie Grace, Amway Center
Jim Hobbs, Michigan International Speedway
Rob Matwick, Rangers Ballpark in Arlington
Clinton Peterson, PNC Arena
The Emerging Industry Leader Award recognizes up and coming industry professionals that have demonstrated outstanding leadership in addressing safety and security issues. 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.
2022 Recipients
Lonnie Allen, Senior Manager, Event Security, Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Molly Chernick, President/Founder, Buckingham Event Productions
Michelle Durgin, Project Manager, Ballpark Operations, San Francisco Giants
Amy Finnegan, Senior Director, Security, Kroenke Sports and Entertainment
Lauren Gress, Senior Manager, Event Operations, Philadelphia Eagles
Zacharia Litzelswope, Director, Events and Guest Experience, Minnesota United FC
Leigh Ann Moffett, Associate Vice President and Chief Risk Officer, Southern Methodist University
Dr. Dustin Smith, Director of Athletic Operations and Student Activities, Greenwood Public Schools
2021 Recipients
Kory Dahlen, Director of Championships, Southeastern Conference
Zoe Irizarry, Safety and Security, Major League Soccer
Michelle Juehring, Race Director, Quad-City Times Bix 7
Melissa Lesperance, CSSP, Director, District Command Center, Olympia Development of Michigan
Sarah Mathis, Director of Fan Experience, Jacksonville Jaguars
Dena Scott, Director of Athletics, Fort Bend Independent School District
2019 Recipients
Michael Clemons, Race Director, Louisville Sports Commission
Sam Cornejo, Director of Security, SMG State Farm Stadium
Scott Ellis, Lieutenant, University of South Carolina Police Department
Patrick Lee, Athletic Director, Lamar County School District
2018 Recipients
Sean Barus, Director of Operations, Chicago Event Management
Michael Fogel, Security Manager, AT&T Stadium
Tamica Hill, School Resource Officer, Lamar County School District
Aaron Memzer, Director of Events, DMSE Sports, Inc.
Rebecca Wilusz, Duke University
2017 Recipients
Charlotte Brookes, Event Director, Canadian Running Series
Akin Bryant, Executive Police Lieutenant, University of Michigan – Division of Public Safety and Security
David Grice, President, RaceWorks, Inc.
Billy Langenstein, Director of Event Services, U.S. Bank Stadium
Mike McCarroll, Director of Guest Services, SAP Center at San Jose
Drew Pittman, Assistant Athletics Director, Facilities, and Operations, Baylor University
Ben Rolens, General Manager, Special Events, Reservations, and Marketing, Katy Independent School District
Matt West, Senior Vice President of Operations, DMSE Sports, Inc.
2016 Recipients
Carly Caulfield, Houston Marathon Committee
Kevin Dooley, Spurs Sports & Entertainment/AT&T Center
David Ellis, Boise State University
Dan Lolli, Columbus Crew Soccer Club
Chad Ludkey, Nashville Predators and Bridgestone Arena
Andrey Reis, Rio 2016 Olympics
2015 Recipients
Joe Coomer, Global Spectrum at University of Phoenix Stadium
Sal DeAngelis, Philadelphia Phillies
Billy Langenstein, Washington Nationals
Kyle McLaughlin, TCS New York Marathon
Jerome Pickett, National Basketball Association
Steve Sanchez, Staples Center
Antonio Torres-Roman, Miami Marlins
The Facility of Merit for Safety and Security Award recognizes a facility that has performed above and beyond normal operations to demonstrate an innovative approach to enhancing safety and security. The chosen facility may also have resolved a significant safety and security issue or incident.
2022 Recipients
MLB at Field of Dreams Ballpark
Kyle Field, Texas A&M University
Madison Square Garden
AJC Peachtree Road Race
M&T Bank Stadium
William Ball Stadium, Eustis Field
2021 Recipients
McKinney ISD Stadium and Community Center
Fiserv Forum
Denver Colfax Marathon
Rogers Place
Darrell K. Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium, University of Texas
FirstEnergy Stadium
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
2019 Recipients
Little Caesar’s Arena
Delmar-Tusa Sports Complex, Houston ISD
Citizens Bank Park
Albertsons Stadium, Boise State University
Canvas Stadium, Colorado State University
Hard Rock Stadium
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Scott Stadium, The University of Virginia
St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend
2018 Recipients
American Airlines Center
CenturyLink Field
Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon
Harry A. Gampel Pavilion, The University of Connecticut
Oak Grove High School
Littleton Public Schools
Bryant-Denny Stadium, The University of Alabama
Busch Stadium
Williams-Brice Stadium, The University of South Carolina
St. Mark’s School of Texas
2017 Recipients
Bridgestone Arena, Nashville Predators
Saginaw Public School District
Progressive Field, Cleveland Indians
Ryan Field, Northwestern University
Big Sur Marathon
Maryville City Schools
Richmond Public Schools
Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium, Duke University
Levi’s Stadium, San Francisco 49ers
Vaught Hemingway Stadium, The University of Mississippi
2016 Recipients
Milton Academy
Thornton Academy
Air Canada Centre, Ontario, Canada
MTS Centre, Manitoba, Canada
Katy Independent School District
Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon
Carnie Smith Stadium, Pittsburg State University
Lubber Stadium, Grand Valley State University
McLane Stadium, Baylor University
Michigan Stadium, University of Michigan
Yankee Stadium, New York City, New York
2015 Recipients
Red Bull Arena, Harrison, New Jersey
Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Houseman Field, Grand Rapids School District
Madison Square Garden, New York, New York
TCS New York City Marathon
Nationals Park, Washington, District of Columbia
Albertsons Stadium, Boise State University
California Memorial Stadium, University of California, Berkeley
Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn University
Stutler Bowl & Legacy Stadium, Cherry Creek School District
University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
2014 Recipients
Boston Athletic Association
Yale Bowl, Yale University
Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
Carmel Clay High School District, Carmel, Indiana
Menomonee Falls School District, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
Madison Square Garden, New York, New York
Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas
Alumni Stadium, Boston College
Commonwealth Stadium, University of Kentucky
MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Wicomico County Stadium, Salisbury, Maryland
2013 Recipients
American Airlines Arena, Miami, Florida
StubHub Center, Los Angeles, California
United Center, Chicago, Illinois
Racine Unified School District, Racine, Wisconsin
University of Phoenix, Glendale, Arizona
Martinsville Speedway, Ridgeway, Virginia
Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
Neyland Stadium, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Spartan Stadium, Michigan State University
Tiger Stadium, Louisiana State University
2012 Recipients
Rangers Ballpark, Arlington, Texas
Amway Center, Orlando, Florida
Linder Family Tennis Center, Mason, Ohio
Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Florida
Livestrong Sporting Park, Kansas City, Missouri
Michigan International Speedway, Brooklyn, Michigan
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, University of Florida
Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, University of Oklahoma
Highpoint Solutions Stadium, Rutgers University
Bruno Event Team, Birmingham, Alabama
2011 Recipients
Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan
Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
Kraft Nabisco Championship, Rancho Mirage, California
Wegmans Championship, Rochester, New York
Kyle Field, Texas A&M University
Safeco Field, Seattle, Washington
PPL Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
World Series, Williamsport, Pennsylvania
Daytona International Speedway, Daytona, Florida
Texas Motor Speedway, Fort Worth, Texas
Beaver Stadium, Penn State University
Gillette Stadium, Boston, Massachusetts
MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Ohio Stadium, The Ohio State University
The Golden Eagle Award recognizes excellence in architecture, engineering, and construction (A/E/C) specifically related to the safety and security of spectators, property, and infrastructure of spectator event facilities. The award considers the critical design and functionality elements that enable and promote the safety and security of all stakeholders in an efficient and effective manner.
2021 Recipient
Meridian Rapid Defense Group, Tournament of Roses Game and Parade
2019 Recipient
Digital Ally, Situational Security at MetLife Stadium
2018 Recipient
GeoComm
2017 Recipient
Babel Street
2016 Recipient
Genetec, A Unified Security Solution for Knight’s Stadium
2015 Recipient
Axis Communications
2014 Recipient
MicroPower Technologies
2013 Recipient
ISS 24/7
The Friends of NCS⁴ Award recognizes professionals whose contributions have been invaluable to the advancement of the Center. The NCS4 staff and leadership nominate individuals who have been an integral part of the Center’s goals and activities during the past year.
2022 Recipients
David S. Corderman, Senior Partner, The Nicholson Group, LLC
Scott Meyers, Founder and Executive Vice President, 24/7 Software
Steve Miller, Associate Athletic Director of Game Management, Texas A&M University Athletics
Dondi Pogue, Lieutenant-Special Events Division, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department
Barry Stanford, CSSP, Vice President, Safety and Security, AEG Worldwide
Rob Turner, CSSP, Major, Administration, University of Kentucky Police Department
2021 Recipients
Scott Dickson, Associate General Manager, Jerome Schottenstein Center, The Ohio State University
Steve Georgas, CSSP, Deputy Chief (Ret.), Chicago Police Department
Billy Langenstein, CSSP, Director of Security Services, National Football League
Michael Nishi, Chief Operating Officer, Chicago Event Management
John Pepper, CSSP, Sergeant, Metropolitan Nashville Police Department
Tim “Tuba” Smith, Director, Festivals and Strategic Events, C3 Presents
Gary Stevens, Director of Student Activities, Thornton Academy
Jesse Watkins, Director of Operations, TEEX/National Emergency Response and Recovery Training Center
Amanda Wright, Owner, Wright Consulting
2019 Recipients
Kelly Bartling, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Communications and Community Relations, University of Nebraska at Kearny
Timothy Guiterrez, Supervisory Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Seaton King, Battalion Chief (Ret.), Pasadena Fire Department
Mark Klukow, Sergeant, Minneapolis Police Department
Jim Mercurio, Vice President, Stadium Operations and General Manager, Forty Niners Management Company, Levi’s Stadium
Kenna Powell, CSSP, Director of Safety, Security, and Emergency Management, Providence Day School
2018 Recipients
Tom Gunell, Chief Operations Officer (Ret.), Cincinnati Public Schools & Katy Independent School District
Michael Hartnett, Unit Chief, Crisis Management Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Joe Jackson, Market Manager – Public Safety, Control Room Group by AVI-SPL
Patrice Matamoros, Chief Executive Officer, Pittsburg Three Rivers Marathon
Drew Pittman, Assistant Athletic Director, Event Management & Facilities, Baylor University
Michael Roberts, Programme Manager, INTERPOL Project STADIA
2017 Recipients
Virginia Brophy Achman, Executive Director, Twin Cities In Motion
Troy Brown, Vice President of Stadium Operations, Cleveland Browns
Khaled Hatem, Specialized Officer, INTERPOL Project STADIA
Larry Johnson, Assistant Superintendent and Executive Director of Public Safety and School Security, Grand Rapids Public Schools
Joey Sturm, Chief of Police, University of Louisiana, Lafayette
2016 Recipients
Andy Burchfield
Dane Dodd
John King
Wade Morehead
Jeff Steele
2015 Recipients
Sharon Cessna
Fred Gardy
Elliot Hopkins
Richard Morman
Russ Simons
2014 Recipients
Bret Becton
Wayne Folkes
Jennifer Gant
Diane Mack
Don Paisant
Paul Turner
2013 Recipients
Mark Bodenschatz
Mike Caruso
Al Davis
Gary Gardner
Bill Squires
2012 Recipients
Peter Fos
Ted Hayduk
Bob Hopkins
David Meyer
Doug Thorton
The Technology Alliance Member of the Year Award recognizes a member of the Sports and Entertainment Technology Alliance who has demonstrated a high level of commitment to research and training addressing industry needs in sports safety and security.
2021 Recipient
Ryan Zatolokin, Senior Technologist, Axis Communications