National Advisory Board

Virginia Brophy Achman served as executive director and race director of Twin Cities In Motion (TCM), a 501(c)3, for 23 years. TCM organizes the region’s premier running events, including the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon, a Top 10 U.S. Marathon, and a year-round calendar of events. During her leadership, TCM evolved into a mission-driven organization that promotes healthy lifestyles through running events and community outreach and contributes a portion of every race dollar to local youth and professional athletes, raising more than $1 million annually with its charity partners.

Today, Brophy Achman is concentrating on open-air mass participation events, with a focus on event preparedness, business continuity, risk management, crisis management, and crisis communication. Brophy Achman formed her own company, V Prepared, LLC, in 2023. She is a founding member, past co-chair, and current committee member of the Marathon and Endurance Events Committee and sits on the National Advisory Board at the National Center for Spectators Sports Safety and Security (NCS⁴). During the pandemic, she helped form and co-chair the Minnesota Running Industry Task Force (MNRITF), which successfully advocated bringing running events back to the Twin Cities within months of the initial shutdown in 2020.

Brophy Achman has served in numerous leadership roles, including Chair of Women’s Long Distance Running for USA Track & Field, President of Running USA, and Chair of Registration for Race for the Cure – Susan G. Komen Twin Cities. She currently serves on boards for Minnesota Distance Elite and Club Run, and has also completed 12 marathons.

Matthew Bettenhausen is the Senior Vice President and Chief Security Officer (CSO) for AEG Worldwide. AEG is the leading sports and entertainment presenter in the world. They own or manage over 100 sports and entertainment venues across the globe and are the second largest promoter of concerts and festivals. Bettenhausen has overall responsibility for security, safety, and preparedness for AEG’s domestic and global operations, events, and facilities. 

Before joining AEG, Bettenhausen was appointed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to lead California’s homeland security and emergency management operations as the Secretary of the California Emergency Management Agency (CalEMA). Matt was a member of Governor Schwarzenegger’s cabinet and served as the Chairman of the California Emergency Council.

Previously, Bettenhausen was the first Director of State and Territorial Coordination with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and served on the Department’s Emergency Response Group and its Interagency Incident Management Team.

He also was the Deputy Governor of Illinois and its first Homeland Security Director. He was responsible for coordinating the law enforcement and public safety agencies and functions of the State of Illinois.

Prior to that, Bettenhausen was a federal prosecutor with the U.S. Department of Justice.  For most of his prosecutorial career, he also held supervisory positions with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago, including Chief of Appeals and Associate Chief of the entire Criminal Division, among others.

He is a Certified Protection Professional (CPP); Certified Sport Security Professional (CSSP); and a licensed Attorney and Certified Public Accountant in Illinois.

Scott Breor serves as the Associate Director of Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Security Programs. In that role, he leads the efforts in the development of tools and resources to mitigate the threats to public gathering events and locations. This includes risk mitigation support and training on topics including active shooter preparedness, suspicious activity reporting, non-confrontational techniques, vehicle ramming, and insider threat.

Breor has over 38 years of military and senior executive experience in the United States government. Prior to the Department of Homeland Security, Breor was a Naval Aviator and had served as the Senior Policy Advisor for the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) on all Homeland Security matters.

Breor is a member of the Senior Executive Service (SES). He was a Senior Executive Fellow at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University. He received a Master of Arts in National Security Studies and in Homeland Security and Defense from the Naval Post Graduate School and received a Master of Business Administration from the University of Oklahoma. In addition, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics from The Citadel.

Jason DiJoseph was promoted to Unit Chief within the Critical Incident Response Group, National Response Coordination Section, in July 2022 and has over 20 years of federal law enforcement experience. DiJoseph leads the FBI’s National Crisis and Incident Response Operations, Special Event Planning, and all Crisis Response training. He serves as co-chair to the FBI/DHS Special Events Assessment Rating (SEAR) group, is the senior FBI representative to the National Special Security Events (NSSE) Working Group and co-chair to Department of State’s International Security Event Group (ISEG). DiJoseph also directs the National Crisis Coordination Center (NC3) response upon its activation to a critical incident.

DiJoseph began his FBI career in October 2003. His first Field Office assignment was to Newark, working criminal enterprise investigations. In September 2012, he was promoted to Supervisory Special Agent and directed to the Violent Crime Unit. His responsibilities included management of the FBI’s Top Ten fugitive program, bank robbery program, and providing headquarters oversight for 12 Field Offices’ violent crime squads and task forces.   

In February 2014, DiJoseph returned to the Newark Field Office and was selected to be the Senior Team Leader of the Field Office’s SWAT team. He was responsible for planning and executing high-risk warrant service, coordinating executive protection details and special events, and ensuring the team’s compliance with training metrics.

In September 2017, DiJoseph was promoted to a Supervisory Special Agent position in the Crisis Management Unit. In this capacity, he served as the FBI’s lead security coordinator for several large-scale domestic and international special events. He also deployed as a crisis management specialist following the 1 October shooting in Las Vegas, Houston, TX, after Hurricane Harvey and the serial bombings in Austin and Beaumont, TX, critical incidents.   

Prior to the FBI, DiJoseph served in the U.S. Marine Corps completing deployments to Afghanistan in support of the Global War on Terrorism. He has a B.A. in History from LaSalle University and an M.A. in Homeland Security and Defense from The Naval Postgraduate School. He is married and has two children.

Scott Dunn is the Senior Advisor, Strategic Initiatives for Axis Communications Americas. He joined the management team as head of Business Development in 2009 for the Americas Region.

Dunn has over 27 years of experience in the security industry with expertise in access control and video surveillance areas, having previously held top executive positions at Synergistics, Inc. and Northern Computers-Honeywell.

Dunn developed Axis’ National Systems Integrator partnerships and other programs such as professional services, technology Integration partnerships, and architect and engineering education. His team is dedicated to consulting with key industry associations to promote educational and standards efforts. He has written many security-related articles for best practices and future technology trends outlook for various publications and is a sought-after speaker/expert panelist at many Industry Events such as ASIS, ISC West, and Securing New Ground.

Dunn was selected as one of the top ten most influential people in the security market of America by the SecurityHive.com peer survey. Since 2019, he served on the SIA board of Directors and the National Advisory Board for the NCS⁴. He was awarded the NCS⁴-SIA Sports Security Innovator of the Year award in 2019. In 2023, Mr. Dunn joined the board of Zero Now, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a safe and secure environment for the nation’s schools.

He was also recently elected to the Chair of the SIA board of directors for the 2024-2026 term.

Richard Fenton is the Chief Security Officer for Ilitch Holdings and oversees corporate security, venue security, loss prevention, investigations, and executive services.

Fenton achieved DHS SAFETY Act Certification for the Security Program at Comerica Park / Detroit Tigers and the Security Design/ Security Program at the Little Caesars Arena/ Detroit Red Wings. Additionally, Fenton is chairman of the NCS⁴ Advisory Board and a Co-Founder of the Public/Private Partnership “Lighthouse Program” in Detroit.

He is a retired Executive Commander of the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department and Police Chief/Commander at Detroit Metro Airport. Richard is a graduate and past adjunct faculty of Eastern Michigan University and a graduate of the FBI National Academy (NA).

Brian Finch is a partner and co-chair of the Cybersecurity and Global Security practices at the international law firm Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP. He has extensive regulatory and government affairs advocacy experience, and he is a recognized authority on global security and cybersecurity threats.

Based in Washington, D.C., Finch provides strategic legal counsel to companies from nearly every industry regarding regulatory issues, cyberattacks, national defense and intelligence policies, and homeland security concerns. He has helped more than 150 clients take advantage of SAFETY Act liability protections, including for a variety of professional sports teams and leagues. Brian also advises on risk mitigation tactics, minimizing post-event negative consequences, and litigation strategies, as well as drafting and implementing security and safety policies so that clients can offer proof of the design and implementation of reasonable security and safety policies.

Finch has been a thought leader on global security and cybersecurity-related matters for years. He has testified before Congress on the implementation and expansion of the SAFETY Act and worked closely with the Department of Homeland Security on the SAFETY Act at the programmatic and leadership levels. He has contributed to The Wall Street Journal and other major news outlets on the SAFETY Act, emerging security trends, and practical business strategies. Brian is also published in trade publications and academic journals, including a recent book published by Practising Law Institute, Cybersecurity Obligations for Attorneys: Confidential Information in the Age of Cyber Crime (June 2023).

Gary Gardner is President & CEO of TOTALeACCESS, a security consulting firm. He brings over 40 years of investigative, security, protection, intelligence, analysis, forensics, technology, and consulting. His career spanned more than 30 years of diverse service with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in various capacities. His experience covers numerous areas of concern to today’s business and sports world.

While serving in the FBI, he held many positions as Special Agent, investigating a wide variety of Federal offenses. In the New York City Office, he served as Supervisor/Co-Commander of both the Bank Robbery and Terrorism Task Forces. At FBI Headquarters, he oversaw cutting-edge investigative information technology and crisis management. He led the FBI’s investigative computer support systems and directed investigative support and training for crisis situations, special events, and major cases.

Gardner served the Charlotte Motor Speedway, providing security and safety coordination, and then as NASCAR’s Director of Security, overseeing all aspects of NASCAR’s corporate and event security. He collaborated with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to establish the first evacuation guide for large sporting events.

Currently, Gardner’s consulting includes serving as the VP – North America Operations & Security and Safety Applications Director for InControl Simulation Solutions.

Gardner is a decorated U.S. Army Ranger veteran with service in Vietnam and a graduate of the American University in Washington, D.C.

He served as the Chairman of the InfraGard National Members Alliance Board, a public/private sector organization for the protection of our Nation’s Critical Infrastructures. He is a member of the National Center for Spectator Sports Security and Safety (NCS⁴) National Advisory Board.

Steve Georgas is presently the Chief Security Officer for Levy, the market leader in defining the sports and entertainment hospitality experience. Levy is recognized as the most critically acclaimed hospitality company in its industry, with a portfolio spanning award-winning restaurants; iconic sports and entertainment venues, zoos and cultural institutions, theaters and music festivals, and convention centers; as well as the Super Bowl, Grammy Awards, US Open Tennis Tournament, Kentucky Derby, Coachella and Stagecoach Music Festivals, and NHL, MLB, NBA, NFL, and MLS All-Star Games.

Prior to working with Levy, Georgas spent 29 years with the Chicago Police Department, rising to the rank of Deputy Chief. Georgas spent 10 years managing specialized units for the Department and covering all large-scale special events within the City of Chicago. Some of these events included the yearly Chicago Marathon, three Chicago Blackhawks Stanley Cup Championship games, parades, and rallies, the 2016 Chicago Cubs World Series games, parade and rally, and many high-profile visits of world leaders, including the President of the United States. He holds a master’s degree in public administration from the Illinois Institute of Technology, the Certified Protection Professional (CPP) certification from ASIS International, and the Certified Sports Security Professional (CSSP) certificate from NCS⁴. Georgas is an international expert in this field, having helped overseas and local governments plan for events within their jurisdictions.

Mike Hartnett currently serves as Vice President of Venue Security for Ilitch Sports and Entertainment. In this position, he is responsible for leading the daily security operations and event-based security for the Detroit Red Wings, the Detroit Tigers, Little Caesars Arena, Comerica Park, the Fox Theatre, and three outdoor music amphitheaters. Hartnett is focused on creating a safe and secure environment across all venues in the Ilitch Sports and Entertainment family.

Prior to joining Ilitch Sports and Entertainment, Hartnett served as a Special Agent in the FBI for over 21 years. He retired as the Unit Chief of the FBI’s Crisis Management Unit. In that assignment, Hartnett managed and oversaw the FBI’s Crisis Management and Special Events Programs. In this capacity, he planned and supervised the FBI’s response to critical incidents and terrorism events and planned security for national events such as the Superbowl and Presidential Inaugurations.

During his FBI career, Hartnett investigated La Cosa Nostra (LCN) cases and International Terrorism cases in New York, NY, and Chicago, IL. He supervised Eurasian Organized Crime investigations at FBI Headquarters and was later Unit Chief in the Terrorist Financing Operations Section. Finally, Hartnett supervised a Washington Field Office Joint Terrorism Task Force squad.

Prior to joining the FBI, Hartnett served as an attorney and in the United States Army Reserves as an enlisted Infantryman and as a Captain in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps. He was also a member of the FBI Chicago SWAT Team.

Elliot Hopkins, originally from Chicago, is a former Harrisburg, PA resident. His responsibilities include but are not limited to, being the staff liaison to the NFHS Student Services Committee. In addition, he is the NFHS Baseball and Wrestling Rules Editor; he also supervises the NFHS, National High School Activities Month initiative, numerous national surveys, and the NFHS Sanctioning Program. Currently, he is the director of the NFHS Student Leadership Summit and speaks nationally to students exclusively about hazing prevention and sportsmanship. Hopkins is beginning his second term as a board member of the Hazing Prevention Organization (www.HazingPrevention.org) and is a contributor to the new online NFHS’ Creating a Safe and Respectful Environment Course (www.nfhslearn.com). Hopkins has also been a consultant for the New Jersey Department of Education, an instructor for the Indiana Department of Education School Safety Academy, and the Kentucky Center of School Safety, a division of the Kentucky School Boards Association. He is currently serving on the USA Baseball Board of Directors as board secretary representing the NFHS and is a long-standing committee member of the USA Baseball Sports Medicine Advisory Committee.

A former member of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association, Inc. (PIAA) executive staff as Assistant Executive Director, his duties included management and organization of specific PIAA championships. He created and implemented the state’s first sportsmanship program, “Sportsmanship – The Only Missing Piece is You!” As a member of the PIAA executive staff, Hopkins represented Pennsylvania as the Chairman of the NFHS Sportsmanship, Ethics and Integrity Committee, Co-Chair of the NFHS Citizenship Committee, and a member of the NFHS Sanctioning Committee. Prior to his employment with the PIAA, Hopkins had established a career as a corporate sales executive for several Fortune 500 companies, including Broyhill Furniture Industries, Xerox Corporation, Bell Atlantic Systems, Inc. (formerly Bell of Pennsylvania), and the Standard Register Company.

As a graduate of Wake Forest University, Hopkins was captain and a four-year starter for the Demon Deacons’ football team. He was a recipient of the 1975 Brian Piccolo Scholarship for four years, he was also awarded the 1978 Brian Piccolo Player Award, given to the player who best epitomized the spirit and work ethic of the late Brian Piccolo, and he also received the Bill George Award for the most outstanding senior lineman upon graduation in the spring of 1979. Hopkins earned his master’s degree in leadership development from St. Mary-of-the Woods College in St. Mary-of-the Woods, IN.

Hopkins is a retired PIAA basketball official. He has coached both boys and girls in elementary/junior high school basketball programs in the Harrisburg, PA, area. He is a former athletic administrator of a private elementary school, the Cathedral School, Harrisburg, PA. He is a father of two adult children, an active community and church member, and enjoys the hobbies of weightlifting, motorcycling, reading, and is a national motorcycle safety instructor.

Michael Hughes is the Director of INTERPOL Washington. In this role, Hughes serves as the head of the United States National Central Bureau and is the designated representative to the world’s largest international criminal police organization and its 196 member countries.

Hughes also serves on INTERPOL’s Executive Committee in Lyon, France. He is responsible for the oversight of the organization and the Secretary General including governance, strategy, and budget.

As director, Hughes leads efforts on behalf of the United States to increase collaboration and information sharing across all INTERPOL databases and communication platforms. He also oversees a multi-faceted workforce consisting of law enforcement professionals, operational and administrative employees, and infrastructure assets deployed worldwide that support law enforcement, border security, counter-terrorism, and major event safety and security.

Prior to this appointment, Hughes served as the Presidentially appointed United States Marshal for the District of Columbia. Throughout his career, Hughes has served on numerous criminal justice task forces, academic committees, and as a Legislative Fellow in the U.S. Congress. Additionally, he has worked with federal, local, state, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies in the United States to advance law enforcement cooperation, education, and security and safety.

Hughes’ academic credentials include a Master of Public Administration from American University, a Legislative Fellowship from Georgetown University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Montclair State University in New Jersey.

G.B. Jones is the Chief Safety and Security Officer for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, where he is responsible for leading safety and security planning and operations, venue security, crisis management, access control, accreditation, and emergency preparedness planning for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and its test events. 

Prior to joining FWC2026, Mr. Jones was the International Security Director for the National Football League (NFL), where he led security planning for the NFL’s international markets, including the International Series Games in London, Germany, and Mexico. Mr. Jones retired from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in May 2019 after 23 years of service, where his assignments included directing counterterrorism programs for special events, aviation security, and maritime security. He was a sworn law enforcement officer for more than 31 years and has experience as a municipal police officer, deputy sheriff, Minnesota State Trooper, and FBI Agent. 

Mr. Jones earned a master’s degree in public administration from Hamline University in St. Paul, MN, and a master’s degree in National Security Studies – Homeland Security and Defense from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA. He is also a graduate of the 262nd Session of the FBI National Academy.

John Junell is the Chief Security Officer (CSO) for Live Nation Entertainment. As a global leader in the live entertainment industry, Live Nation produces over 40,000 concerts and 200+ festivals, connecting 4,000 touring artists with over 98 million fans annually. Live Nation also owns and/or operates 200+ live music venues and maintains corporate offices worldwide. Ticketmaster, owned by Live Nation, is the global event ticketing leader and one of the world’s top five eCommerce sites, with over 500 million tickets sold each year. As the CSO, Junell is responsible for leading an industry standard/best practice corporate security program that standardizes security policy, process, and procedures across the global enterprise to help keep Live Nation’s employees, guests, and artists safe.

Previously, Junell was a Special Agent with the U.S. Secret Service, where he served on the agency’s Presidential Protective Division, leading comprehensive threat analysis and complex security plans worldwide. His career spans 25+ years of public and private sector security leadership experience, which includes roles as a Special Agent with the U.S. Customs Service and other corporate security leadership duties with JPMorgan Chase & Co. and an emerging biotech company. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and a Master of Arts degree in Kinesiology from Sam Houston State University.

Billy Langenstein is currently the Senior Director of Security Services at the National Football League. Working with a talented team, he oversees the Fan Conduct program by analyzing gameday metrics, trends and implementation of best practices. He leads the League’s Global Security Operations Center (GSOC) with a team of analysts and operations staff integrating the Physical, Intelligence, Travel, and Cyber Security programs in addition to evaluating innovative technology and the management of best practices for special events and stadium operations at both Domestic and International League led events. Working closely across all departments, clubs, and stadiums, his goal is to deliver a safe and secure environment for all NFL events.

Spending three and a half years with SMG as the Director of Event Services, Langenstein opened and operated U.S. Bank Stadium, home to the Minnesota Vikings, and, in the process, planned, implemented, and executed processes and procedures. Earning the SAFETY Act award for the venue, he was specifically responsible for security, public safety and emergency preparedness, medical services, transportation, guest experience, tours, and event management oversight. Prior to SMG, Langenstein spent four seasons with the Washington Nationals as the Director of Event Operations.

A native of Philadelphia, PA, Langenstein graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and a Master’s degree in Sports Management from Georgetown University. He achieved his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Maryland Smith School of Business. He is an NCS⁴ Industry Leader Under 40 award winner for both MLB and the NFL and has achieved the Certified Sport Security Professional (CSSP) certification. He was awarded the 2018 30 under 30 award by the International Association Venue Managers (IAVM), a 2017 20 under 40 winner by Security Systems News and a 2020 VenuesNow Generation Next winner. His commitment to the profession is vast as he was the Vice Chair for the IAVM’s Academy of Venue Safety and Security, currently the co-chair for the NCS⁴ National Advisory Board, and a member of the NCS⁴ Professional Sports Advisory Committee, and was a Team Coalition Master Trainer. His true passion is in the realm of professional development and leadership by taking continuing educational classes, and sharing the knowledge with his colleagues, and continuing to be a student and leader in the industry.

Jared Maples serves as Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Security Officer for the National Hockey League. Under his leadership, the Security Team is responsible for protecting the people, brand, and economic assets that comprise the NHL. He oversees all matters involving physical security, strategy, policy development, investigations, and the integrity of the game. A member of the NHL Senior Leadership Team, Maples also serves on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Sports Leagues Security Council and is a National Advisory Board member of the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS⁴).

Prior to joining the NHL, Maples was appointed as Director of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (NJOHSP). As the federally designated Homeland Security Advisor to the Governor, Maples served in both Governor Murphy’s and Governor Christie’s cabinet and was responsible for coordinating and leading New Jersey’s counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and emergency preparedness efforts. The scope of his responsibilities included securing and protecting New Jersey’s 9 million residents and 100 million annual visitors.

Before his appointment at NJOHSP, Maples spent over a decade at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and worked at the U.S. Department of Defense. He was fortunate to travel around the world on behalf of the U.S. Government, including many deployments to areas of active hostilities.

Maples earned an Associate of Arts in Government at Valley Forge Military College, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at Villanova University, and a Master of Business Administration at Georgetown University.

Jim Mercurio is an industry expert and consultant who most recently served as the San Francisco 49ers Executive Vice President and General Manager of Levi’s Stadium.

Mercurio has spent 30+ years in service to the sports and entertainment event industry. He began his career in an entry-level position, working in the San Francisco 49ers locker room and advanced through the ranks to become Executive Vice President and General Manager of Levi’s Stadium.

Mercurio served in the roles of Executive Vice President & General Manager of Levi’s Stadium, VP of Stadium Operations & Security, and Director of Stadium Operations for the 49ers at Candlestick Park. 

During his time at Candlestick & Levi’s Stadium, Mercurio oversaw all aspects of stadium and event operations, including executive oversight of the food and beverage operations, engineering, grounds, guest services, operations and logistics, parking, and transportation. He also managed all police, safety, and security services, including 24/7 stadium security operations and game and event day medical services at Levi’s Stadium.

Mercurio currently serves on the NCS⁴ National Advisory Board and as a Founding Distinguished Fellow for the Innovation Institute for Fan Experience (IIFX). In July 2016, Mercurio received the prestigious NCS⁴ Professional of the Year Award. In 2021, he received the NCS⁴ Distinguished Leadership Award, recognizing his constant contributions to the industry throughout his career. In July of 2023, Mercurio was enshrined in the IIFX Hall of Fame.

Mercurio and his wife, Teri, reside in Vacaville, CA.

Joe Monroe was named the University of Kentucky (UK) Chief of Police in November of 2009 following a three-year tenure as the department’s Interim Chief of Police. Chief Monroe was also instrumental in the restructuring of campus safety units at the University of Kentucky, where he now oversees the operations of the police, security for UK Healthcare facilities, campus security technology, and several other units. Additionally, he leads the University’s Crisis Management Response team efforts. Chief Monroe is the longest-serving Police Chief at the University of Kentucky Police Department since its inception in 1972. 

In addition to his lengthy law enforcement career, Monroe is also part of the adjunct faculty at Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service since 2011, teaching in the instructional area of sports and special planning and emergency response operations.  Additionally, he has been an instructor and consultant for the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS⁴), serving as a facilitator for the development of NCS⁴’s Safety and Security Best Practices and as an instructor in the areas of Crisis Communications and Risk Management and Awareness. In 2019, Chief Monroe was asked to participate in the facilitation of INTERPOL’s Project Stadia with NCS⁴ at INTERPOL headquarters in Lyon, France. 

Monroe has served as the Incident Commander for numerous large-scale events and responses. In addition, he has served as the leader in the University of Kentucky’s Emergency Operations Center, managing crisis responses, mitigation, and prevention for the University.

As the Chief Security Officer of the National Basketball Association, Leon Newsome oversees all aspects of security operations for the NBA, WNBA, NBA G League, NBA 2K League, Basketball Africa League, and associated events, as well as the NBA’s 15 offices worldwide. 

Prior to his time as the Chief Security Officer, Newsome spent 28 years with the Secret Service, rising to Deputy Director in August 2019. As Deputy Director, he oversaw the daily investigative and protective operations of an agency with more than 7,000 employees globally. He was also instrumental in implementing emerging protective technologies and led the Secret Service’s public and private partnerships on issues directly impacting national security.

Newsome has also held other senior management positions within the Secret Service, where his responsibilities included leading the investigative efforts for all domestic and international offices, serving as the agent in charge of the protective detail for Vice President Joseph Biden and his family, and overseeing the multiagency coordination of numerous National Special Security Events.

A Baltimore, Maryland native, Newsome earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Princeton University and is also a graduate of the Key Executive Leadership Program at American University.

Jeannette Neyses is a senior executive and transformational leader with decades of experience on the frontlines of globally prominent public and private organizations. Driven by a highly principled approach to inspiring people, she established The Baghera Group to share with other leaders the successes and lessons she has gleaned over her 25+ year career in mission-critical, high-performance geopolitical and geoeconomic environments worldwide – such as U.S. and foreign capitals, crisis hotspots and warzones, and boardrooms, C-suites, and command centers. As an impassioned change agent, she specializes in business, technology, security, and emergency management imperatives and driving organizational transformations that improve companies’ profitability, market share, and reputation through complex periods of change, growth, and value creation.

Neyses has partnered with hundreds of organizations across the private, nonprofit, and public sectors, including federal, state, and local entities, in scoping new business opportunities and creating standardized and customizable security risk strategies, processes, and protocols. She has extensive experience in crisis management and emergency preparedness program development for properties and events and has designed and implemented multiple new security initiatives and custom technology platforms that improved operational efficiencies, compliance, and performance.

Before launching her consulting firm, Neyses served as Deputy Chief Security Officer (DCSO) for the National Basketball Association as well as a Supervisory Special Agent with the United States Secret Service, serving in leadership roles on the elite Presidential Protective Divisions for President Barack Obama and President George W. Bush.

She earned a bachelor’s degree from Texas State University, a master’s degree from American Military University, and an MBA from Marist College. She also holds certificates from Harvard University and Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business in cybersecurity and executive leadership.

After a 25-year career with the FBI, Steve Olson joined the PGA TOUR in 2015 as their first Vice President of Corporate and Tournament Security. In that role, Olson oversees the planning and execution of security strategy at professional golf tournaments played around the world. Olson is also responsible for physical security, employee safety, and investigations at TOUR headquarters, Tournament Players Clubs, and remote offices in multiple locations across the country and around the world.

Linda Reid currently serves as the security leader for the largest Disney Park and Resort complex in the company, the Walt Disney World® Resort in Orlando, Florida. Prior to relocating to Orlando, Reid had security responsibility for Disney’s international theme parks and served as the strategic security resource for the Disney Parks and Resorts overseas properties at Hong Kong Disneyland, Shanghai Disneyland, Tokyo Disney, Disneyland Paris, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney land tours, Disney Institute, and Disney Vacation Club properties including the Aulani Resort in Hawaii.

Her first job in the Walt Disney Company in 2008 was as the Director of the Global Intelligence and Threat Analysis unit, where she built a team of corporate intelligence analysts who served as the “strategic tripwire” for risks and threats to the Walt Disney Company’s personnel and guests, facilities, and brand worldwide.

Reid joined the Walt Disney Company after an 18-year career with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). She is the recipient of the Intelligence Community’s Studeman Award for Excellence, Intelligence Medals for service in Iraq and Bosnia, a National Meritorious Unit Citation for Weapons of Mass Destruction, and numerous other CIA awards for Merit, Excellence, and Distinguished Service.

Reid is a founding member of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Classified Intelligence Forum and the Commercial Facilities and Outdoor Events subsector councils. She is the former Chairman of the State Department’s Pan-Asia Regional Council, a member of the security committee for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, the National Center for Spectator Sports and Safety, and a founding member of the Private Sector Intelligence Council.

Reid graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of California, Los Angeles. She has done graduate-level work at Cambridge University in England. Linda is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa chapter of UCLA.

Mike Rodriguez served as Senior Director of Security for the United States Tennis Association and the US Open Tennis Championships for 20 years (2003-2023).

Rodriguez developed the Medical Operations Plan for the 2020 US Open, the first international sporting event held during a pandemic. He authored the plan that was approved by New York State, and he oversaw the entire Medical Operation Plan for the event.

Rodriguez was appointed to the NCAA’s Medical Advisory Panel in March 2020 to address COVID-19. He provided his expertise and operational knowledge to the NCAA Final Four as they developed their overall medical operations plan for the event to return in early 2021.

Rodriguez was an original Member Representative of the Department of Homeland Security’s Sports Leagues Sub-Sector Council (DHS SLSC), formed in 2005. During an 8-year span, he served as the Chair of the Council.

Rodriguez (retired as a Detective-Sergeant after serving 23 years with the NYPD) served as a supervisor in the FBI/NYPD Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) directly involved with major international and domestic terrorism investigations, including the East African Embassy Bombings; the Bombing of the USS Cole; and the Anthrax Attack at NBC in New York City. He served as the Co-Supervisor in the investigation of the Attacks of September 11^th.

Rodriguez is the recipient of the 2011 National Sports Security Distinguished Leadership Award from The University of Southern Mississippi’s (USM) National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS⁴).

Russ Simons is the Chief Listening Officer and Managing Partner for Venue Solutions Group. His work is focused on operational consulting in all types of public assembly facilities worldwide. Has been involved in nearly every facet of the sports and entertainment facility industry during his career, including facility management, security, safety, risk, guest experience, revenue generation, engineering, and operations.

Simons continues to work on industry security, safety, and risk issues worldwide, having led the industry response to SARS in 2003, Ebola in 2011, and the International Association of Venue Managers COVID-19 Working Group responsible for the industry response to the crisis, including recovery, re-opening, and alternative facility usage. He has also led working groups on civil disobedience, protests and demonstrations, and ADA-related issues.

Simons serves as Vice Chair of the CISA/DHS Public Assembly Facility Sub-Sector Council. He is on the National Advisory Board of the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) and a Distinguished Fellow at the International Institute for Fan Experience. He is on the editorial board of Sports Facilities and the Law.

In 2017, he was awarded the prestigious NCS⁴ Distinguished Leadership in Security Award. He is a recent recipient of the IAVM Joseph Anzivino Award for extraordinary service and is in the IIFX Hall of Honor. He is a former Pollstar “Facility Manager of the Year.”

As the Senior Vice President of Safety and Security for Major League Soccer, Jeff Stonebreaker is responsible for setting security policies and best practices as well as tracking compliance and misconduct for the domestic league. He maintains a focus on recognized supporter groups and works to grow supporter culture in collaboration with clubs and the Independent Supporters’ Council. He also oversees the delivery of Soccer United Marketing/ International events that include the Mex Tour and the Leagues Cup Tournament.  

A Florida native, Stonebreaker comes from a law enforcement and military background. He spent several years as a Security Advisor to the English National Team with trips to the World Cup and the Euros. He served MLS as a consultant for seven years before joining six years ago in a full-time capacity.

Stonebreaker is on the National Advisory Board for NCS⁴ and serves as the co-chair of the Sports League Subsector Council (DHS-CISA), where security representatives from the other major leagues, as well as large events (NASCAR, US Open), collaborate and share best practices.

Stonebreaker and his department are committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for players, officials, fans, and employees at all MLS-sanctioned matches and events.

David Thomas serves as the Vice President of Security and Ballpark Operations for Major League Baseball, where he leads the strategic planning, execution, and evolution of MLB’s league-wide SAFETY Act-Designated security program, and all ballpark operations functions, including guest services, concessions, sustainability, housekeeping, facility management, etc. MLB’s security and ballpark operations standards guide the individual security programs at all 30 Major League ballparks, which host 70 million in-person fans each baseball season. Thomas serves as the principal MLB representative to the Sports League Subsector Council of DHS’s Critical Infrastructure Protection program.

After a 25-year career as a Special Agent in the U.S. Secret Service, Thomas entered the sports and entertainment security business as the head of security for the NBA’s Sacramento Kings. He was responsible for leading the security operations for the team, the arena, and the multi-purpose, mixed-use development surrounding the arena in downtown Sacramento, California. The arena hosted over 200 events annually, including 81 regular-season NBA games, concerts, and other events.

His Secret Service career led him to all 50 U.S. states and 30 foreign countries, where he conducted security planning advances and executive protection for five current Presidents, Vice-Presidents, foreign heads of state, and others. He successfully conducted multiple complex financial crimes investigations and led the Secret Service’s premier Electronic Crimes Task Force as the Special Agent in Charge of the San Francisco Field Office. He also spent time serving as the Secret Service Attaché in Moscow, Russia, where he provided strategic advice to the U.S. Ambassador on law enforcement issues.

Thomas previously served as a board member of the President’s National Infrastructure Advisory Council (NIAC), which is the only executive council that examines cross-sector critical infrastructure security and resilience issues and provides recommendations to the President of the United States on how to secure the nation’s infrastructure.

Eddie Washington is the Executive Director of the University of Michigan Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS). Appointed in 2013, he led the vision to unite public safety functions on the Ann Arbor, Flint, and Dearborn campuses. Under his leadership, the first-ever emergency operations center at the university was formed, dispatch centers for the main campus and hospital were consolidated, and a best-in-class integrated service delivery model was developed. Washington, a direct report to the president, plays an integral role in providing counsel on university-wide safety initiatives.

Prior, he served as U-M Homeland Security policy advisor and senior security policy advisor at Dow Chemical. In 2010, the Detroit native was elevated to the rank of Colonel by Governor Granholm and appointed as the 17th director in the more than 100-year history of the Michigan State Police (MSP). He was simultaneously named state director of emergency management and director of homeland security. His service in the military police and later as an MSP trooper in 1984 was a solid foundation for his career progression. As director, Washington had executive command of statewide operations. He is credited with creating the state’s Critical Infrastructure Protection Desk and forming the nationally recognized Michigan Infrastructure Coordinating Committee.

Washington holds degrees from Wayne County Community College and William Tyndale College. He also graduated from the Naval Postgraduate School’s Executive Leadership Program, Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, and the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA.

Washington’s board affiliations include Michigan Homeland Protection, Michigan Public Safety Interoperability, Auto Theft Prevention Authority, and Michigan Intelligence Operations Center Advisory Board. He serves on the following advisory boards: National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS⁴) and SafeHouse Center.