Professionals to Receive Recognition during National Sports Security Conference

Nine sports security professionals will be recognized for their leadership in addressing safety and security issues as part of the 2016 National Sports Safety and Security Conference and Exhibition set for July 12-14, in Phoenix, Arizona. This year's theme is Achieving the Gold Standard.

The Gold Standard is an industry benchmark to help sport organizations achieve their safety and security mission while balancing costs, operational efficiencies and maintaining an engaged workforce, all while enhancing the fan experience. More than 300 security professionals and 60 vendor exhibits are expected for the national conference.

The presentation of the Professional of the Year Awards to these individuals will take place on the second day of the seventh annual conference, which is hosted by the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) at The University of Southern Mississippi.

“The reason for the Professional of the Year Award is to allow professional leagues, NCAA member institutions and marathon and endurance organizations to honor outstanding individuals in the field of sports safety and security for their contributions and leadership,” said NCS4 Director Dr. Lou Marciani. “These contributions involve enhancing safety and security at their venue beyond what is normally required, and setting an example for others to follow.”

Marciani noted that each league or organization selects the criteria and makes the determination as to which professional will be recognized. Those being recognized include the following:

• Ted Metellus, Competitor Group (Road Race/Endurance Events)
• Ed Harris, Verizon INDYCAR Series (INDYCAR)
• Jay Hackett, Milton Academy (NFHS)
• Jennifer Gant, Federal Bureau of Investigation (NCAA)
• Kim Boulet, MTS Center (NHL)
• Greg Terp, Miami Marlins (MLB)
• Scott Anderson, Pinnacle Venue Services (NBA)
• Jim Mercurio, San Francisco 49ers (NFL)
• Salim Toorabally, Private Security

For more information about National Conference, visit http://www.ncs4.com/conference and for more information about the awards visit https://www.ncs4.com/about/ncs4-recognition-awards.

About the 7th Annual Conference:
The National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security's (NCS4) National Sports Safety and Security Conference & Exhibition will be held in Phoenix, Arizona on July 12-14, 2016. The theme this year is Achieving the Gold Standard. The conference attracts exhibitors, sponsors, and professionals such as sports venue and event operators, managers, security and safety staff, emergency managers, and law enforcement. These are representatives from the following levels: professional leagues, intercollegiate athletics, interscholastic athletics and marathon/endurance events. For more conference and exhibition information, visit http://www.ncs4.com/conference.