Industry Leaders Under 40 to Receive Recognition during National Sports Security Conference

Eight sports security professionals under the age of 40 will be recognized for their leadership in addressing safety and security issues as part of the 2017 National Sports Safety and Security Conference and Exhibition, set for July 11-13 in Orlando, Fla. This year's theme is “Building Resiliency in the Sports Safety and Security Industry.” More than 400 security professionals and 60 vendor exhibits are expected for the national conference.

The presentation of the “Industry Leader Under 40” award will take place on the second day of the eighth annual conference, which is hosted by the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) at The University of Southern Mississippi.

“The Industry Leader Under 40 award is to allow professional leagues, NCAA member institutions, marathon organizations, and interscholastic athletic programs to honor outstanding individuals that have gone above and beyond for their sports safety and security,” 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 other young aspiring sports security professionals 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:

• Charlotte Brookes, event director, Canadian Running Series (Road Race/Endurance Events)
• David Grice, president, RaceWorks, Inc. (Road Race/Endurance Events)
• Matt West, senior vice president of operations, DMSE Sports, Inc. (Road Race/Endurance Events)
• Ben Rolens, general manager of facilities, Leonard E. Merrell Center, Katy Independent School District (Interscholastic Advisory Committee)
• Akin Bryant, executive police lieutenant, University of Michigan – Division of Public Safety and Security (NCAA)
• Drew Pittman, assistant athletics director, facilities and operations, Baylor University (NCAA)
• Mike McCarroll, director of guest services, SAP Center at San Jose (NHL)
• Billy Langenstein, director of event services, U.S. Bank Stadium (NFL)

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 8th Annual Conference:
The National Sports Safety and Security Conference & Exhibition will be held in Orlando at the JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes Resort on July 11-13, 2017.  The Conference will attract over 450 attendees and 60 exhibitors representing safety and security professionals in professional sport leagues, intercollegiate athletics, stadium and arena directors/managers, government agencies, private sports security firms, emergency responders, sport facility owners and operation managers.  For more conference and exhibition information, visit www.ncs4.com/conference.