Professionals to Receive Recognition during National Sports Security Conference

Six sports security professionals 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 Professional of the Year Awards to these individuals 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 reason for the Professional of the Year Award is to allow professional leagues, NCAA member institutions, marathon and interscholastic athletics 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:

• John M. Bertsch, director of global safety and security, WTC IRONMAN (Marathon/Road Race Advisory Committee)

• Tom Gunnell, chief operations officer, Katy Independent School District (Interscholastic Athletics)

• Lawrence Rabalais, Jr., chief of police (retired), LSU Police Department (NCAA)

• Tim Christiansan, director of security, Kroenke Sport Entertainment (NHL)

• Randy Olewinski, security director, Milwaukee Brewers (MLB)

• Vernon Conaway, Jr., vice president, Maryland Stadium Authority (NFL)

For more information about the National Conference, visit http://www.ncs4.com/conference; for more information about 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 more than 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.