Security Director Andrea Cunningham Receives Champion of Change Award

Andrea Cunningham, the former Corporate & West Coast Security Operations Director for The Walt Disney Company and current Vice President of Security for NBC Universal, will be presented with the safety and security Champion of Change Award during the 2018 National Sports Safety and Security Conference & Exhibition on July 12-14 in Louisville, KY.

The award is presented annually by the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) at The University of Southern Mississippi.

The Champion of Change Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated their 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.

Cunningham has extensive background in security operations, investigations, shrink reduction, process improvement, risk management, Theme Park and Resort design and expansion, policy development and training.

In 2017, she partnered with NCS4 Director Dr. Lou Marciani to develop the concept of a new National Advisory Council. The main focus of the Council will be to advance and transform safety and security practices to meet tomorrow's challenges. Andrea initiated this discussion as a keynote speaker at the 2017 NCS4 Conference presenting “The Art of Foresight in a Changing World.”

“I am honored to be recognized by the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety & Security,” said Cunningham. “As our world continues to change, with an evolving and increasing threat environment, I believe it is incumbent for all security professionals to lean forward to proactively enhance our industry to meet today and tomorrow's challenges. Collectively we can make a difference by supporting one another in exceeding our objective of protecting our assets and creating a safe and secure environment for all.”

Cunningham joined the Walt Disney Company in 1990 at The Disney Store where she was responsible for Security, Loss Prevention, Workers' Comp, General Liability, and Risk Management for over 500 Disney Store locations in North America. In 1995, she joined the Disneyland Resort team as the Loss Prevention Manager where she developed a Loss Prevention organization to support the Resort goals and objectives.

In 1998 Cunningham joined the Disneyland Resort Development team where she was responsible for all aspects of the development of the Security, Fire and Health Services design standards for Disney's California Adventure, the Grand Californian Hotel, Downtown Disney and various parking lots.

Cunningham has been an influential figure in the sports and entertainment events industry providing security guidance and support to The Walt Disney Company including its west coast operations, corporate headquarters, and studio and media networks. She leads a team of more than 200 trained professionals including security leadership, proprietary and contract security personnel. 

Her contributions to the security profession go beyond the Walt Disney Company and influence the broader commercial facilities sector, which includes sport and entertainment venues. In June of 2018, Cunningham retired from her longstanding career at Disney to join NBC Universal as the Vice President of Security.

“Andrea's contributions to the field have made an impact beyond her immediate role by challenging the status quo and inspiring meaningful change,” said Marciani. “We could not be more appreciative of the work she has done to help advance the Center and the greater sports and entertainment industry in the United States.”

For more information about the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4), visit http://www.ncs4.com.