Eight Individuals to Receive Professional of the Year Award at National Sports Safety and Security Conference & Exhibition
Wed, 06/08/2022 - 03:56pm | By: NCS4 Staff
A total of eight professionals will be recognized for their leadership in addressing
safety and security issues during the 2022 National Sports Safety and Security Conference
& Exhibition on June 28-30 in Orlando. The event is presented annually by the National
Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) at The University of Southern Mississippi.
The Professional of the Year Award recognizes a member of management in the field that has, over the past year, demonstrated outstanding leadership in addressing safety/security issues. In addition to the enhanced safety and security of their venue, the recipient's contributions have set an example for others to follow.
“What a stellar group of professionals we are honoring this year. And there is no greater honor than being recognized by your peers for the work being conducted on a daily basis to ensure the safety and security of all,” said Dr. Stacey A. Hall, NCS4 Executive Director and Professor of Sport Management. “These individuals make a difference in our industry, and we look forward to acknowledging their contributions to the field.”
Each league or organization selects the criteria and determines who will be recognized. Individuals receiving the award include:
- Andrea Dowdy, CEO, Denver Colfax Marathon
- André D. Walker, Director of Athletics and UIL Activities, Houston Independent School District
- Robert Weiseman, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Athletic Facilities, Game Operations, Events & Championships, Duke University
- Carlos Campos, Senior Manager, Stadium Operations, Los Angeles, Angels
- Mike Purdy, Regional Soccer Security Agent, Major League Soccer
- Darren F. Johnson, Director of Stadium Safety and Security, Detroit Lions
- Jennifer Pfeister, Director of Safety and Security, Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse
- John Graeber, Executive Director, Safety and Security, Navy Pier
For more information about the conference, visit http://www.ncs4.usm.edu/conference/ and for more information about the awards, visit https://ncs4.usm.edu/about/ncs4-recognition-awards/.
About the 13th Annual Conference:
The National Sports Safety and Security Conference & Exhibition will be held at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate on June 28-30 in Orlando. The conference will attract over 450 attendees and 70 exhibitors representing professional sports, intercollegiate athletics, interscholastic athletics, marathon and endurance events, sport and entertainment facilities, and those who provide safety and security products and services to the industry. For more information, visit http://www.ncs4.usm.edu/conference/.
About NCS4:
Established in 2006, the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS⁴) is the nation’s only academic center devoted to the study and practice of sports safety and security. The NCS4 is partially underwritten by grants from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The NCS4 mission focuses on three key pillars – Training and Education, Research, and Outreach. For more information about NCS4, call 601.266.6183 or visit ncs4.usm.edu.