Twelve Individuals to Receive Professional of the Year Award at the National Sports Safety and Security Conference and Exhibition
Wed, 06/10/2026 - 12:30am | By: NCS鈦� Staff
Twelve professionals will be recognized for their leadership in addressing safety and security issues during the 2026 National Sports Safety and Security Conference and Exhibition, June 23-25, in Palm Desert, Calif. The event is presented annually by the at 91少女集中营.
The Professional of the Year Award recognizes a member of management in the field who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in addressing safety and security issues over the past year. In addition to enhancing the safety of their venue or event, the recipient鈥檚 contributions have set an example for others to follow. This award is sponsored by Prevent Advisors, a risk management advisory and implementation service that provides holistic security solutions focused on safeguarding the entire sports, live entertainment and dynamic public assembly facility ecosystem.
Each league or organization selects the criteria and determines who will be recognized. Individuals receiving the award include:
- Sam Cornejo, director of security operations, Live Nation
- Brian Deck, vice president of security, Tampa Bay Rays
- Michael Diienno, chief operating officer, National Event Services Inc.
- Gary D. Folckemer, director of emergency management and security, Eastern Kentucky University
- Greg Hipp, senior director of operations and workforce management, Chicago Events Management
- Deputy Chief Mark Klukow, CSSP, Minneapolis Police Department
- Will Lattimore, associate AD for event management and facilities, Baylor University
- Hatcher Parnell, director of the Office of Executive Protection Services, University of Southern California
- Michael Riesenbeck, director of safety, security and guest experience, FC Cincinnati and TQL Stadium
- Scott Salo, head of team and arena security, National Basketball Association
- Dena Scott, Future Coaches of Texas program director, Texas A&M University
- David Utterback, CMAA, athletic administrator, Brewer School Department
鈥淲hat a stellar group of professionals we are honoring this year. And there is no greater honor than being recognized by your peers. These individuals make a difference every day to ensure the safety and security of all,鈥� said Dr. Stacey Hall, NCS4 executive director and professor of sports management.
The awards will be presented during the conference luncheon. The luncheon is sponsored by Evolv Technology, which provides weapons detection systems for security screening.
Click for more information about the conference and to register. Click for more information about the awards.
About the 17th Annual National Sports Safety and Security Conference and Exhibition
The National Sports Safety and Security Conference and Exhibition will be held June
23-25, 2026, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa in Palm Desert, Calif.
The conference will attract over 500 attendees and 70 exhibitors representing professional
sports, intercollegiate athletics, interscholastic athletics, marathon and endurance
events, sports and entertainment facilities, and those who provide safety and security
products and services to the industry. Visit the for more information.
About NCS4
Established in 2006, the is the nation鈥檚 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.
Click for more information about NCS4 or call 601.266.6183.