The National Center for Spectator Sport Safety and Security (NCS4) and the Security Industry Association (SIA) have named Scott Dunn — senior director of business development, solutions and services for Axis Communications Inc. — as the 2019 recipient of the Sports Security Innovator Award. SIA will present Dunn with the honor at the National Sports Safety and Security Conference and Exhibition, taking place July 9-11 at the New Orleans Downtown Marriott in New Orleans, La.

Dunn serves on the National Advisory Board for the NCS4, the nation’s first academic center dedicated to spectator sports safety and security research, professional development, training and outreach. He also helped the NCS4 start, and attract global companies to, the Sports and Entertainment Technology Alliance and has been instrumental in the 2025 Smart Stadiums project.

“It’s an honor to be recognized with the 2019 Sports Security Innovator Award from two renowned security organizations who play such a key role in our industry,” Dunn said. “I’m excited to continue collaborating on new concepts and innovative solutions to deliver on the promise of smarter, safer stadiums and venues of the future. Thank you, SIA and NCS4, for this meaningful recognition.”

The NCS4 — established at the University of Southern Mississippi — works in close partnership with industry professionals, researchers, academics and government agencies to bolster the capacity of practitioners to effectively respond to safety and security challenges.

“Scott is a passionate and innovative leader who sees academia as a catalyst for industry growth,” said Lou Marciani, director of the NCS4. “Scott has a deep understanding of what is necessary to advance the sports safety and security industry, and we are grateful to have his support of our National Center.”

At Axis, Dunn leads the company’s long-term strategy regarding in-house developed solutions, including access control, hosted video and future products. He is also responsible for the company’s segment focus, which includes industries such as smart cities, government, retail and health care, and serves on the SIA Board of Directors.

“SIA is proud to join the NCS4 in presenting Scott Dunn with the Sports Security Innovator Award in recognition of the time, expertise and effort he has contributed toward advancing sport security,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “Scott has demonstrated expertise in cross-organizational collaboration, fostering best practices, promoting effective security technology use at large stadiums and entertainment venues and working toward the stadium of the future.”

The Sports Security Innovator Award, co-presented each year by SIA and the NCS4 at the National Sports Safety and Security Conference and Exhibition, recognizes individual SIA members who have demonstrated innovation by developing next-generation solutions to sports safety and security challenges. Award winners are selected for having promoted scholarship, advanced best practices for ensuring the safety and security of participants and attendees at sporting events and advocated for the highest levels of professionalism in the securing of spectator sports venues.