Richard Fenton to receive Champion of Change Award at 2022 NCS4 Conference

Richard Fenton, CSSP, vice president and chief security officer at Ilitch Holdings, is set to receive the Champion of Change Award during the 2022 National Sports Safety and Security Conference & Exhibition.

The event, held annually by the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM), takes place June 28-30 in Orlando, Fla.

The Champion of Change Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated 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 in organizational effectiveness and led the organization forward into the future.

“It’s been an honor to serve in a public safety environment for more than 50 years,” said Fenton. “I’m blessed to work with an amazing group of security professionals and for an organization that has always made the safety and security of our guests and colleagues our highest priority.”

Fenton retired as the executive commander of the Wayne County (Mich.) Sheriff Department in May 2000 after more than 27 years of service. While there, Fenton served as the agency’s chief of detectives and was on a number of investigative task force groups, including the Wayne County Organized Crime Task Force, DEA Airport Task Force and Airport Special Investigative Detail. Fenton served as police chief/commander at Detroit Metro and Willow Run Airports for seven years.

“Rick is a true champion of change, always on the edge of new practices and technologies and encouraging industry professionals and organizations to pursue excellence,” said Stacey Hall, Ph.D., executive director and professor of sport management for NCS4. “He believes in continuous improvement and helping move his profession to the next level.”

Fenton is the co-founder of the innovative Detroit Public Safety/Private Security Partnership’s Lighthouse Program, a multifaceted program developed to enhance the safety and security of Detroit’s Central Business District for guests, patrons, employee and residents.

Security Magazine named Fenton as one of its “Most Influential People in Security 2016.” In 2021, Fenton completed the Comerica Park Security Program SAFETY Act Certification Renewal and is currently working to obtain the Security Design Certification Renewal for the Little Caesars Arena.

Read more about Fenton here.