Atlanta, Georgia — 13 September 2026 — The 2026 US OSPAs winners have been announced at a special celebration reception at GSX 2026 in Atlanta, marking the 11th year of the prestigious awards.
Sponsored by COSECURE, the US OSPAs recognise the outstanding contributions made by companies, initiatives, teams and individuals across the US security industry and wider community.
The awards are founded on strong ethical principles and are supported by leading industry bodies and special interest groups. This year, a panel of 22 expert judges, nominated by supporting organisations, reviewed the entries and selected the winners.
The 2026 winners are:
Outstanding In-House Security Manager/Director
Stefanie Moran – Keesler Federal Credit Union
Sponsored by Doyle Security Services
Stefanie Moran delivered the security integration for the largest credit union merger in Louisiana and Mississippi, unifying security infrastructures across 55 locations, three states and nearly 1,000 employees. Her work included implementing human-risk management, advancing AI governance and integrating physical security with cybersecurity operations. Judges praised her integrated leadership, measurable risk reduction and contribution to organisational resilience.
Outstanding Contract Security Manager/Director
Ed Ketcham – GardaWorld Security – U.S.
Sponsored by Amazon Worldwide
Ed Ketcham transformed the MPLS Parking security operation, overseeing nearly 100 security professionals across 17 downtown Minneapolis properties, major events and integrated SOC operations. His intelligence-led approach helped reduce vehicle thefts by nearly 50% and non-billable overtime from almost 20% to around 1%. Judges highlighted his servant leadership, workforce development and measurable impact on public safety.
Outstanding Security Consultant
Security & Technology Practice – Guidepost Solutions
Sponsored by Pilser
With more than 10,000 engagements completed, Guidepost Solutions delivers strategic security expertise across critical infrastructure, transportation, education, municipalities and global enterprises. Judges recognised the team’s technical excellence, strategic advisory capability and innovative approach, including AI-enabled threat detection and enterprise security planning.
Outstanding Security Team
Safety, Security, and Parking Team – HH Health System
Sponsored by Guardhouse
The Huntsville Hospital Security Department has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation in healthcare security. Its achievements include a major de-escalation training programme, workplace violence prevention initiatives, a wearable duress system for clinicians and Alabama’s first hospital K-9 programme. Judges praised the team’s leadership, innovation and significant impact on healthcare security.
Outstanding Contract Security Company (Guarding)
GardaWorld Security – U.S.
Sponsored by Griffin Risk
GardaWorld Security – U.S. continues to demonstrate sustained excellence in security services, combining highly skilled professionals with strong client partnerships and a people-focused culture. Judges highlighted its superior performance, workplace recognition and commitment to people, innovation and service excellence.
Outstanding Security Training Initiative
Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) Certification – ISC2
Sponsored by Prosegur
ISC2’s Certified in Cybersecurity certification has created an accessible, trusted and skills-based pathway into the cybersecurity profession. By combining accessible training, rigorous assessment and clear career development routes, the initiative is strengthening workforce readiness and helping organisations build more resilient security teams. Judges highlighted its significant workforce impact, credibility and strong evidence of sustained results.
Outstanding Security Partnership
University of South Florida Security Training Collaborative (USF-STC)
Sponsored by SAGE Integration
The Security Training Collaborative brings together academic insight and real-world security expertise to develop the next generation of security leaders. Its programmes have supported major organisations including DARPA, NATO, DCSA and the US Secret Service, while expanding internationally. Judges praised its multi-agency collaboration, workforce and community impact, leadership and highly replicable model.
Outstanding New Security Product
The Kwema Smart Badge Reel™
Sponsored by BlackCloak Inc.
Kwema’s Smart Badge Reel transforms a standard employee badge reel into a discreet, wearable duress device. Its infrastructure-light deployment, durable design, long battery life and silent confirmation features provide a practical solution for workplace safety, particularly in healthcare. Judges praised its clever, user-centred design and strong evidence of real-world adoption.
Outstanding Security Equipment Manufacturer
Gallagher Security
Sponsored by Royce-U.S. Protections Service
Gallagher Security is recognised for its integrated security solutions and continued investment in innovation, with 15% of annual revenue invested in R&D. Its extensive security credentials, vertically integrated ecosystem and focus on quality, resilience and emerging threats demonstrate a strong commitment to the evolving needs of customers.
Outstanding Security Officer
James “Brian” Owens – GardaWorld Security – U.S.
Sponsored by Kolins Security Group
As GSOC Technology Lead for GardaWorld Security – U.S., supporting Altria Client Services, James “Brian” Owens has strengthened emergency preparedness, operational continuity and security technology. During a 24-year career, he has progressed through multiple leadership roles and earned seven Client Service Awards. Judges highlighted his technical expertise, collaborative approach and measurable impact on security performance and workplace safety.
Outstanding Young Security Professional
Dr. Anmol Agarwal – Nokia
Sponsored by RightPath Benefits
Dr. Anmol Agarwal has made exceptional contributions to AI-driven cybersecurity and telecom security, advancing secure 5G/6G networks, adversarial AI defence and global security standards. Alongside her research and industry work, she teaches at George Washington University and is recognised for innovation, mentorship and technical leadership. Judges highlighted her extraordinary influence and achievements at a young age.
Outstanding Security Sustainability Award
Project Blue – Mario Gates, Amazon Worldwide Operations Security
Sponsored by USA Today
Project Blue demonstrates how security, sustainability and community impact can work together. Working with municipal leaders and charity partners, the initiative delivered more than 3,600 units of essential supplies to 364 families while diverting unsellable inventory from landfill. It also contributed to a documented 44% reduction in high-severity security incidents affecting delivery personnel. Judges praised its clear triple-bottom-line impact.
Outstanding Female Security Professional
Mary Gates – GMR Security Consulting
Sponsored by Shield 8 Solutions
With 40 years of security leadership, including 24 years shaping enterprise-wide programmes at JPMorgan Chase & Co., Mary Gates has made a lasting contribution to the profession. As Founder and CEO of GMR Security Consulting Group, she provides strategy-led security guidance while actively mentoring and championing women in the industry. Judges recognised her extensive expertise, professional achievements, innovation and continued commitment to developing the next generation of security leaders.
Lifetime Achievement
Russell J. Cancilla
Sponsored by Rozin Security
Russell J. Cancilla’s distinguished 40-year career spans military command, White House service, federal leadership and corporate security. A pioneer in Enterprise Risk Management, he helped establish security as a strategic business enabler and built industry-leading programmes at Baker Hughes. His most enduring contribution may be his mentorship: he has helped develop eight Fortune 500 Chief Security Officers and four VP/SVP-level HSE leaders. His career represents an exceptional and lasting contribution to the security profession.
As the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, Russell J. Cancilla will also be inducted into the Security Hall of Fame, recognising his outstanding and enduring contribution to the industry.
Following the success of previous years, winners from selected categories of the 2026 US OSPAs will also automatically qualify for the 2026 Global OSPAs, which will be held virtually in January 2027.
Congratulations to all of the 2026 US OSPAs winners, finalists and everyone who contributed to another outstanding year of celebrating excellence in security.
The US OSPAs would also like to thank Headline Sponsor COSECURE, all category sponsors, judges, supporting organisations and the wider security community for their continued support.
