Through a longstanding career of public service through safety, Richard Fenton, Ilitch Holding Inc.’s Vice President and Chief Security Officer, has been named a 2022 Champion of Change, as awarded by the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) at The University of Southern Mississippi. 

Fenton, who has been with the Ilitch Companies since 2000, has served in numerous public safety roles; with the Wayne County Sheriff Department, at Eastern Michigan’s Interdisciplinary Technology Department and School of Police Staff and Command and the FBI National Academy, to name a few.

The Champion of Change Award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated an 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 said 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.” 

While a part of the IHI family, Fenton has received a plethora of awards, honors and accolades. Ilitch Holdings, Inc. and Fenton were honored by Governor Granholm for Fenton’s ongoing work and critical contributions to securing the State of Michigan’s homeland in 2009. In 2013, NCS4 and Major League Baseball named Fenton “Professional of the Year,” recognizing him as an outstanding leader in addressing safety and security. Fenton was named, “one of the most Influential People in Security” in 2016 by Security Magazine. Most recently, The National Hockey League and The University of Southern Mississippi NCS4 program awarded Little Caesars Arena with the 2019 Facility Achievement Award, noting that, “Little Caesars Arena the and the Detroit Red Wings were the model security group.” 

Fenton will receive the Champion of Change Award during the National Sports Safety and Security Conference & Exhibition, which takes place June 28-30 in Orlando.