Security Industry Association Expands SIA Identity and Biometric Technology Advisory Board; Names Austin Park as Chair

The expert-led advisory board – spearheaded by Austin Park of NEC National Security Systems and now including all members of SIA’s former Facial Recognition Working Group – promotes the advancement and adoption of innovative biometric and digital identification solutions to secure critical assets, protect individual identity, safeguard proprietary data and enhance consumer experience.

SILVER SPRING, Md. – The Security Industry Association (SIA) has expanded the SIA Identity and Biometric Technology Advisory Board (IBTAB) to include the group formerly known as the SIA Facial Recognition Working Group and all its members and has appointed Austin Park, director of technology at NEC National Security Systems (NEC NSS), to serve as the advisory board’s new chair.

The SIA IBTAB – an exclusive advisory panel to the SIA Board of Directors – promotes the advancement and adoption of innovative biometric and digital identification solutions to secure critical assets, protect individual identity, safeguard proprietary data and enhance consumer experience. IBTAB is comprised of biometric and digital identification experts who guide SIA’s engagement with operators of critical infrastructure both in private and public sectors. The advisory board’s technical expertise focuses on the operational and scalable features embedded within advanced biometric and digital identification solutions, and IBTAB members are prepared to work with policymakers and decision makers interested in understanding such solutions.

“I am honored to be named chair of the SIA Identity and Biometric Technology Advisory Board. In an era where the security and integrity of identity are critical, the role of biometric and digital identity solutions has never been more critical. Along with the entire board, I am committed to advancing our mission of promoting innovative and ethical solutions that secure critical assets, protect privacy and enhance consumer experiences,” said Park. “I understand the collective power of collaboration and look forward to engaging with both private and public sector leaders to uphold and strengthen the standards in our industry.”

Park is a seasoned technology executive with over 25 years of experience in engineering advanced digital identity, biometric and artificial intelligence solutions. As a head of technology at NEC NSS, he is instrumental in driving the innovation and integration of cutting-edge technologies, including digital identity, biometrics, artificial intelligence, machine learning and analytics. In his role, Park collaborates closely with NEC’s core technology divisions to establish strategic roadmaps and spearhead the development, testing and deployment of next-generation technologies tailored for federal clients and is a key architect in designing and implementing large-scale identity management, intelligence and forensic recognition systems. Under Park’s leadership, NEC NSS has successfully delivered advanced biometric solutions, video analytics and security solutions to numerous federal agencies and also extends to the international arena, where Park plays a pivotal role in providing public safety solutions to global law enforcement, border management and security agencies. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Virginia, served in the ISO/IEC JTC1/SC37 Working Group and has been serving on the SIA IBTAB, as well as the International Biometrics + Identity Association’s management committee.

“SIA is pleased to present the newly expanded SIA Identity and Biometric Advisory Board and honored to welcome Austin Park as its new chair,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “Austin’s deep knowledge of technology, identity and biometrics, experience as a sought-after expert and advisor and strong history of innovation and success in this field will be extremely valuable as he leads the advisory board’s efforts to educate on and advocate for the benefits and effective use of biometrics and advanced identification technologies before federal and state government officials, media and channel partners, and we look forward to the advisory board’s initiatives, events and offerings to come.”

The SIA Identity and Biometric Technology Advisory Board’s primary efforts and accomplishments include actively participating in and providing input on federal and state legislation, including congressional testimony and input on numerous state bills; publishing resources on facial recognition technology and other key identity and biometric topics; hosting a series of roundtable discussions; presenting informative sessions at the SIA GovSummit and ISC Security Events conferences; providing educational resources on biometrics and facial recognition; and supporting the SIA Women in Biometrics Awards program.

On Aug. 22, 2024, IBTAB – along with the SIA National Capital Region Security Forum – is organizing the Identity and Biometrics Symposium, an event in the Washington, D.C., area featuring experts from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration and exploring key issues in biometrics. Learn more and register here.

On Sept. 11, IBTAB will present Bourbon and Biometrics, a high-proof experience taking place in Washington, D.C., during Identity Week. This free social event is for those attending Identity Week, as well as local government staff and those working in the local identity, biometric and security communities. Learn more and register here.

Additionally, in the fall the advisory board will present a webinar in the fall about the National Institute of Standards and Technology and its biometric benchmarks.

Learn more about the SIA IBTAB here.

View SIA’s full committee guide here. Employees of SIA member companies can make the most out of their memberships by getting more involved with the association. Volunteer opportunities include joining SIA committees or groups, lending expertise to SIA’s education and training programs, participating in SIA’s advocacy efforts, contributing to SIA’s publications and thought leadership and getting involved in SIA events. Learn more and get started as a volunteer.  

About SIA

SIA is the leading trade association for global security solution providers, with over 1,500 innovative member companies representing thousands of security leaders and experts who shape the future of the security industry. SIA protects and advances its members’ interests by advocating pro-industry policies and legislation at the federal and state levels, creating open industry standards that enable integration, advancing industry professionalism through education and training, opening global market opportunities and collaborating with other like-minded organizations. As the premier sponsor of ISC Events expos and conferences, SIA ensures its members have access to top-level buyers and influencers, as well as unparalleled learning and network opportunities. SIA also enhances the position of its members in the security marketplace through SIA GovSummit, which brings together private industry with government decision makers, and Securing New Ground, the security industry’s top executive conference for peer-to-peer networking.