Security Industry Association Names Recipient of Inaugural VETS Award

Nathan Wells of Convergint will be honored for his dedication to supporting military veterans in the security industry at SIA GovSummit.

SILVER SPRING, Md.—The Security Industry Association (SIA) has named Nathan Wells as the first-ever recipient of the SIA Valuing Experience, Talent and Service (VETS) Award, presented by SIA’s Veterans in Security community. SIA will present Wells with the award at SIA GovSummit, SIA’s annual public policy and government security technology conference, which will be held May 20–21 in Washington, D.C. 

The VETS Award honors an individual who has shown exceptional dedication to supporting military veterans in the security industry. It recognizes leadership in championing veteran recruitment, mentoring and career development, as well as advocating for initiatives that ease the transition from military to civilian roles.

Nathan Wells is an account executive at Convergint and a dedicated advocate for veteran advancement within the security industry. A U.S. Navy veteran, Wells has over 20 years of experience leading strategic security initiatives for enterprise clients in the utility, government and critical infrastructure sectors. Beyond his professional success in driving revenue and optimizing complex security programs, he serves as the chair of Convergint Veterans Connect. Under Wells’ leadership, the initiative grew from 40 to over 100 members in just 18 months, creating a blueprint for veteran engagement and mentorship that has been adopted across the organization. His work focuses on bridging the gap between military service and civilian career success, partnering with organizations like SIA to provide veterans with the tools, community and mentorship needed to thrive in the private sector.

“I am deeply honored to receive the SIA VETS Award, but the real reward has been watching my fellow veterans realize that their service didn’t end when they took off the uniform,” said Wells. “In the security industry, we have a unique opportunity to give these men and women a place where their leadership and heart for protection truly belong.”

Wells’ veteran engagement efforts also include mentoring participants in Convergint’s College Development Program supporting early-career professionals, contributing more than 150 hours of volunteer service in 2025 in support of the veteran community, providing leadership and support at local Veterans Affairs health care facilities and assisted living centers, providing guidance to transitioning service members and veterans integrating into the civilian workforce, leading the development of a nationwide Veterans Day campaign and ongoing veteran recognition initiatives and more.

“SIA is proud to present the first-ever Valuing Experience, Talent and Service Award to Nathan Wells, valued veteran and an impressive leader who has had a strong impact on advancing veterans in our industry,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “Nathan exemplifies the ideals of veteran leadership and service through a lasting commitment to mission, community and the development of others. We thank Nathan for the meaningful work he has done to improve workplace opportunities and support for the veteran and military members of the security field and look forward to recognizing him at the 2026 SIA GovSummit.”

SIA will present Wells with the VETS Award at SIA GovSummit, SIA’s annual public policy and government security technology conference. Each year, SIA GovSummit brings together government security leaders with private industry technologists for top-quality information sharing and education on security topics affecting federal, state and local agencies. This event is free for government workers, including public safety, military/defense, education and legislative staff and other government employees. Industry access starts at $445 for SIA members; learn more and register to attend here.

SIA’s Veterans in Security community focuses on the issues and concerns of veterans who are in, or are interested in joining, the security industry. In addition, it develops resources to support active armed forces members who are nearing separation or retirement and may be interested in leveraging their military experience to launch a civilian career in the security sector. Membership is free and is open to all SIA members; learn more and get involved here.

About SIA

SIA is the leading trade association for global security solution providers, with over 1,700 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.