Security Industry Association to Present Ryan Burns With 2026 Jay Hauhn Excellence in Partnerships Award

Ryan Burns of Walmart will be recognized for his leadership in security industry collaboration at the 2026 SIA Honors Night event.

SILVER SPRING, Md.—The Security Industry Association (SIA) has named Ryan Burns of Walmart as the 2026 recipient of the Jay Hauhn Excellence in Partnerships Award, which recognizes leaders in industry collaboration. Burns will be recognized Nov. 4 during the 2026 SIA Honors Night event.

Ryan Burns is senior director of federal government affairs at Walmart, where he leads the company’s federal advocacy on technology, artificial intelligence, health care, competition and energy. As a strategic advisor to the enterprise, he helps Walmart manage risk and navigate complex challenges at the intersection of public policy, corporate reputation and stakeholder trust, and he also works across industries to build coalitions, shape public policy and advance shared priorities. Burns’ career spans government affairs, corporate strategy and business management. Before returning to federal government affairs, he served as head of strategy and acting head of sales for Sam’s Club’s Connect, where he helped drive the growth and transformation of Sam’s Club’s retail media business. Prior to this role, he spent seven years on Walmart’s Federal Government Affairs team, leading the company’s engagement with the House and Senate Judiciary Committees. Burns began his career in public service as a legislative fellow in the office of U.S. Rep. Bill Posey of Florida. He holds an MBA from the University of Virginia and a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Covenant College. He has also studied theology at Reformed Theological Seminary.

Burns’ leadership in fostering security industry collaboration includes helping lead a broad, cross-industry coalition advocating to preserve the existing framework governing the Lower 900 MHz spectrum band, which supports millions of devices used in security, safety and other essential applications. Through his work with the SpecTech Alliance, he has brought together a broad, diverse set of  industry stakeholders to elevate technical analysis, highlight the potential impacts of proposed regulatory changes and engage constructively with federal policymakers on the importance of preserving access to this critical spectrum resource.

“The most complex challenges rarely impact just one company or industry, and finding solutions requires the power of partnership. Our work through the SpecTech Alliance demonstrates what’s possible when diverse industries and organizations come together around a shared mission,” said Burns. “I’m honored by this recognition and grateful to SIA and the many partners whose leadership, commitment and collaboration have made this effort possible.”

“SIA is honored to present Ryan Burns with the Jay Hauhn Excellence in Partnerships Award in recognition of his leadership in coordinating multiple industries, associations and corporations to align behind the SpecTech Alliance and enhance our industry’s advocacy on spectrum policy,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “Ryan’s thoughtfulness and approach have been exemplary, and we commend his efforts to go beyond expectations, ensure all voices within the coalition have been heard and protect public safety, growth and innovation. We look forward to celebrating his leadership and many accomplishments at SIA Honors Night.”

The Jay Hauhn Excellence in Partnerships Award is named in honor of Jay Hauhn. During his tenure as SIA’s chair of the board, Hauhn demonstrated a steadfast commitment to fostering cooperation among industry trade associations, and this award recognizes a leader who embodies that spirit of collaboration in the industry.

Burns will be recognized at SIA Honors Night, an evening of celebration, recognition and giving taking place Nov. 4 in New York City in conjunction with ISC East. This year’s event, held at the beautiful City Winery in New York City, includes top-tier security industry networking, great entertainment, delicious food and drinks and an elegant gala recognizing exceptional members of the security industry for their leadership, commitment and service to the industry. SIA Honors Night will once again benefit the Foundation for Advancing Security Talent (FAST), bringing even more meaning to the celebration. In addition to presenting the Hauhn Award, SIA will also present the 2026 Progress Award and Insightful Practitioner Award. Learn more about SIA Honors Night and register to attend here.

About the Security Industry Association

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.