Winners of the 2023 NRF PROTECT Awards were recognized yesterday, June 6, on day two of the annual conference in Grapevine, Texas.
NRF Vice President of Asset Protection and Retail Operations David Johnston and NRF Loss Prevention Council Chair and Southeastern Grocers Vice President of Asset Protection Dan Faketty presented the awards to the more than 2,000 conference attendees.
First, they introduced the inaugural NRF Retail Cybersecurity Leadership Award, in honor of the 10-year anniversary of the NRF’s IT Security Council. Receiving the award was Cy Fenton, who served as chair of the IT Security Council from its inception until last year. Currently a managing partner with Proximus Consulting Group, Fenton previously held leadership roles with Books-A-Million and Ralph Lauren.
Next, Johnston and Faketty presented the Ring of Excellence Honorees, which recognizes pioneers in the retail loss prevention and asset protection community whose honor, integrity, and character serve as an example for all in the industry.
“The Ring of Excellence is the pinnacle of achievement among those who served in the loss prevention profession,” Johnston said. “We are honored to stand here and acknowledge them today.”
All Ring of Excellence winners are nominated by former honorees, making the honor even greater.
“Each of our honorees forged a unique path in their respective careers, and they have something essential in common: their passion for loss prevention, desire to make the industry better, and motivation to help others achieve their best,” Johnston continued. “The industry would not be what it is without their contributions.”
First to be recognized was Dr. Read Hayes, research scientist and co-director of the Loss Prevention Research Team at the University of Florida, and founder and director of the Loss Prevention Research Council. With more than three decades of experience, he plays a pivotal role in supporting the retail community with research.
Next was Joan Manson, a leader in the loss prevention space for over 40 years. Manson first joined The Container Store in 1997 and created the retailer’s first loss prevention program. Now retired, she is also credited with establishing what is now known as the Women in LP Network. Manson joins her late husband Gary in this elite circle, making them the first couple to both be inducted into the Ring of Excellence.
Chad McIntosh, the former top loss prevention executive at Bloomingdale’s, was also honored. McIntosh has a career spanning 40 years with brands including The Home Depot and Ralph Lauren. He was also a founding member of the Loss Prevention Research Council, and currently serves as its COO.
Next to take the stage was Keith White, who currently serves as the chief of global safety and security for Salesforce. He previously spent almost two decades with the Gap, leading its loss prevention, company administration, and emergency preparedness functions. Throughout his career, White has been a champion and leader in people development, diversity, and talent-driven initiatives across the industry.
Chuck Miller, who retired from the Food Marketing Institute in 2002, was inducted into the circle posthumously, with his son Mike Miller accepting the award. Miller was a pioneer in working to combat retail theft, and many of his published works produced influential educational and training materials for retailers, law enforcement, and academia.
All of the honorees together received a roaring standing ovation at the end of the ceremony, with many of their family and friends in attendance for the major milestone.
After the ceremony, everyone was invited to attend a reception with food and drinks to celebrate these amazing individuals.