SIA Expands Identity and Biometrics Advisory Board, Appoints Austin Park as Chair

The Security Industry Association (SIA) has expanded the SIA Identity and Biometrics Technology Advisory Board (IBTAB) to include the group formerly known as the SIA Facial Recognition Working Group and all of its members. It has also named Austin Park, Chief Technology Officer at NEC National Security Systems (NEC NSS), as the new Chair of the Advisory Board.

SIA IBTAB – an exclusive advisory panel to SIA’s board of directors – promotes the development and adoption of innovative biometric and digital identification solutions to secure critical assets, protect individual identities, safeguard proprietary data and enhance consumer experiences. The IBTAB is comprised of experts in biometrics and digital identification who guide SIA’s engagement with critical infrastructure operators in both the private and public sectors. The technical expertise of the advisory board focuses on the operational and scalable capabilities built into advanced biometric and digital identification solutions, and IBTAB members are prepared to engage with decision-makers and policymakers interested in understanding such solutions.

“I am honored to be appointed as the Chair of SIA’s Identity and Biometrics Advisory Board. In an era where identity security and integrity are paramount, the role of biometrics and digital identity solutions has never been more critical. Along with the entire board, I am committed to our mission of promoting innovative and ethical solutions that secure critical assets, protect privacy, and enhance the consumer experience,” said Park. “I understand the collective power of collaboration and look forward to working with leaders in the private and public sectors to maintain and strengthen the standards in our industry.”

Park is a seasoned technology executive with over 25 years of experience designing advanced digital identity, biometrics, and artificial intelligence solutions. As Chief Technology Officer at NEC NSS, he plays a key role in driving innovation and integrating cutting-edge technologies, including digital identity, biometrics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and analytics. In his role, Park works closely with NEC’s core technology organizations to set strategic roadmaps and lead the development, testing, and implementation of next-generation technologies tailored to federal customers. He is also a key architect in the design and implementation of large-scale identity management, intelligence, and forensic systems.

Under Park’s leadership, NEC NSS has successfully delivered advanced biometrics, video analytics, and security solutions to numerous federal agencies, and has expanded internationally, where Park plays a key role in delivering public safety solutions to global law enforcement, border management, and security agencies. He holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Virginia, has served on the ISO/IEC JTC1/SC37 Working Group, and has served on the SIA IBTAB as well as the International Biometrics + Identity Association’s Management Committee.

“SIA is pleased to introduce the newly expanded SIA Identity and Biometrics Advisory Council and is 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 rich history of innovation and success in the field will be extremely valuable as he leads the Advisory Council’s efforts to educate and advocate for the benefits and effective use of biometrics and advanced identification technologies to federal and state government officials, media, and channel partners. We look forward to the Advisory Council’s initiatives, events, and offerings.”

The primary efforts and accomplishments of the SIA Identity and Biometrics Advisory Council include active participation and input into federal and state legislation, including testifying before Congress and contributing to numerous state bills; publishing materials on facial recognition technology and other key identity and biometrics issues; hosting a series of roundtable discussions; conducting informational sessions at SIA GovSummit and ISC Security Events; providing educational materials on biometrics and facial recognition; and supporting the SIA Women in Biometrics Awards program.

On August 22, 2024, IBTAB—in partnership with the SIA National Capital Region Security Forum—will host the Identity and Biometrics Symposium, an event in the Washington, DC area with experts from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration that will explore key issues in biometrics. Learn more and register here.

On September 11, IBTAB will present Bourbon and Biometrics, a high-quality experience taking place in Washington, DC, during Identity Week. This free social event is intended for Identity Week attendees, as well as local government employees and those working in the local identity, biometrics and security communities. Learn more and register here.

Additionally, in the fall, the advisory council will host a webinar on the National Institute of Standards and Technology and its biometric standards.

More information about SIA IBTAB can be found here.