SIA names Jim Black and Ryan Kaltenbaugh as 2023 Volunteers of the Year

SILVER SPRING, Md.—The Security Industry Association (SIA) has named Jim Black, senior director, security architect at Microsoft, and Ryan Kaltenbaugh, senior vice president for sales in North America at LenelS2, as the 2023 recipients of the Sandy Jones Volunteer of the Year Award.

The Sandy Jones Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes SIA volunteers who have made tireless efforts to expand SIA’s programs and services. SIA will present Black and Kaltenbaugh with the award at The Advance, SIA’s annual membership meeting, which will be held March 28 during ISC West.

A dedicated member of SIA, Black has served in a wide variety of volunteer capacities over the past 20 years, including most recently as vice chair of SIA’s Identity and Biometric Technology Advisory Board, serving on SIA’s Women in Security Forum Scholarship Program subcommittee, and participating as a charter mentor in SIA’s Talent Inclusion Mentorship Education (TIME) program. He served as an integral member of SIA’s Certification Committee, leading efforts for the group, for seven years.

On March 29, he will be further advocating for diverse and inclusive mentoring as a panelist in SIA’s upcoming ISC West education session, "Unlocking the Power of Diverse & Inclusive Mentoring." 

“I am humbled to be included in the special list of recipients recognized with the volunteering award named after Sandy Jones. The opportunity to collaborate with and learn from the spectacularly talented individuals that make up the SIA professional staff and volunteer ecosystem has been one of the most special gifts I have experienced,” Black said. “Some of my most rewarding experiences have come from working on SIA initiatives, partnerships, and the exceptional mentoring program. I appreciate and thank everyone with SIA for their very kind comments and this unexpected honor. It has been my distinct privilege to support SIA in its goals of advancing industry professionalism through education, training and serving as a catalyst for better diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the security industry. I look forward to continuing this vital work and elevating the next generation of leaders in the years ahead.”

Kaltenbaugh is an active member of SIA and member of the SIA Board of Directors who serves as chair of SIA’s Member Engagement and Experience Committee, which creates and evaluates initiatives that increase member participation within SIA and guides the development of member engagement strategies. He developed the concept for National Security Technician Day, an initiative led by the Foundation for Advancing Security Talent and held annually on Jan. 23 to honor security technicians across the United States. He lends his federal security expertise to SIA as former chair of SIA’s Identity Working Group, a member of SIA’s Government Relations Committee and a regular speaker at events like SIA GovSummit. Kaltenbaugh is a strong supporter of SIA programs and a regular sponsor of association events.

“I’m deeply honored by being selected as a Volunteer of the Year, especially named after an industry icon and volunteer leader, Sandy Jones. This is a bittersweet honor for me as I was raised by a hardworking and career-focused mother, who always instilled in me the importance of volunteerism and giving back. With that, I would like to dedicate this to all the women in my life, like Sandy, who made a difference,” Kaltenbaugh said. “Volunteerism is one the bedrocks of a healthy and thriving society, and each of us in this great industry has an awesome opportunity to get involved and make an impact – today.”

“Jim Black and Ryan Kaltenbaugh are two special people who are also remarkable leaders. Their strong confidence in SIA, commitment, support, and engagement helps SIA to deliver exceptional value to our members and the security industry as a whole,” added SIA CEO Don Erickson. “Jim and Ryan’s meaningful service to SIA – including on our membership, mentorship, workforce development and certification programs and on initiatives around biometric and digital identification technology and advocacy – help strengthen our industry and advance all SIA members, and we look forward to recognizing their outstanding contributions at The Advance this year.”

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.