SIA and SecureIDNews Reveal 2019 Women in Biometrics Award Winners

The Security Industry Association (SIA) and SecureIDNews have announced the winners of the 2019 Women in Biometrics Awards. The winners come from a variety of different sectors, but were all selected for their pioneering contributions to the biometric identity and security industry.

The four 2019 winners are Debra Marcopulos, Dana Michalski, Nicole Spaun, and Sherry Stein. Marcopulos and Michalski work in a more public capacity, advising their respective governments on the use and development of new biometric technology. Marcopulos is the Planning and Assurance Section Chief for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Biometric Identity Management, while Michalski is a University of Adelaide research fellow and the Biometric Science Team Lead for Australia’s Defence Science and Technology Group.

Spaun and Stein, on the other hand, are both representatives of the private sector. Spaun is IDEMIA’s Senior Principal Face Biometric Expert, while Stein is the Head of Technology Strategy for SITA Americas, and has played an integral role in the creation of the first full biometric exit airport program in Orlando.  

“Biometric technologies are critical to securing identities in today’s world, and the impressive advancements made by these female biometrics leaders improve processes like air travel and help keep citizens safe,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “SIA congratulates the 2019 honorees for their outstanding engagement, leadership, innovation and mentorship in this crucial market.”

The 2019 Women in Biometrics Awards are being co-sponsored by IDEMIA, Biometric Update, and the SIA’s Women in Security Forum. While the 2018 awards were presented at the SIA Honors Night in November, the 2019 winners will be celebrated at this week’s SIA GovSummit, which runs from June 26-27 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C.

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June 24, 2019 – by Eric Weiss