SIA honors Ryan Burns with 2026 Jay Hauhn Excellence in Partnerships Award

SILVER SPRING, Md.—The Security Industry Association (SIA) has named Ryan Burns, senior director of federal government affairs at Walmart, as the recipient of the 2026 Jay Hauhn Excellence in Partnerships Award, recognizing his leadership in fostering collaboration across the security industry and beyond.

Burns will be honored Nov. 4 at SIA Honors Night in New York City, held in conjunction with ISC East.

The award recognizes Burns' role in helping lead a broad coalition of industry stakeholders advocating for preservation of the existing framework governing the Lower 900 MHz spectrum band, a critical communications resource supporting millions of devices used in security, public safety and other essential applications.

Through his work with the SpecTech Alliance, Burns helped unite organizations from multiple industries around a shared policy objective, coordinating technical analysis, industry outreach and engagement with federal policymakers on spectrum issues that could affect security and life-safety technologies.

"The most complex challenges rarely impact just one company or industry, and finding solutions requires the power of partnership," Burns said. "Our work through the SpecTech Alliance demonstrates what's possible when diverse industries and organizations come together around a shared mission."

At Walmart, Burns leads the company's federal advocacy efforts on technology, artificial intelligence, health care, competition and energy issues. He also serves as a strategic adviser on risk management, public policy and stakeholder engagement. His background spans government affairs, corporate strategy and business management, including leadership roles with Sam's Club's retail media business and Walmart's federal government affairs team.

SIA CEO Don Erickson said Burns' coalition-building efforts strengthened the security industry's voice on spectrum policy.

"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," Erickson said. "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."

The award is named for Jay Hauhn, a former SIA board chair known for championing cooperation among industry associations and stakeholders. The honor recognizes individuals who exemplify that collaborative spirit through efforts that advance the security industry and related sectors. 

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