SIA names John Mack 2026 Lippert Award recipient

SILVER SPRING, Md.—The Security Industry Association (SIA) has named John E. Mack III, managing director and co-head of security and safety investment banking at Raymond James, as the recipient of the 2026 George R. Lippert Memorial Award, recognizing his longtime service and leadership within the security industry.

Mack will receive the award during SIA's Securing New Ground conference, scheduled for Oct. 20-21 in New York City.

The annual award honors individuals who have demonstrated long-term, selfless service to both the security industry and SIA. It is named after George R. Lippert, who dedicated more than two decades to advancing the association and the industry.

Mack joined Raymond James in 2025 as managing director and co-head of security and safety investment banking. Prior to that, he served as co-head of investment banking and head of the security sector investment banking practice at Imperial Capital. He also founded USBX, a boutique investment bank, and previously served as CEO and board member of Protection One.

A longtime SIA member, Mack has played a significant role in several association initiatives. He conceived SIA's Endowment Program, which supports growth and innovation efforts across the association, and served as the program's founding chair.

His industry involvement has also included service on SIA's board of directors, Executive Committee and treasury leadership, as well as frequent participation as a speaker at Securing New Ground.

In addition, Mack founded the Security Investor Conference more than two decades ago, an event that continues today through Raymond James and promotes the security industry to the investment community.

"I'm grateful for this award and truly honored by this recognition from SIA, which has done so much for the industry," Mack said. "I am happy to have been involved as a board member, founding chair of the Endowment Committee and an active volunteer."

He added that he is especially proud of the initiatives the SIA Endowment has supported, including talent development efforts, school security initiatives, programs focused on industry verticals and support for women and veterans in security.

SIA Board Chair Mike Mathes said Mack's contributions have helped strengthen both the association and the broader security market.

"John Mack has spent decades helping our industry grow while giving generously of his time and expertise to SIA," Mathes said. "He has brought the security and investment communities closer together and helped establish SIA's endowment fund, creating opportunities that will benefit our members for years to come."

The Lippert Award will be presented during Securing New Ground 2026, SIA's annual executive conference focused on industry trends, investment activity, technology innovation and business strategy. In addition to honoring Mack, SIA will recognize the 2026 25 on the RISE Awards recipients during the event. 

Related: SIA names Bill Squires 2026 Insightful Practitioner Award recipient