SIA recognizes Paul Anstine, Scott Shellenberger with 2023 Excellence in Government Service Awards

SILVER SPRING, Md. – The Security Industry Association (SIA) has recognized Paul Anstine, majority staff director for the House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Homeland Security, and Scott Shellenberger, state’s attorney for Baltimore County, Maryland, with the 2023 SIA Excellence in Government Service Award.

This award honors public servants who have demonstrated extensive leadership and a steady commitment to supporting and advancing the effective use of security and life safety products in ways that benefit society. Anstine and Shellenberger were recognized May 17 in Washington, D.C., during the 2023 SIA GovSummit, SIA’s annual government security conference.

Anstine began his government service in the U.S. Marine Corps, which included two tours in Iraq with the 1st Marine Division. He has served in senior congressional staff roles, as well as director of strategic initiatives at Leidos in the private sector, and currently serves as staff director of the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security.

His key achievements in assisting legislative efforts in Congress include 12 public laws including significant reforms to the Visa Waiver Program and first-ever authorization of U.S. Customs and Border Protection within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Along the way, Anstine has been a strong advocate for industry and its key role in the homeland security enterprise and the responsible and effective use of advanced security technologies, including biometrics and advanced screening.

“Congratulations to Paul Anstine on being named a 2023 SIA Excellence in Government Service awardee,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “We deeply appreciate Paul’s accessibility and openness to hear industry concerns on homeland security issues, his wealth of experience and forthright assessments and, in particular, his support of SIA and our events through participation in the annual SIA GovSummit and other engagements over many years.”

Shellenberger has served as the state’s attorney for Baltimore County since 2006 and was recently reelected to a new four-year term in 2022. He has long been an active participant in policy organizations like the Baltimore County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council and the Maryland State’s Attorney’s Association, and his expertise is frequently called upon in the Maryland General Assembly.

Shellenberger was an early leading advocate for use of body-worn camera systems by law enforcement agencies to foster greater accountability. He also served as a member of the Genetic Genealogy Work Group, an initiative that resulted in the first-in-the-nation law regulating how law enforcement can search consumer genealogical databases in connection with a criminal investigation in a fair and equitable way.

Shellenberger recently served on a legislative task force on facial recognition to review and make recommendations on legislation to guide law enforcement use of the technology in support of criminal investigations, working with stakeholders from the General Assembly, industry, law enforcement and civil society.

“SIA is pleased to recognize Scott Shellenberger with the 2023 SIA Excellence in Government Service Award,” said Jake Parker, senior director of government relations at SIA. “Scott is a respected leader on policy matters related to public safety and law enforcement technologies, and his tireless efforts continue to shape commonsense legislation ensuring responsible and equitable use of advanced technologies in ways that benefit Marylanders.”

The 2023 SIA Excellence in Government Service Awards were presented at the SIA GovSummit conference. Each year, SIA GovSummit brings together government security leaders with private industry technologists for top-quality information sharing, networking and education on security topics affecting federal, state and local agencies. SIA GovSummit 2023 was held May 16-17 at the National Housing Center in downtown Washington, D.C. Learn more about the conference here.