These are some of the pictures from the IIFX Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the NCAA Hall of Champions in Indianapolis, IN on 10 July 2023.
Our 2023 Hall of Fame Inductees are:
Richard “Rick” Fenton, Vice President/CSO, Corporate Security & Safety | Ilitch Holdings, Inc. Rick has demonstrated
his passion for safety, security, and service with his 25 years in law enforcement, retiring as the Executive Commander,
Wayne County Sheriff’s Department, and as the former Police Chief, Detroit/Wayne County Metropolitan Airport. Rick
has spent the last 23 years leading various components of Ilitch Holdings (Detroit Tigers – Comerica Park, Red Wings
– Little Caesars Arena, Fox Theater, and Olympia Entertainment). Rick and his team are the leaders in the security
industry and esteemed advocates of the Safety Act. Rick is praised by his peers for being the leading voice on the best
safety and security practices in the sports and entertainment industry, including the NBA, MLB, and NHL.
Jim Mercurio spent 30 years in service to the sports and entertainment event industry. Jim began his career in
an entry-level position, working in the San Francisco Giants locker room and advanced through the ranks to become
Executive Vice President and General Manager of Levi’s Stadium. Jim served in the roles of Executive Vice President
and General Manager of Levi’s Stadium, VP of Stadium Operations & General Manager and Director of Stadium
Operations for the 49ers at Candlestick Park. During his time at Levi’s Stadium, Jim oversaw all aspects of stadium and
event operations, including executive oversight of the food and beverage operations, engineering, grounds, guest
services, operations and logistics, parking, and transportation. He also managed all police, safety, and security services,
including 24/7 stadium security operations, and game and event day medical services at Levi’s Stadium.
William (Bill) Squires is a United States Naval Academy graduate and served on active duty as a naval aviator for 12
years before joining the Naval Reserves. Bill retired from the Naval Reserves as a Commander after 24 years of service.
In 1987, Bill entered the sports facilities and event management industry. He has held top-level positions with the
following facilities: Yankee Stadium, Giants Stadium (two tours), Cleveland Browns Stadium, and ESPN Wide World of
Sports. In addition, Bill is a Past President of the Stadium Managers Association and is a member of the Sports League
Sub-Council and the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) Professional Sports Advisory
Committee. Bill has a consulting business, The Right Stuff Consulting, Inc., featuring clients such as the New York
Football Giants. Bill is the liaison between the team and the New Meadowlands Stadium Company, which operates
the $1.6 billion MetLife Stadium Bill also works as an expert witness in lawsuits that involve sports teams and venues.
Bill is an adjunct professor at Columbia University and has taught the Sports Facilities and Event Management course
in the Master of Science in the Sports Management program since 2007.
