The Best Protection Starts with the Best People
July 24, 2026
When Brian Davis traveled to the Secure Community Network (SCN) National Conference, he expected to spend the week learning alongside security professionals from across North America. Instead, he found himself walking across the stage to accept one of the organization’s highest honors: the SCN CEO Award.
“I was completely shocked and surprised,” Brian said. “It was exciting and very humbling to receive it.”
The award, selected personally by SCN’s CEO, recognizes exceptional leadership in protecting Jewish communities. But when Brian heard why he had been chosen, he realized the recognition wasn’t just about him.
“They read everything Atlanta has built,” he said. “It was really a reflection of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta and all the initiatives our Security Committee and community partners have worked on together.”
Those initiatives include Federation’s newly launched Antisemitism Response Network, nationally recognized partnerships with local, state, and federal law enforcement, quarterly community-wide security meetings that bring together rabbis, executive directors, security volunteers and public safety leaders, and expanding security support beyond metro Atlanta by helping Jewish institutions in Augusta complete comprehensive threat assessments.
That collaborative approach has helped make Jewish Atlanta one of the strongest security networks in the country.
Brian credits much of that success to Federation’s decision to make Safety & Security one of its five core impact areas.
“It’s brought greater awareness to what we’re doing behind the scenes. It makes it easier when you have funds coming in that can help put security systems in buildings and support organizations that otherwise couldn’t afford them.”
Donor support helps provide security grants, threat assessments, emergency planning, security personnel, cameras, access control systems, and expert guidance for Jewish organizations across Greater Atlanta. Just as importantly, it gives Brian and his team the ability to build relationships before a crisis happens.
“When anything happens in Israel, our local police departments are already calling me,” Brian said. “They know they need to increase security around our synagogues and schools. When we call, they take it seriously and they act quickly to help us.”
The SCN CEO Award comes just months after Brian received The White Rose Award for his longstanding commitment to combating antisemitism. After more than 30 years in law enforcement, he says what makes these honors especially meaningful is the community behind them.
“It’s a pleasure to work here and to work for a community that cares about security,” Brian said. “People are thankful, they understand the need, and that makes building these relationships possible.”
Brian’s awards recognize one person. But they also affirm something much bigger: Jewish Atlanta’s commitment to protecting Jewish life. By investing in the best people, the strongest partnerships, and proactive security measures, Federation donors are helping ensure our community remains safe, resilient, and prepared for whatever comes next.