FAIRFAX, Va., Feb. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — GovCIO Media & Research, a leading federal technology media company, announced the finalists for the annual CyberScape Flywheel Awards – an awards program established to recognize the accomplishments of federal leaders transforming cybersecurity initiatives. Winners will be announced April 3 at the CyberScape Summit in Bethesda, Maryland.
GovCIO Media & Research CyberScape Summit Flywheel Awards Finalists
“We’re excited to honor the achievements and commitment of these federal cybersecurity leaders whose transformative advancements are strengthening our nation’s digital infrastructure,” said Michael Hoffman, president, GovCIO Media & Research.
The CyberScape Flywheel Award Finalists include:
Cybersecurity Rising Star: A newcomer to cybersecurity leadership who is dedicated to building cyber awareness, launching bold new cybersecurity programs/initiatives and challenging existing norms to improve cybersecurity within their organization.
Rachel Farris, Supervisory IT Specialist, IRS
Jennifer Li, Senior Policy Advisor, CISA
Rina Rakipi, Strategic Partnerships and Vulnerability Program Development, CISA
Cyber Defender: This leader demonstrates a commitment to fostering a cyber-aware culture within their organization, prioritizes cyber hygiene and advocates for best cybersecurity practices, funding and resources.
Charithra Bettegowda, Cybersecurity Analyst, FAA
Lili Colon, Principal Deputy Director, CESER, DOE
Cynthia Kaiser, Deputy Assistant Director, FBI Cyber Division
Zero Trust Advocate: An individual who prioritizes educating about zero trust architecture, collaborating with leadership to implement it and taking actionable steps to advance zero trust principles and mindset.
Lou Eichenbaum, Zero Trust Program Manager, DOI
Sairah Ijaz, CIO, HUD
Will Schmitt, Division Chief, Technology and Portfolio Management, DOD OCIO
Cyber Leader: This award recognizes outstanding leadership. This person inspires others to see a vision for a safe and secure cyber world in and out of the federal government through developing and upskilling the workforce.
Josephine Kennedy, Cybersecurity Lead, NIH
Paul Loeffler, Portfolio Management Section Chief for CDM Program and Acting Branch Chief for CSSO, CISA
Robert Wingo, Security Architecture Chief, USCIS
CISO of the Year: A visionary leader who goes the extra mile to empower their organization to enhance cybersecurity measures, championing robust security protocols and aligning efforts with business objectives.
Shane Barney, CISO, USCIS
Vu T. Nguyen, CISO, DOJ
Paul Selby, CISO, DOE
Visit GovCIO Media & Research’s CyberScape Summit page to view the full agenda, speaker lineup and register for this must-attend annual event. Register today to secure your spot.
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