Celebrating Excellence: NVTC Honors Leaders in Data Center Innovation and Sustainability
NVTC Celebrates Data Center Leaders in Innovation
The Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC) recently hosted the 2026 Data Center Awards, a prestigious event that highlights the exceptional contributions of individuals and organizations within the data center industry. Northern Virginia is recognized globally as a key hub for digital infrastructure, essential for supporting technologies such as artificial intelligence, healthcare, and national security. Held at the scenic Stone Tower Winery in Leesburg, the awards aimed to recognize the innovative leaders setting benchmarks for excellence in an industry characterized by rapid growth and change.
Jennifer Taylor, president and CEO of NVTC, emphasized the significance of the data center sector, stating, "Northern Virginia's data center industry is the backbone of the global digital economy." She added that the honorees are not merely contributors to technological advancements but are also champions of sustainable practices, investing in energy alternatives, and driving innovations that align with environmental stewardship.
Key Statistics and Industry Impact
According to NVTC's upcoming 2026 Data Center Economic Impact Report, the data center industry alone generates an impressive nearly $40 billion annually and supports over 112,000 jobs throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. As the reliance on digital services and artificial intelligence continues to surge, the data center industry is expected to evolve further, pushing the boundaries of performance while adhering to principles of sustainability, workforce development, and corporate responsibility.
Scott Blackwell from Dominion Energy, who serves as Chairman of the NVTC Data Center and Cloud Community of Interest, noted, "As the demand for AI and digital infrastructure escalates, the award winners are exemplifying what effective leadership looks like in our industry. They are making strides in innovation and ensuring sustainable growth, which solidifies Virginia's role as a leader on the global stage."
Award Winners of 2026
The award winners for the 2026 NVTC Data Center Awards included:
- - Community Champion Award: Christopher Lettiere, CoreSite
- - Data Center Partner of the Year Award: DPR Construction
- - Rising Star Award: Kelsey McWilliams, HITT Contracting
- - Sustainable Champion Award: QTS Data Centers
These honorees represent the spirit of innovation and economic development, significantly impacting the future of tech-based industry, particularly in sectors related to security, healthcare, and work advancements.
Support and Acknowledgements
The successful execution of the 2026 NVTC Data Center Awards was made possible through the contributions of various partners in the industry, including Falken Industries, Google, Meta, Securis, and many others. These collaborations signify a robust commitment to advancing technology at both a regional and global level.
About NVTC
To further connect and empower the tech community in Northern Virginia, NVTC has become the leading voice for technological advancements in the region. Representing a membership base of nearly 500 organizations, from nimble startups to Fortune 100 companies, NVTC fosters innovation, builds networks, and advocates for favorable policies that support growth and development.
Through its initiatives across fields such as cybersecurity, generative AI, and cloud computing, NVTC is dedicated to positioning Northern Virginia at the forefront of technology evolution. For those interested in learning more about NVTC and their ongoing projects, they can visit www.nvtc.org.
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