#United States #AI #Data Center #McLean #Northern Virginia

NVTC Announces 2026 Data Center Awards Finalists

On January 20, 2026, the Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC) revealed the finalists for its seventh annual Data Center Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions made to the digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence sectors. Northern Virginia has proudly established itself as a global hub for digital infrastructure, where data centers serve a pivotal role in the contemporary economy.

Today's data centers are not merely facilities for storage and processing; they have transformed into sophisticated AI-powered operations that drive innovation across various sectors, including healthcare, national security, and manufacturing. As one of the top contributors to Virginia's economy, the data center industry generated nearly $40 billion in economic output in 2025, providing jobs for over 112,000 individuals in operations, construction, manufacturing, and the related supply chain.

Categories and Finalists

The NVTC Data Center Awards celebrate excellence across various categories:

• - Community Champion Award: Recognizing those contributing to community engagement in technology.

- Nominees:
- Steve Altizer, Compu Dynamics
- Digital Realty
- Equinix
- Christopher Lettiere, CoreSite
- Michael Whitlock, Sabey Data Centers
- Vantage Data Centers

• - Data Center Partner of the Year Award: Honoring partnerships that enhance service and product offerings.

- Nominees:
- Mike Dolton, AMERICAN SYSTEMS
- Liza Kelso, Endress+Hauser
- Allie Pantaleoni, NextGen | GTA A Kelly Telecom Company
- Jeff Ramacciotti, Interstate Technology Logistics
- Aaron Yang, DPR Construction

• - Rising Star Award: Celebrating upcoming leaders in the field.

- Nominees:
- Marianne Banzuelo, Digital Realty
- Samuel Eliason, CoreSite
- Kelsey McWilliams, HITT Contracting
- Sid Sillah, Interstate Technology Logistics

• - Sustainable Champion Award: Honoring efforts in sustainability and corporate responsibility.

- Nominees:
- Adacen
- Chuck McBride, Atmosphere Data Centers
- Alyssa Myre, QTS Data Centers
- Oracle Corporation

These awards embody the commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainable practices shaping the future of our digital economy. The winners will be announced at a ceremony on February 18, 2026, at Stone Tower Winery in Leesburg, Virginia. This event signifies an opportunity to recognize industry pioneers who are not only evolving technology but are also positively impacting the community by prioritizing sustainability and responsibility in their operations.

Importance of Data Centers

Data centers have become an integral part of everyday life, often unnoticed but critical to services like online banking, remote learning, telehealth, and entertainment. They support the infrastructure required for crucial operations in logistics, emergency services, and beyond, fulfilling a role so essential that the U.S. government designates them as critical infrastructure.

As Virginia’s data center industry surges, so too does its dedication to sustainability. Leaders in this sector have pioneered investments in renewable energy sources, minimization of resource consumption, and the adoption of greener construction practices. This dual focus on innovation and environmental stewardship positions Northern Virginia as a leader not only in technology but also in responsible business practices.

Conclusion

The NVTC awards ceremony epitomizes the triumphant spirit of innovation and community engagement in Northern Virginia's tech landscape. As the industry evolves, it remains vital to recognize those who go above and beyond to ensure that technological advancement aligns with ethical and sustainable practices. The finalists for the 2026 NVTC Data Center Awards stand as testaments to the incredible potential that lies within Virginia's data center community, which continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the digital age.