Celebrating Cybersecurity Leadership at CyberScape Summit
GovCIO Media & Research, a prominent figure in federal technology media, has announced the finalists for its prestigious CyberScape Flywheel Awards. This award program is dedicated to honoring federal leaders who are making significant strides in transforming cybersecurity initiatives across the nation. The winners will be revealed at the upcoming CyberScape Summit, scheduled for April 3 in Bethesda, Maryland.
Michael Hoffman, the president of GovCIO Media & Research, expressed enthusiasm for recognizing the incredible achievements of leaders in the cybersecurity domain. He emphasized the importance of their efforts in enhancing the nation's digital infrastructure, stating, "We are excited to honor the achievements and commitment of these federal cybersecurity leaders whose transformative advancements are strengthening our nation's digital infrastructure."
The Award Categories
The CyberScape Flywheel Awards consist of several categories to highlight various aspects of cybersecurity leadership:
1. Cybersecurity Rising Star
This category honors newcomers in cybersecurity leadership who showcase a strong dedication to building cyber awareness. The finalists are:
- - Rachel Farris, Supervisory IT Specialist at the IRS
- - Jennifer Li, Senior Policy Advisor at CISA
- - Rina Rakipi, Strategic Partnerships and Vulnerability Program Development at CISA
2. Cyber Defender
Individuals in this category demonstrate a commitment to fostering a culture of cyber awareness within their organizations. Finalists for this category include:
- - Charithra Bettegowda, Cybersecurity Analyst at the FAA
- - Lili Colon, Principal Deputy Director at CESER, DOE
- - Cynthia Kaiser, Deputy Assistant Director at FBI Cyber Division
3. Zero Trust Advocate
This recognition is for individuals who prioritize the education and implementation of zero trust architecture. The finalists are:
- - Lou Eichenbaum, Zero Trust Program Manager at DOI
- - Sairah Ijaz, CIO at HUD
- - Will Schmitt, Division Chief at DOD OCIO
4. Cyber Leader
Outstanding leadership in cybersecurity is celebrated in this category. The finalists are:
- - Josephine Kennedy, Cybersecurity Lead at NIH
- - Paul Loeffler, Portfolio Management Section Chief for CDM Program at CISA
- - Robert Wingo, Security Architecture Chief at USCIS
5. CISO of the Year
This prestigious award recognizes a visionary leader in cybersecurity, and the finalists include:
- - Shane Barney, CISO at USCIS
- - Vu T. Nguyen, CISO at DOJ
- - Paul Selby, CISO at DOE
The CyberScape Summit promises engaging discussions and learning opportunities, with a full agenda and a remarkable speaker lineup. It serves as a pivotal event for industry stakeholders aiming to stay informed on the latest trends and challenges in federal cybersecurity.
Conclusion
The CyberScape Flywheel Awards highlights the importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital landscape and recognizes those who strive to protect it. Visitors can learn more about the summit agenda, speakers, and registration information by visiting the GovCIO Media & Research CyberScape Summit page. This event is a must-attend for anyone involved in federal IT decision-making and cybersecurity advancements.