Winning a Wash100 Award is the pinnacle of achievement for a chief information officer. It demonstrates that their guidance, decisions and strategies lead the GovCon sector, not just only fulfilling immediate needs.
Since its inception in 2014, the Wash 100 has recognized GovCon leaders who excel in innovation, leadership and their ability to create impactful solutions to government missions. Earning a Wash100 Award demonstrates that these CIOs are the elite and at the forefront of innovation, leadership and technological advancement.
Not just anyone can win a Wash100 Award—it is one of the most selective awards in GovCon. Executive Mosaic, the industry leader in GovCon media, membership and events and the founder of the Wash100 Award, carefully selects the winners each year to reflect individuals who are making the most significant contributions to the GovCon ecosystem.
So who are the CIOs who have won Wash100 Awards? Let’s dive in.
Maria Demaree
Lockheed Martin
2023–2025
Demaree has tallied three Wash100 Awards for her efforts advancing space technology development and innovation in support of national security missions. In December 2024, the more than 30-year Lockheed Martin veteran assumed the position of senior vice president and CIO. Prior to this role, Demaree was vice president and general manager of Lockheed’s national security space business, where she led a $6.6 billion portfolio and 8,000 employees to bring critical space capabilities, end-to-end missions integration support and high-performance systems to customers.
Demaree led development of Lockheed Martin’s TacSat tech demonstrator, which is the company’s 5G.MIL payload designed to demonstrate network voice and data satellite communications for military satellites and cross-domain connectivity. The company has another tech demonstrator, the LM 400 satellite bus, which can serve military, civilian and commercial applications.
Lockheed also has a Pony Express technology demonstration mission, which involves the use of two small satellites designed to perform radio frequency collection and characterization.
Leonel Garciga
U.S. Army
2024, 2025
Garciga earned his first of two Wash100 Awards in 2024 for continuing the work begun by his predecessor and fellow Wash100 recipient, Raj Iyer, in spearheading the Army’s modernization through the Digital Transformation Strategy. The Army is working on establishing a digital center for excellence aimed at modernizing its software procurement process. Garciga has also enforced a mobile application authorization process providing officials a more efficient way of authorizing mobile applications that link to Army systems.
Under Garciga, the Army adopted five new policies aimed at enhancing cybersecurity through DevSecOps and software development to ensure tools are delivered to soldiers quickly and safely.
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Garciga also signed a number of memos as part of his advocacy to safeguard sensitive data and maintain the integrity of the Army’s IT systems. Garciga endorsed the implementation of a data aggregation framework designed to identify, assess and mitigate risks. The Army’s software assurance policy, meanwhile, requires all Army systems to validate software assurance requirements against the standards of the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
Garciga first served the Army in 2019 as the director of information management before his promotion to CIO. Before that, he was the chief technology officer of the Joint Improvised-Threat Defeat Organization under the Department of Defense and an intelligence analyst and IT specialist at the Defense Intelligence Agency. He also served in the Navy for over 11 years as a mechanical engineer and machinist’s mate.
Aaron Weis
U.S. Navy
2020–2024
A five-time Wash100 Award winner, Weis made his debut in 2020 when he was with the U.S. Navy for his guiding principles driving the service’s information technology and cyber readiness goals. He released the DON Information Security Vision document outlining the department’s plans to modernize its enterprise infrastructure, innovate processes through the use of emerging technology and implement an active monitoring approach to defend its network against cybersecurity threats.
Weis also spearheaded new goals to drive cloud transformation. At WEST 2020, Weis urged the Navy to pursue a cloud adoption project that would help the service simplify IT processes and to build a world-class capability to stay ahead of adversaries. He also signed a design concept outlining an integrated framework to achieve digital modernization goals across the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Weis is now managing director at Google Public Sector.
Lauren Knausenberger
U.S. Air Force
2021–2023
A three-time Wash100 Award winner, Knausenberger earned this distinction for her efforts to keep the Air Force aligned with rapidly evolving technological progress and instituting practices to ensure that tools and the network are more accessible and reliable for airmen and warfighters. She oversaw both the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Space Force, taking charge of two directorates, a $17 billion portfolio and 20,000 cyber missions.
She was at the forefront of a number of department initiatives to overhaul legacy systems and push the Air Force toward the future. Perhaps the most notable among these was the Enterprise Information Technology as a Service initiative, the first wave of which saw the Air Force award a $5.7 billion blanket purchase agreement to a trusted vendor in August 2022.
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This meant Air Force personnel could focus on “more specialized, cyber-focused network defense and mission assurance,” per FedScoop; as the 10-year contract essentially equipped the Air Force with an externally facilitated, around-the-clock and centralized help desk. This was an important project because it ensured that the Air Force would operate using one unified platform for the first time and have comprehensive enterprise IT service management.
Knausenberger introduced six lines of effort via a department-wide interim IT strategy in August 2022. The focus areas were: accelerating adoption of cloud computing in the office and on the battlefield; cybersecurity; workforce; better IT portfolio management to track spending and reduce redundancy; excelling at mission-focused IT services (including hardware and software); and data and AI, such as increased automation and machine learning, according to Defense One.
Jane Rathbun
U.S. Navy
2024, 2025
With Rathbun’s leadership, the Navy achieved multiple IT and data access and security milestones through 2024. In May, the service formally designated Naval Identity Services as its enterprise IT service for identity, credential and access management—a key component of zero trust architectures. NIS was to initially provide Identity, Credential and Access Management capabilities to unclassified Navy shore users. Secret, U.S. Marine Corps and afloat/tactical use cases were to be covered in a future expansion.
In August, the Navy CIO issued the second version of her organization’s Information Superiority Vision. Whereas the first ISV focused on the modernization of collaboration tools, the innovation of connectivity technologies and processes and the updating of cybersecurity approaches, ISV 2.0 focused on the optimization of an agile and resilient environment, the securing of data, systems and networks and the transformation of the DON into an organization whose decisions are driven by data.
In October, the Flank Speed cloud service completed the second round of its security assessments and demonstrated full compliance with all 91 target zero trust activities and 60 out of the 61 advanced zero activities. Flank Speed is the DON’s Impact Level 5 unclassified implementation of Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365.
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Leslie Beavers
Department of Defense
2024
Beavers won a Wash100 Award in 2024 for her work driving IT modernization and cybersecurity efforts across the DOD. She advanced DOD’s zero trust effort, which implements a security framework that verifies all users and devices before they can access resources, regardless of their location or network status. The department’s Portfolio Management Office has reviewed 39 zero trust implementation plans from across the enterprise, and is now working on unifying and synchronizing them by 2027.
Beavers helped establish a Customer Experience Officer Portfolio Management Office within the DOD’s CIO office. This will focus on improving the delivery of IT products to DOD personnel and will establish a data-driven approach, informed by network and user device performance data and continuous customer feedback, to improve the DOD’s user experience.
Juliane Gallina
CIA
2020, 2021
Gallina received her pair of Wash100 Awards for driving innovation priorities, expanding private-public partnerships and her efforts to launch new resources for the GovCon community. Gallina spearheaded new modernization initiatives to improve both the digital posture of both the CIA and federal government, as technology transformation exponentially grows.
Following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. intelligence community initiated changes to its work operations to ensure continuity, meet mission needs and safeguard the health of its workforce. The CIA also distributed personal protective equipment to staff and implemented telework and social distancing measures to carry out missions and ensure the health and security of their personnel.
Sonny Bhagowalia
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
2024
Bhagowalia made his Wash100 debut in 2024 for his work promoting the adoption of AI to help his agency carry out its mission. U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued a solicitation for anomaly detection algorithms and not only did the acquisition seek to enhance national security; it also sought to speed up the screening process.
A contract was awarded to Pangiam for the anomaly detection algorithm requirement. The trade and travel technology company is working with West Virginia University to develop an important tool for the CBP powered by AI, machine learning and computer vision.
Bhagowalia also worked to ensure that the CBP Office of Information and Technology’s nearly $2 billion budget is put to effective use, an effort that is best embodied by the release of CBP IT Strategy 2023-2027. The strategy also looked to ensure that the office supported the mission of the CBP, the mission and priorities of the Department of Homeland Security, the policies of the Federal CIO, the President’s Management Agenda and the National Security Strategy.
Other IT-related accomplishments at the CBP included enhancements to the CBP One app, which made it easier for users seeking to enter the U.S. to schedule appointments for processing at select ports of entry. Another was the launch of an Electronic System for Travel Authorization mobile app for use by travelers who are potentially eligible to enter the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program. Under Bhagowalia, CBP launched a new mobile app for use by members of the Global Entry trusted traveler program.
More recently, the CBP under Bhagowalia launched a new website meant to improve its ability to recruit new personnel. The agency also unveiled a pair of dashboards that display dynamic statistics of trade violations related to the Enforce and Protect Act and e-Allegations programs.
Venice Goodwine
U.S. Air Force
2024, 2025
Goodwine is a two-time Wash100 Award winner, earning her accolades in 2024 and 2025 for the major technological impact she’s making on Air Force IT’s expanding complexity of superiority. Managing a $17 billion portfolio, she’s leading advancements in AI, cybersecurity and enterprise IT while supporting 20,000 cyber personnel worldwide.
Goodwine oversees DAF’s enterprise IT, data and artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity directorates. Her responsibilities include managing the department’s cyber operations worldwide, executing IT investment strategies, ensuring responsible and ethical use of AI and enforcing the Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act.
Goodwine looked to AI to improve Air Force productivity with multiple AI-related efforts. One was the development of a chatbot called NIPRGPT, which was expected to provide Air Force personnel with assistance in certain tasks. The tool was found to have been employed by service members mainly for document summarization and drafting and coding assistance.
Goodwide sought to expand Air Force CIO delivery of cloud services, covering applications in classified networks as well as in the tactical edge. She led the migration of the Air Force’s computer applications to the cloud to provide additional digital durability and portability to airmen and Guardians stationed worldwide.
The three-decade IT veteran previously served as CISO at the Department of Agriculture, where she helped raise USDA’s cyber score under the Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act from an F to a B and established a single unified security operations center.
David McKeown
Department of Defense
2023, 2025
McKeown won a pair of Wash100 Awards in 2023 and 2025 for his unwavering commitment to driving innovation and reinforcing the nation’s defense against emerging cyber threats. His current role as special assistant for cybersecurity innovation involves overseeing the newly established Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, where he focuses on addressing some of the department’s most complex challenges through innovative approaches.
Additionally, under his guidance, DOD has released new zero trust frameworks, including the comprehensive “Zero Trust Overlays.” These resources establish a robust foundation for agencies to implement the department’s security measures more effectively.
Beyond zero trust, McKeown’s efforts extend to the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program. McKeown has actively worked to reduce the time it takes for vendor applications to gain authorization, targeting a streamlined three-month process.
Prior to his appointment as special assistant for cybersecurity innovation, McKeown held numerous leadership roles, including deputy CIO for cybersecurity and chief information security officer at the DOD. His career spans key roles at the Department of Justice, the Joint Service Provider and the U.S. Air Force, where he dedicated 15 years of service. Across each role, McKeown has consistently advanced cybersecurity challenges with strategic vision and technical expertise.
Juan Ramírez
Department of Defense
2025
Ramírez has been at the forefront of the Department of Defense’s push to harness 5G for mission success, making him a natural fit for a Wash100 Award. Ramírez earned his place among the Wash100 winners for his groundbreaking work in spearheading 5G integration within the DOD.
Since taking on his role in early 2023, Ramírez designed and executed a strategic framework that ensured the Pentagon’s adoption of 5G was both secure and scalable. His work paved the way for key initiatives such as JADC2, an ongoing lift meant to enable seamless communication and operational synchronization across military platforms.
At the helm of the 5G Cross-Functional Team, Ramírez’s leadership revolutionized the department’s telecommunications infrastructure. His vision included deploying private 5G networks, which reportedly delivered enhanced performance and resilience critical to mission success in contested environments, as well as supporting advancements like automated port operations and remote telemedicine capabilities.
Ramírez’ push for strategic integration of 5G and open radio access networks, a.k.a. ORAN, fostered greater flexibility, interoperability and collaboration between the DOD and leading industry players. This integration not only strengthened the operational capabilities of the U.S. military, but also catalyzed collaboration within the GovCon ecosystem, ensuring the DOD remains a leader in cutting-edge technology.
Kelly Fletcher
U.S. State Department
2025
Fletcher earned her first Wash100 Award in 2025 for her leadership in the department’s efforts to prioritize network modernization and enhance cybersecurity. Fletcher is leading the State Department’s work against cyberthreats by implementing security measures such as multifactor authentication and widening data encryption. This was in response to the China-linked hacking of Microsoft’s corporate network, which compromised around 60,000 State Department emails.
Fletcher also made it a priority to boost the department’s ability “to respond and recover from cyberincidents quickly.” She stressed the need to enhance user experience focused on enhanced operations, global connectivity and delivery of advanced capabilities. To achieve this, she advocated for adopting a zero trust posture.
As part of its network modernization efforts, the State Department is accelerating AI integration into its daily operations. The agency is prioritizing the incorporation of classified intel into AI tools. It has already programmed the Foreign Affairs Manual, a detailed overview of State Department business practices and procedures, into its internal chatbot to facilitate quick and secure access to essential information.
Gregory Barbaccia
U.S. Office of Management and Budget
2025
Barbaccia received his Wash100 Award in 2025 for his excellence in serving both the private and public sectors and his critical role in technology use across the federal government.
Before joining the federal government, Barbaccia served as chief information security officer at Theorem. In his two years as CISO, the executive developed and implemented the company’s information security strategy, which included managing cyber risks and incident response.
Before Theorem, he briefly led Elementus, a universal blockchain search engine and institutional-grade crypto forensic solution provider, as president. Under Barbaccia’s leadership, Elementus supplied its compliance and data analytics technology to U.S. agencies in support of high-profile cyber investigations.
Barbaccia was appointed to the role of federal CIO in January 2025. He succeeded Clare Martorana, who served in the role for four years.
As federal CIO, Barbaccia oversees the execution of the administration’s technology priorities and ensures the government has access to secure, reliable and high-performing technologies. He is also expected to be involved in the preparation of the government’s IT budget, which is subject to approval by Congress.
Randy Resnick
Department of Defense
2024
Resnick earned his Wash100 Award in 2024 for advancing and synchronizing zero trust efforts and initiatives across the DOD enterprise. Resnick was tapped to lead the newly established Zero Trust Portfolio Management Office at the start of 2022, and in the time since, he spearheaded major zero trust framework, implementation and adoption efforts. He notably played a key role in the DOD’s Zero Trust Architecture Implementation Strategy, released in December 2022.
During the creation process for the strategy, Resnick collaborated with other executives in the DOD CIO office to develop 45 capabilities and more than 100 activities that would be used to measure zero trust progress.
In the spring of 2023, Resnick’s office collaborated with the National Security Agency and the four Joint Warfighting Cloud Capability contract winners—Amazon Web Services, Google, Microsoft and Oracle—to test zero trust security by launching attacks on the companies’ cloud platform systems.
John Sherman
Department of Defense
2022–2024
A three-time Wash100 Award winner, Sherman is honored for having worked to ensure that the DOD and the broader U.S. defense establishment possess the cyber talent and digital capabilities needed to preserve national security against threats posed by adversaries. Amid the proliferation of digital communication technologies, these threats are increasingly manifest in the cyber domain. To ensure that defense personnel working on cyber-related tasks possess the appropriate qualities to carry out their responsibilities, Sherman in February 2023 approved the release of DOD Manual 8140.03, also known as the Cyberspace Workforce Qualification and Management Program.
Sherman also signed the 2023-2027 DOD Cyber Workforce Strategy Implementation Plan. Released in August, the plan put into action the 2023-2027 Cyber Workforce Strategy, which seeks to enable the DOD to attract, retain and develop top-notch cyber talent.
Sherman also approved the DOD Software Modernization Implementation Plan, which aims to ensure the delivery of “resilient software capability at the speed of relevance.” To achieve this, the document described the establishment of the Software Modernization Senior Steering Group, which works to oversee continuous software modernization planning and management.
Sherman then approved DOD Instruction 5000.82, which outlines the requirements for acquiring digital capabilities, including those pertaining to software, IT, communications and data. The document established policy and procedures and assigned the responsibilities of principal acquisition officials.
Karl Mathias
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
2023
Mathais earned his first Wash100 selection in 2023 for driving the narrative around the GovCon IT sector. As CIO of HHS, he oversaw a $7 billion information technology portfolio supporting HHS’ mission of helping Americans improve their health and well-being. Mathais pledged to create a coordinated cybersecurity strategy beyond the zero trust strategy that came down as part of the Executive Order on Improving the Nation’s Cybersecurity.
He emphasized the importance of enhancing the security of national health IT infrastructure, having joined the federal civilian service after his 2007 retirement from the U.S. Air Force. The retired lieutenant colonel served as CIO at the U.S. Marshals Service for more than seven years before joining HHS. Mathias is now the program manager for agency business solutions at NASA.
Dennis Crall
Joint Chiefs of Staff
2021, 2022
Lt. Gen. Crall landed Wash100 Awards in 2021 and 2022 for continuing development and implementation of the Joint All Domain Command and Control, a.k.a. JADC2, strategy. The top-level strategy highlights the use of AI, 5G and other emerging technologies to establish a warfighting communications network for facilitating military services’ data sharing efforts.
In addition to rounding out the JADC2 strategy, Crall has led massive data efforts to create more efficiency in warfare. This joint warfighting capability will use material and non-materiel solutions to derive information advantage through the use of artificial intelligence, machine learning and predictive analytics. The data-centric and algorithmic warfare envisioned in future conflicts requires a data fabric with clearly identified components and functions essential to establishing the foundation of JADC2.
Raj Iyer
U.S. Army
2021, 2022
Iyer earned a pair of Wash100 accolades for his work as the first Army civilian CIO. In 2021, Iyer established the Army Digital Transformation Strategy to align service technology, processes and culture with the rapidly changing digital landscape to achieve overmatch in joint multi-domain operations.
A key component of the ADTS is an initiative to pursue a unified cloud IT environment that will centralize computer systems, cloud services and cybersecurity and data standards to support multidomain operation requirements. In March 2021, the service branch upgraded its Enterprise Cloud Management Office to function as a field operating agency to help Iyer’s office organize enterprise cloud programs.
Iyer also implemented a cybersecurity policy to prevent civilian, military and contractor personnel who use internet of things devices while remotely connected to DOD networks from leaking official data amid the pandemic.
Iyer also initiated the development of an enterprise digital strategy. In January 2021, he outlined his IT reform priorities to better align its IT positions as the service unifies its global enterprise and tactical networks. His plan helped the Army prepare its workforce for the digital age by changing culture and fostering innovation.
The establishment of fully accredited cloud environments with Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure was one of Iyer’s key achievements during 2021. Other accomplishments included the development of a concept to unify 42 different service networks throughout the U.S. and the deployment of a remote environment with Microsoft Office 365 collaboration tools.
Clare Martorana
U.S. Office of Personnel Management
2022
Martorana earned her Wash100 Award in 2022 for shaping conversation and driving innovation in the GovCon arena. Her segment at the Office of Management and Budget worked with the General Services Administration to update Technology Modernization Fund guidance for the distribution of $1 billion from the American Rescue Plan to cybersecurity defenses, pandemic response and economic recovery projects in the government.
At a congressional hearing, Martorana proposed pairing government policy specialists with technologists in the information technology policy development process to help propel IT modernization at agencies. She also highlighted her belief that translating innovative ideas into modern policies will position agencies for best-in-class public service delivery.
Dana Deasy
Department of Defense
2019, 2020
Deasy landed a pair of Wash100 Awards for prioritizing IT projects that drove DOD’s digital modernization and new tech adoption. He won his 2019 Wash100 for promoting and developing AI capabilities and spearheading a cloud adoption effort.
In October 2019, DOD awarded Microsoft the 10-year, $10 billion Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure, a.k.a. JEDI, cloud computing contract, which Deasy said at the time marked a step in the implementation of the department’s digital modernization strategy in support of the National Defense Strategy.
Calendar year 2019 also marked the launch of the Pentagon’s AI strategy, which Deasy said at the time supports every facet of the National Defense Strategy. In addition to cloud contracts, the department launched in February 2019 a strategy that aimed to migrate storage and computing operations to the cloud. Deasy also announced in 2019 that DOD was working to demonstrate 5G connectivity across a number of military bases and intended to have the bases sustain and implement the 5G technology after testing.
Suzette Kent
White House
2019, 2020
Kent earned her first of two Wash100 Awards in 2019 as federal CIO for the White House for guiding the federal government’s development and integration of advanced technology, including AI, cloud computing and cybersecurity. She secured her 2019 Wash100 Award for driving government cybersecurity and modernizing federal agencies IT services.
Kent spearheaded major technology and security initiatives within the federal government. Most notably, Kent helped the White House develop a prioritization strategy for citizen privacy, research, economy, geospatial data, transparency and modern technology in its first Federal Data Strategy in March 2019.
Under Kent’s organization, the Federal Data Strategy highlighted the need to preserve individual privacy, build citizen trust, continue research on data, promote fiscal data transparency, expand ethical frameworks and build reusable data and access tools.
Since the strategy was released, the federal government took major steps to expand new technology. Kent led the government’s cloud transformation to expand the reach of federal agencies in May 2019.
In addition to Kent’s leadership within cloud integration, she also reported on the policy changes for cloud computing in Sept. 2019. Kent addressed, in regards to a federal memo, the updated Trusted Internet Connections guidance in regards to federal cloud capabilities.
John Shanahan
Department of Defense
2019, 2020
Lt. Gen. Shanahan earned his first of two Wash100 Awards in 2019 for leading DOD’s then-newly-created Joint Artificial Intelligence Center and pushing for stronger AI initiatives and improving recruitment to test the technology’s capabilities. The JAIC teamed up with the National Security Innovation Network to administer a three-day hackathon challenge — Into the Dataverse — aimed at using AI platforms in predictive aircraft maintenance. This hackathon brought together a diverse group of incredibly talented and innovative people who, in a very short time, developed and presented creative solutions to a challenging problem.
The JAIC, under Lt. Gen. Shanahan’s guidance, pursued the Joint Common Foundation. This is a platform designed to provide access to data, libraries, tools and environments to help AI and software engineers accelerate the development, testing and deployment of AI platforms to soldiers.
Lt. Gen. Shanahan concurrently served as director of defense intelligence for warfighter support and the Algorithmic Warfare Cross-Functional Team, also known as Project Maven. As Project Maven director, he led efforts to convert video surveillance into actionable intelligence. His goal was to let the machines do what machines do well, and let humans do what only humans can do.
Shanahan has also served as the commander of the 25th Air Force at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in Texas. While there, he led 30,000 personnel in worldwide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations.
Maria Roat
U.S. Small Business Association
2020
Roat entered the Wash100 ranks in 2020 for developing new IT and cloud initiatives and securing major partnerships. Before becoming CIO of the Small Business Association, she was responsible for establishing and leading the Department of Transportation’s technical vision and strategic direction, driving innovation and planning for technology growth supporting internal- and external-facing mission activities. She used her experience at SBA to generate new technology growth and expand its reach in the private and public sectors.
Roat at SBA contributed to dramatic growth within the administration concerning SBA’s technology. In April 2019, SBA issued the evaluation report highlighting that the agency needs to improve how it handles risk management, security, data mobility and IT investments as well the adoption of federal standards to efficiently move data to the cloud and reduce disruption during migration.
In effect of the report, Roat drove SBA’s cloud, machine learning and artificial intelligence efforts to improve its systems and meet current expectations. In Sept. 2019, the administration concluded a pilot program to implement continuous diagnostics and mitigation in an effort to improve data security.
In addition to the administration’s cloud, AI and IT growth, SBA with Roat’s leadership also expanded its reach through securing valuable partnerships. In April 2020, SBA partnered with Amazon and Microsoft to help the administration distribute approximately $350 billion worth of loans to small companies as part of the Paycheck Protection Program.
Terry Halvorsen
Department of Defense
2016
Halvorsen won a Wash100 award in 2016 for guiding DOD’s IT enterprise through an era of constant change and networks and systems growing in complexity. He led DOD toward a more integrated, resilient, dynamic, secure and responsible IT environment. This helped DOD networks transform data into more actionable information, empowering better operational and mission effectiveness at a better cost.
Halvorsen helped DOD make progress on the Joint Regional Security Stacks and DOD’s transition to a common operating system. He also led DOD on the adoption of a cloud computing environment and securing DOD’s network and systems, particularly with the DOD Cyber Scorecard.
Halvorsen is now the vice president for federal client development at IBM.
Tony Scott
U.S. Federal Government
2016
Scott was selected as a Wash100 Award winner in 2016 for his time serving as President Obama’s federal CIO. He had oversight, budget and management responsibilities for the more than $85 billion that the federal government annually spends on IT. He and his team managed the government-wide response plan after the OPM cybersecurity incident, including the Cybersecurity Sprint and Implementation Plan, which improved the information systems security posture of the federal government.
Scott was responsible for the creation of the first of its kind “State of IT” report and he collaborated with members of Congress to create several legislative proposals, including the Modernizing Government Technology Act, to improve the way IT is funded within the federal government.
Scott is now CEO of the TonyScottGroup LLC, a Washington and Silicon Valley-based consulting and venture capital firm focused on early- stage cybersecurity and privacy technologies.
Teri Takai
Department of Defense
2014
Takai earned her Wash100 Award in 2014 for becoming one of the nation’s top leaders in streamlining IT operations. Takai managed a $38 billion budget while guiding a worldwide IT enterprise from a stovepiped environment to one that shared improved IT security standards, shared cloud computing and better information sharing, according to FedScoop.
Takai convinced many stakeholders in DOD’s enterprise that shared services and standards would not negatively impact their ability to provide services.
“We were trying to look at things that could be done across DOD from an enterprise perspective, both in terms of what that would mean for cybersecurity and what that would mean for efficiency,” Takai said. ““And that’s always difficult. It doesn’t matter whether you’re at DOD or the State of California or whether you’re at a private entity. Any time that you’re looking for an organization to use more shared services, it’s always very difficult.”
Takai is now the chief programs officer at e.Republic, the parent company of the Center for Digital Government.
Rick Holgate
U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
2014
Holgate won his Wash100 Award in 2014 for his work as assistant director for science and technology and CIO of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. He oversaw all aspects of IT services, systems and security for ATF’s 7,500 users.
He later left for Gartner in September 2015, where he is now senior executive partner for public sector and federal government. Holgate in June 2017 testified before the House on the Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act Scorecard 4.0. He offered insights into the best practices in managing the commercial and federal systems for IT acquisitions. He highlighted four key areas:
- Treating IT more strategically and engaging agency leadership
- Improving acquisition
- Budget and funding practices
- Achieving greater visibility into agency activities
- Developing greater organizational competence
Holgate in 2019 was quoted in a Gartner blog post about how governments can unlock blockchain’s potential. Two-thirds of governments in 2018 were actively interested in blockchain, according to Gartner, and 10-percent of governments were actually doing something with it.
That changed in 2019. Holgate said the cooling in the government space reflected a more sensible approach to blockchain. A wave of governments exploring out of fascination or fear of missing out was replaced with more deliberate and informed experimentation.
Holgate suggested government CIOs considering blockchain should look beyond the hype to the incentives for participation and first determine if blockchain is necessary. He said, as with all IT projects, the focus should be on the desired business outcome, rather than the technology.
“Instead of getting caught up in the hype, take time to explore blockchain in a structured and objective way, seeking out the use cases that are most relevant to you,” Holgate said. “While many of the use cases are still nascent, they are the closest to demonstrating some level of maturity and offer government CIOs a tangible opportunity to start small and scale up.”
