Microsoft’s Candice Ling Wins Second Wash100 Award for Promoting Government Adoption of Advanced Technology
Executive Mosaic is excited to announce that Candice Ling, senior vice president of federal at Microsoft, has won her second Wash100 Award. Following her win in 2024, Ling is once again being recognized for her important work in the implementation of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence across federal agencies and in supporting the government’s effort to improve efficiency.
Is Candice Ling your favorite 2025 Wash100 Award winner? Vote for the Microsoft executive on Wash100.com until April 30.
The Wash100 Award is handed annually to 100 distinguished individuals from the government and the government contracting industry. The Wash100 list features leaders who have made significant achievements over the past year and are positioned to make positive contributions in the future.
Commenting on Ling’s win, Executive Mosaic CEO and Wash100 Award founder Jim Garrettson said, “Candice has secured her second consecutive Wash100 Award, and it’s an impressive testament to her leadership in steering Microsoft’s federal business at a time when cloud, AI, and cybersecurity are at the forefront of government priorities. As senior vice president of U.S. federal, Candice is driving key partnerships—like Microsoft’s collaborations with OpenAI, Palantir and top federal agencies—to bring cutting-edge technology to defense, intelligence, and civilian sectors. Whether it’s expanding AI capabilities in Azure Government, strengthening cybersecurity for federal agencies, or a vast array of other applications, Ling is ensuring Microsoft remains a cornerstone of U.S. government tech modernization.”
Microsoft at the Forefront of GovTech
Microsoft is a leading provider of advanced technology to the government. From cloud to cybersecurity, Microsoft has been supplying federal agencies with the tools they need to execute their missions.
Interest in AI is growing in government. In response, Microsoft has taken steps to ensure that agencies can explore the benefits of AI securely and in a responsible manner.
In February 2024, the technology firm introduced Azure OpenAI to Azure Government, a cloud platform designed specifically for the public sector. The addition of generative AI enables government workers to more quickly write and edit requests for proposals or detect potential fraudulent documents.
In partnership with Anduril Industries, Microsoft also introduced AI to Integrated Visual Augmentation System headsets designed for the U.S. Army. The partnership, announced in September, integrates Anduril’s Lattice with IVAS. Lattice is an AI-powered open software for managing unmanned aircraft systems or to detect airborne threats.
The company continues to develop AI for potential government use. According to reports, Microsoft and OpenAI intend to launch an AI supercomputer called Stargate by 2028. The program is expected to contribute toward upholding the national security of America and its allies.
Microsoft as Government Partner in Cybersecurity
Microsoft is also an important government partner in strengthening the nation’s cyber defenses. Amid threats of adversary attacks on U.S. assets, Microsoft gave federal agencies expanded access to logging capabilities on Purview Audit.
“We recognize the vital importance that advanced logging plays in enabling federal agencies to detect, respond to, and prevent even the most sophisticated cyberattacks from well-resourced, state-sponsored actors,” Ling said about the move. “For this reason, we have been collaborating across the federal government to provide access to advanced audit logs.”
Microsoft in May also updated its Secure Future Initiative, which integrated learnings from the Midnight Blizzard cyber incident. The expanded SFI takes into consideration recommendations from the Department of Homeland Security’s Cyber Safety Review Board in response to the Storm-0558 cyberattack.
Boosting Government Efficiency Through Technology
With the current administration’s focus on increasing government efficiency and reducing operating costs, Microsoft is ready to provide the technologies agencies need to aid their respective missions.
In a recent blog, Ling pointed out that 80 percent of federal IT budgets go to maintaining legacy technologies. She said embracing cloud and AI-powered automation can lead to cost savings and eliminate efficiencies.
Ling is a leader who understands the many ways the government can benefit from technology adoption. Under her leadership, Microsoft continues to be a reliable partner providing the government with capabilities, whether cloud or AI and cybersecurity, to enhance the lives of Americans and protect the U.S. against adversaries.
Once again, congratulations to Ling for her second Wash100 win!
Don’t forget to vote for Candice Ling as your esteemed 2025 Wash100 awardee at Wash100.com!