DOD’s David McKeown Secures 2nd Wash100 Recognition for Cybersecurity Domain Contributions, Leadership
David McKeown, the Department of Defense’s chief information officer’s special assistant for cybersecurity innovation, has been honored with a Wash100 Award for the second time, reflecting his significant contributions and leadership in the cybersecurity domain. This recognition underscores McKeown’s unwavering commitment to driving innovation and reinforcing the nation’s defense against emerging cyber threats.
The Wash100 Award: A Benchmark for Excellence
The Wash100 Award, established in 2014 by Executive Mosaic, is widely regarded as the highest honor in the government contracting and public sector. Recipients of the award are handpicked annually for their leadership, innovation, and vision.
“David is a leading force in cybersecurity, and his keynote at last year’s Potomac Officers Club Cyber Summit underscored his pivotal role in shaping the future of defense technology,” said Executive Mosaic CEO and Wash100 Award Founder Jim Garrettson.
“As the DOD’s deputy CIO for cybersecurity, David is at the forefront of implementing zero trust architectures, aiming to enhance the security of the nation’s defense networks. His leadership and vision continue to drive significant advancements in cybersecurity, ensuring the protection and resilience of critical defense systems,” he continued.
Now that the full Wash100 list has been announced, voting in the popular contest is in full swing. Don’t miss your chance to help crown GovCon’s most beloved executive—cast your 10 votes today!
Advancing Cybersecurity Innovation at DOD
McKeown has been instrumental in establishing and advancing the DOD’s cybersecurity strategies. 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.
McKeown’s leadership has been particularly impactful in the Pentagon’s adoption of zero trust principles, including the ambitious 2027 Zero Trust mandate. Speaking at the DOD Zero Trust Symposium, McKeown emphasized the critical need for weapon platform support systems to align with zero trust principles, stating, “Weapon platform support systems are essentially IT systems just like our normal networks and computers and should be covered because they’re part of the [Non-classified Internet Protocol Router] and [Secret Internet Protocol Router] landscape.”
Additionally, under his guidance, the 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.
Pioneering Improvements in FedRAMP
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. During the Digital Government Institute’s “FedRAMP—Modernizing Secure Cloud Service Adoption” webinar, McKeown highlighted this goal, stating, “We’re looking at agile ways to iterate on major changes inside a cloud services offering. It’s already certified, it’s already on the marketplace, but they’re making significant changes to some capability.”
This initiative demonstrates his focus on enhancing efficiency within government IT systems while supporting innovation.
Recognized Leadership in Action
McKeown’s influence was on full display at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2024 Cyber Summit, where his keynote speech addressed essential updates related to Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification and acknowledged the “tremendous perseverance” of its architects. His insights captivated an audience of industry leaders, solidifying his position as a thought leader in cybersecurity.
A Legacy of Service and Leadership
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.
McKeown’s Enduring Impact
David McKeown’s second Wash100 Award solidifies his status as a trailblazer in cybersecurity innovation and a protector of the nation’s critical defense infrastructure. From implementing zero trust architectures to optimizing the FedRAMP timeline, McKeown’s contributions reflect his commitment to strengthening national security through cutting-edge technology and meticulous leadership.
The recognition serves as a testament to his enduring impact on the cybersecurity landscape—a legacy marked by bold ideas, groundbreaking progress, and an unwavering dedication to securing the future of defense technology. Congratulations to David McKeown on this well-deserved honor!