Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem Premiers on the 2025 Wash100 Award List
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has been honored with the 2025 Wash100 Award from Executive Mosaic, recognizing her significant contributions to government contracting and the federal sector. Her career trajectory, marked by leadership roles and transformative initiatives, underscores her commitment to national security and public service.
Vote for Noem as your favorite GovCon leader as part of the 2024 Wash100 popular vote competition! Voting closes on April 30, so visit Wash100.com to cast your ten votes today.
This is the first time Noem has received the esteemed Wash100 Award, which annually highlights the most influential figures in the government and government contracting industry. The award honors past accomplishments while anticipating future impact. This year, the Wash100 legacy continued with a class of elite public and private sector leaders who were hand-picked to receive the recognition.
Commenting on Noem’s win, Jim Garrettson, CEO of Executive Mosaic and founder of the Wash100 Award, said, “Kristi makes her Wash100 debut as she takes on one of the most high-profile roles in government as secretary of Homeland Security. DHS is driving the center of this new administration’s mandate to strengthen the U.S. borders north and south. Kristi’s team, including Tom Homan of national security, border policy and critical infrastructure protection and her leadership will have the single most and direct impact on the safety and resilience of the nation. As she steps into this position, we’ll be watching with great anticipation how she shapes policy and drives key initiatives in an increasingly complex threat environment.”
From Farming to Public Service
Born and raised in South Dakota, Kristi Noem’s early life was deeply rooted in agriculture, managing her family’s ranch and farm after the untimely death of her father. Transitioning into public service, Noem was elected to the South Dakota House of Representatives in 2006, where she quickly established herself as a dedicated legislator.
Her political ascent continued with her election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2010, representing South Dakota’s at-large congressional district. During her tenure in Congress, Noem focused on issues such as agriculture, tax reform and veterans’ affairs.
In 2018, she made history by becoming South Dakota’s first female governor, a position she held until her appointment as DHS secretary in January.
Initiatives at DHS
As Secretary of Homeland Security, Noem has spearheaded several initiatives aimed at enhancing national security and streamlining agency operations. One of her notable actions was the restructuring of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement leadership to bolster the agency’s efficiency in enforcing immigration laws.
She recently appointed Todd Lyons as the acting ICE director and Madison Sheahan as deputy director, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to strengthening immigration enforcement.
Noem has also advocated for the decentralization of disaster response efforts. She proposed dismantling the Federal Emergency Management Agency, arguing that disaster aid distribution should be managed by local officials to ensure more timely and effective responses. This proposal reflects her belief in empowering local authorities and reducing federal bureaucracy in emergency management.
In the realm of cybersecurity, Noem has called for a reevaluation of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s mission. She advocates for refocusing CISA’s efforts on protecting critical infrastructure and scaling back its involvement in addressing misinformation and disinformation online. This perspective aligns with her broader vision of streamlining federal agencies to concentrate on their core missions.
Kristi Noem’s journey from managing a family ranch in South Dakota to leading the Department of Homeland Security exemplifies her dedication to public service and national security. Her strategic initiatives within DHS reflect a commitment to enhancing agency efficiency and empowering local authorities.
The 2025 Wash100 Award recognizes her impactful contributions to the federal sector and underlines her role as a transformative leader in government contracting and homeland security. Vote for Noem at Wash100.com.