GovCIO Media & Research Announces 2027 Critical Infrastructure Security Summit Flywheel Award Finalists
GovCIO Media & Research has announced finalists for the 2026 Critical Infrastructure Security Summit Flywheel Awards, celebrating federal technology leaders driving innovation and advancing mission‑focused modernization across government.
November 2, 2026
Tysons, Va. – GovCIO Media & Research, a leading federal technology media company, announced the finalists for the Critical Infrastructure Security Summit Flywheel Awards, an awards program established to recognize outstanding achievements and leadership advancing the security, resilience, and modernization of the nation’s critical infrastructure.
Public voting for the winners will run November 2 – November 20, giving government, industry, and infrastructure stakeholders an opportunity to recognize leaders who are strengthening essential services, driving innovation, and enhancing resilience across critical infrastructure sectors. Winners will be announced at the Critical Infrastructure Security Summit in Tysons, VA.
“The Flywheel Awards recognize the leaders, teams and programs whose vision, innovation and commitment are strengthening the resilience of the nation’s critical infrastructure,” said Michael Hoffman, President, GovCIO Media & Research. “By advancing cybersecurity, modernizing operations, fostering public-private collaboration and ensuring continuity of essential services, these finalists are helping safeguard the systems Americans depend on every day.”
The Critical Infrastructure Security Summit Flywheel Award Finalists include:
Rising Star: Recognizes an emerging leader advancing the security and resilience of critical infrastructure through innovative programs, technologies or approaches.
Bianca Cambi, Consular Data Services Product Line Lead, Department of State
LT.JG Christopher, IT Program and Portfolio Manager, Coast Guard
Austin Clark, Enterprise Security Architect, DOT
Cyber Leader: Honors a leader who strengthens cybersecurity by developing talent, building teams and inspiring a culture of security.
Chip Abernathy, Acting Assistant Director, National Risk Management Center, CISA
Jason Bilnoski, Deputy Assistant Director, FBI Cyber Division
David Travers, Director of the Officer of Water Emergency Response and Cybersecurity, EPA
Infrastructure Resilience Champion: Recognizes an individual dedicated to protecting essential systems and services by reducing risk and advancing security best practices.
Edward Mays, Deputy Assistant Commissioner, CBP
Andrew McClure, Director, CESER, DOE
Nastassia Tamari, Division of HRIT Consolidation, HHS
AI Security Innovator: Honors a leader using AI, automation or advanced analytics to improve threat detection, risk management and incident response.
Sage Briscoe, Technical Program Manager, AI FORTS, DOE
Katerina Megas, Director, SI Accelerator, NIST
Victoria Yan Pillitteri, Cybersecurity Lead, NIST
CISO of the Year: Recognizes a cybersecurity executive who drives security, resilience and modernization while aligning cyber strategy with mission needs.
Michael Duffy, Acting Federal CISO, OMB
Eric Sanders, CISO, HHS
Jeff Spaeth, Acting CISO, VA
Voting is open through Friday, November 20. Cast your vote here. Winners will be announced January 8 at our Critical Infrastructure Security Summit.
Visit GovCIO Media & Research’s Critical Infrastructure Security Summit page to view the full agenda, speaker lineup and register for this must-attend annual event.
About GovCIO Media & Research
GovCIO Media & Research, an independent media company, provides insights and analysis on federal IT innovation and is the leading industry solutions resource. Our team utilizes a multi-platform approach to today’s most pressing issues through video, podcasts, events, articles and special reports that keep federal IT decision-makers informed on technology’s impact on government.
Visit https://govciomedia.com/ for more information.
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