Top Federal AI Leaders to be Honored at GovCIO Media & Research’s AI Summit
GovCIO Media & Research, a leading federal technology media company, announced the finalists for the 2025 AI Summit Flywheel Awards.
September 22, 2025
Fairfax, Va. – GovCIO Media & Research, a leading federal technology media company, announced the finalists for the AI Summit Flywheel Awards – an awards program established to recognize key AI federal leaders’ achievements and contributions. The winners will be announced November 6 at the AI Summit in Tysons, Virginia.
“We’re thrilled to recognize the accomplishments and dedication of these federal technology leaders who are making a significant impact in the AI community,” said Michael Hoffman, President, GovCIO Media & Research.
The AI Summit Flywheel Award Finalists include:
Rising Star: This award honors a newcomer in federal AI leadership who shows exceptional promise and commitment to advancing innovative frameworks and solutions in AI.
- Nelson Colón Vargas, Lead AI Engineer, VA
- Sam Levy, Software Engineer, NIH
- Oliver Tannheiser, Production Lead, Digital Transformation, Space Force
AI Talent Advocate: A leader that excels in recruiting, upskilling, and fostering a diverse AI workforce through strategic partnerships and innovative training programs, ensuring ongoing growth and excellence in artificial intelligence.
- Amanda Bullock, Senior AI Strategist, Digital Transformation Office, Air Force
- Frank Indiviglio, CTO, NOAA
- Eugene Williams, Branch Chief Innovation Solutions, OSD P&R, DMDC, DHRA
AI Innovator: An individual who pioneers practical AI applications, achieves measurable impact, and sets new innovation standards within their agency.
- Sunil Madhugiri, CTO, OIT, CBP
- Cindy Martinez, Senior AI Policy Advisor, OMB
- Rafael Richards, Director, Cloud VistA App Analytics, VA
AI Evangelist: This award recognizes a leader who champions ethical AI development and inspires others to align technological advancements with moral and societal values.
- Colin Crosby, SDO, USMC, and Deputy CDO, DON
- Martin Stanley, AI and Cybersecurity Researcher, ITL
- Candice Wright, Director of Science, Technology Assessment and Analytics, GAO
CAIO of the Year: This awardee is a visionary leader who drives growth and efficiency through transformative AI strategies, setting a model standard in the federal AI community.
- Mike Horton, Acting CAIO, DOT
- Paras Malik, CAIO and Counselor to the Secretary, Treasury Department
- Zach Whitman, CAIO and Chief Data Scientist, GSA
Visit GovCIO Media & Research’s AI 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, is the leading industry solutions resource providing analysis and insights on federal IT innovation. Our team uses an omnichannel approach to keep you informed on today’s most pressing issues. Video interviews, podcasts, events, articles and special reports keep federal IT decision-makers aware of technology’s impact on government.
Visit https://govciomedia.com/ for more information.
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