GovCIO Media & Research Announces 2026 AI Summit Flywheel Award Finalists
GovCIO Media & Research has announced the finalists for the 2026 AI Summit Flywheel Awards, recognizing federal leaders advancing responsible AI, mission outcomes, and innovation across government. Public voting is open September 8–22, with winners revealed live at the AI Summit in Tysons, VA.
September 8, 2026
Washington D.C. – 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 accomplishments and contributions across the federal health IT community.
Public voting for the winners will run September 8 – September 22, giving AI professionals and stakeholders a meaningful way to champion leaders who are accelerating innovation, advancing mission outcomes, and shaping the future of responsible AI across government. Winners will be announced at the AI Summit in Tysons, VA.
The Flywheel Awards recognize the federal employees and programs whose leadership and innovation are shaping the future of artificial intelligence in government. By accelerating responsible AI adoption, modernizing mission capabilities, and strengthening cross‑agency collaboration, they are delivering lasting impact for the federal community and the people it serves,” said Michael Hoffman, President, GovCIO Media & Research.
The AI Summit Flywheel Award Finalists include:
Rising Star: Honors a newcomer in federal AI leadership who demonstrates exceptional promise and a strong commitment to advancing innovative frameworks and solutions that shape the future of federal AI.
Nathan Lansky, Senior Paralegal NCO, 4th Legal operations Detachment, Army Reserve Legal Command
Bella Mendoza, Data Scientist, Office of the Under Secretary for Economic Affairs, Department of Commerce
Anusha Prasad, Software Engineer Fellow, U.S. Digital Corps
AI Talent Advocate: An individual who transforms the workforce by strategically advancing AI adoption through recruitment, upskilling and innovative training programs, strengthening operational efficiency and ensuring long-term adaptability across their agency.
Maj. Christopher Clark, AI Lead, Marine Corps
Maj. Michael Donovan, Head, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Marine Corps
Lauren Haynes, Director, Fellow Experience, U.S. Digital Corps
AI Innovator: This category honors someone who drives forward practical, high‑impact applications of artificial intelligence, setting new standards for innovation and demonstrating how AI can solve complex challenges across agency missions.
Anil Chaudhry, Senior Advisor, Highly Automated Systems Safety Center of Excellence, DOT
Paula Osborn, Deputy Chief Data and AI Officer, State Department
Col. Scott Wilson, Chief of Staff, State Department
AI Mission Impact: This leader delivers mission‑aligned results by translating artificial intelligence into tangible outcomes that advance their agency’s core mission, using strong change management approaches to ensure lasting value for the public.
Warren Kibbe, Deputy Director, Data Science and Strategy, NCI
Joel Peterson, Modern Workplace Architect, HHS
Lisa Walbert, CIO, DEA
CAIO of the Year: Recognized for empowers their agency with transformative AI strategies, driving growth and operational efficiency through innovative solutions and serving as a model leader for AI excellence and integration across the federal community.
Stephanie Carlton, Deputy Administrator, Chief Clinical AI Officer, CMS
Kevin Murphy, Acting CDO/CAIO and Chief Science Data Officer, NASA
Katie Noyes, CAIO, FBI
Voting is open through September 22. Cast your vote here. Winners will be announced November 6 at our AI Summit.
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, 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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