Leading Defense Tech Innovators to be Honored at GovCIO Media & Research’s 2026 Defense IT Summit

January 13, 2026 

Fairfax, Va. – GovCIO Media & Research, a leading federal technology media company, announced this year’s finalists for the Defense IT Flywheel Awards – a program created to recognize the accomplishments of federal leaders driving innovation across the defense technology landscape. Winners will be announced at the Defense IT Summit on February 26 in Arlington, Virginia.  

“Our team is proud to spotlight the vision and dedication of these federal defense IT leaders whose groundbreaking work is strengthening national security and modernizing mission-critical systems,” said Michael Hoffman, President, GovCIO Media & Research.  

The Defense IT Flywheel Award finalists include:  

Rising Star: A newcomer to national security IT and demonstrates a commitment to building innovative solutions to difficult national security problems.  

• Caelan Barranta, Program Manager, System Delta 89 Spectrum Warfare Rapid Acquisitions Branch, Space Force 

• David Jin, Deputy Director, AI Rapid Capabilities Cell, War Department 

• Jessica Stillman, Program Manager, xTech Program, Army 

Emerging Tech Innovator: An individual who embraces emerging technologies to advance national security. This awardee leverages AI, machine learning and other cutting edge tools to strengthen mission capabilities and drive the defense enterprise forward. 

• Justin Fanelli, CTO, Department of Navy 

• Mark Gorak, Principal Director to Deputy CIO for Resources and Analyst, War Department 

• Barry Washington, Technical Advisor, Air Force Research Laboratory 

Cyber Defender: This award honors a leader strengthening national security through steadfast cyber defense. The awardee prioritizes risk management, zero trust and strong cyber hygiene as they fortify systems against constant threats. 

• Carol Assi, Cybersecurity Chief Operations Officer, OCIO, War Department 

• Henry Houle, COSMOS Information Systems Manager, Department of the Navy 

• Brig. Gen. Reid Novotny, CAIO, U.S. Cyber Command 

Digital Transformer: An individual who demonstrates a deep commitment to modernizing the national security data landscape through the power of innovation. This awardee is dedicated to advancing data interoperability across the services, ensuring information flows seamlessly to strengthen joint operations and mission readiness. 

• Vice Adm. Seiko Okano, Principal Military Deputy Assistant Secretary for RD&A, Department of the Navy  

• Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, Director, Joint Interagency Task Force 401, Army 

• Cmdr. Jonathan White, Cloud and Data Branch Chief, Coast Guard 

Data Advocate: A forward-thinking leader who champions the power of data to unify the joint force. This awardee demonstrates how seamless connectivity, global data movement, and AI driven insights can transform how the military operates across domains. 

• Lt. Gen. David Isaacson, Director for C4/Cyber and CIO, J6, Joint Chiefs of Staff 

• Col. Arlon Smith, Director, Project Dynamis, Marine Corps 

• Stuart Wagner, CDAO, Department of the Navy 

Visit GovCIO Media & Research’s Defense IT 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.   

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