Finalists Announced for GovCIO Media & Research’s 2026 Health IT Summit Flywheel Awards
GovCIO Media & Research announces the 2026 Health IT Summit Flywheel Award finalists. Public voting runs July 6–17. Celebrate leaders advancing federal health IT.
July 6, 2026
Washington D.C. – GovCIO Media & Research, a leading federal technology media company, announced the finalists for the Health IT 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 July 6 – July 17, giving health technology professionals and stakeholders the opportunity to support leaders who are driving innovation, improving care delivery, and advancing mission-focused outcomes. Winners will be announced at the Health IT Summit in Bethesda, MD.
“The Flywheel Awards recognize the federal employees and programs whose leadership and innovation are advancing health IT across government. By improving interoperability, modernizing technology and strengthening collaboration, they are delivering lasting impact for the federal health community and the people it serves” said Michael Hoffman, President, GovCIO Media & Research.
The Health IT Summit Flywheel Award Finalists include:
Rising Star: A newcomer to federal health IT leadership who is committed to advancing innovation in healthcare technology, strengthening health data practices, improving patient and provider experiences, and challenging traditional approaches to drive meaningful transformation within their organization.
- Erika Kim, Program Manager, Resilient Systems, ARPA-H
- Tabinda Khan, Senior Advisor, Chief Strategy Officer, CMS
- Cmdr. Raben Talvo, Officer in Charge, Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Unit Yuma
Interoperability Leader: An individual who advances interoperability by developing frameworks that improve how electronic health information is shared and used. This awardee strengthens service delivery, enhances patient care and helps create a seamless, connected health care experience.
- Nick Weber, Acting Director, Office of Scientific Computing Services, NIH CIT
- Jeanette Kompkoff, Division Director, Health Information Technology Modernization and Operations, Indian Health Service
- Capt. Matthew Ritchey, Acting Director, Office of Public Health Data, Surveillance and Technology, CDC
Digital Transformer: This category honors someone who reshapes the information landscape by harnessing data to strengthen and modernize health care systems. The awardee expands access to critical data and drives interoperability across platforms, ultimately supporting better patient care and improved health outcomes.
- Shauntia Bell, Acting Director, Enterprise Systems Solutions Group, CMS
- Tiffani Redding, Director, Office of Recipient Integrity Coordination, HHS
- Adam Chin, Director, Health Information Management, VHA
Innovation Champion: This leader promotes innovation across the health care ecosystem by integrating emerging technologies that boost efficiency, sustainability and security. They champion solutions that enhance the patient and provider experience and recognize innovation as essential to improving health outcomes.
- Capt. Heather Dimeris, Director of the Office for the Advancement of Telehealth, HRSA
- Meera Shah, Program Director, Genetic and Rare Diseases, NIH
- Howard Steinman, Senior Advisor, Office of Information and Technology, VA
Health Advocate: Recognized for leveraging technology in the fight against disease, this leader shows how innovation, data and digital tools can transform public health and strengthen outcomes for communities.
- Heather Stone, Health Science Policy Analyst, FDA
- Derrick Masters, Chief of Health Services, Coast Guard
- Mike Tartakovsky, CIO, NIAID
Voting is open through July 17. Cast your vote here. Winners will be announced September 2 at our Health IT Summit.
Visit GovCIO Media & Research’s Health 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.
Visit https://govciomedia.com/ for more information.
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