Honoring Leading Cyber Tech Innovators at the 2026 CyberScape Summit

February 27, 2026 

Fairfax, Va. – GovCIO Media & Research, a leading federal technology media company, announced this year’s finalists for the CyberScape Flywheel Awards – a program established to recognize the accomplishments of federal leaders transforming cybersecurity initiatives. Winners will be announced at the CyberScape Summit on April 16 in Arlington, Virginia.  

“We’re proud to bring together leaders across government and industry to explore the evolving cyber landscape. This summit highlights the innovations and strategies that are helping organizations strengthen security and stay ahead of emerging threats.” said Michael Hoffman, president, GovCIO Media & Research. 

The CyberScape Flywheel Award finalists include:  

Cybersecurity Rising Star: A newcomer to cybersecurity leadership who is dedicated to building cyber awareness, launching bold new cybersecurity programs/initiatives and challenging existing norms to improve cybersecurity within their organization. 

• Casey Dolen, Professional Staff Member, Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection, House Committee on Homeland Security 

• Kevin Heaney, Cyber Operations Planner, NNSA 

• Matthew Rodgers, ICS Cybersecurity Lead, CISA 

Cyber Innovator: An individual who transforms cybersecurity by adopting emerging technologies and innovative approaches. This awardee reimagines how cyber risk is managed by apply zero trust principles, automation, AI-driven capabilities, and collaborative framework to strengthen security posture and enable mission success.  

• Togai Andrews, CIO, Bureau of Engraving and Printing 

• Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jordan Duke, Cybersecurity Chief, P-ISSM, Army Contracting Command 

• Cole Dutton, Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity Program Lead, Water and Wastewater Sector, EPA 

Cyber Defender: This leader demonstrates a commitment to fostering a cyber-aware culture within their organization, prioritizes cyber hygiene, and advocates for best cybersecurity practices, funding and resources. 

• Jennifer Franks, Director, Center for Enhanced Cybersecurity, GAO 

• Daryl Haegley, Technical Director, Control Systems Cyber Resilience, Air Force 

• Charlee Hess, Director, Cybersecurity Division, Critical Infrastructure Protection, HHS 

Cyber Leader: This award recognizes outstanding leadership. This person inspires others to see a vision for a safe and secure cyber world in and out of the federal government through developing and upskilling the workforce. 

• Willie Crenshaw, Director, FISMA and HVA, Department of Transportation 

• Brett Leatherman, Assistant Director, Cyber Division, FBI 

• John Porter, Director, Cyberspace Resilience Evaluation Directorate J10, DOW Cyber Defense Command 

CISO of the Year: A visionary leader who goes the extra mile to empower their organization to enhance cybersecurity measures, championing robust security protocols and aligning efforts with business objectives. 

• Hemant Baidwan, CISO, DHS 

• Darren Death, Deputy CIO, CISO, CPO and Deputy CAIO, EXIM 

• Ryan Higgins, CISO, Department of Commerce 

Visit GovCIO Media & Research’s CyberScape Summit page to view the full agenda, speaker lineup and register for this must-attend annual event. 

Interested in sponsoring the CyberScape Summit? Contact Executive Sales Director Jennifer Weiss, at [email protected] to learn more. 

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.     

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