GovCIO Media & Research Honors Defense Leaders with Defense IT Summit Flywheel Awards
Five federal IT leaders were presented with Defense IT Flywheel Awards in recognition of their contributions to federal IT.
February 27, 2026
Arlington, VA. – GovCIO Media & Research, hosted its Defense IT Summit on February 26 in Arlington. Federal leaders were recognized with Flywheel Awards at the summit, honoring their significant contributions and influence in strengthening critical government missions and systems.
“These awards highlight the vital role innovation plays in strengthening defense technology,” said GovCIO Media & Research President Michael Hoffman. “At our Defense IT Summit, we were honored to bring together leaders who are advancing mission readiness, fostering collaboration and driving forward the technologies that support our national security.”
The awards presentation featured five categories: Rising Star, Emerging Tech, Cyber Defender, Digital Transformer and Data Advocate.
Among those recognized as finalists were leaders from the Space Force, Department of the Navy, Department of the Army, Department of the Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. Cyber Command and the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense.
The 2026 Defense IT Summit Flywheel Awards winners were:
Rising Star:
- Jessica Stillman, Program Manager, xTech Program, Army
Emerging Tech Innovator:
- Justin Fanelli, CTO, Department of the Navy
Cyber Defender:
- Brig. Gen. Reid Novotny, CAIO, U.S. Cyber Command
Digital Transformer:
- Cmdr. Jonathan White, Cloud and Data Branch Chief, Coast Guard
Data Advocate:
- Col. Arlon Smith, Director, Project Dynamis, Marine Corps
Visit the Defense IT Summit to view the event recap, session recordings and top takeaways.
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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