The Department of War CIO Workforce Innovation Directorate (WID) is transforming how the federal government recruits cyber talent through an ambitious skills-based hiring pilot designed to address the nearly 7,700 cyber vacancies across DoD. By placing applicants in a cyber range to assess real-world skills rather than relying on resumes alone, the seven-week pilot has shown clear improvements in identifying top-tier candidates, eliminating unqualified applicants, and accelerating hiring decisions. In partnership with OPM, Civilian Personnel Policy, and DCPAS, WID has established the technical and data-driven foundation for scalable tools that reduce time-to-hire, improve talent quality, and strengthen mission readiness—demonstrating a powerful model for modernizing federal workforce recruitment.

The NYPA Robotics Program has fundamentally modernized utility operations by shifting high-risk, labor-intensive field work to advanced robotic systems, dramatically improving safety, efficiency, and mission readiness. By embedding robotics into daily workflows and co-developing use cases with field crews, the program eliminated hazardous climbs, reduced human exposure in high-voltage and confined-space environments, and replaced costly manual inspections with drone photogrammetry—saving $180K on a single dam project. Enterprise tools like Mission Manager and MediaHub streamlined flight planning, compliance, asset tracking, and 3D model access, supporting 671 missions and more than 136,000 images in 2024–2025 while enabling faster, more accurate decision-making. Through strong collaboration with engineering, IT, transmission, environmental, and external partners, NYPA built a scalable, compliant robotics ecosystem that improves data accuracy, accelerates emergency response, strengthens operational performance, and equips the workforce to safely leverage robotics at scale.

NASA’s Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement (SEWP) has evolved from a 1992–1993 experiment into the federal government’s gold-standard acquisition program, delivering a centralized, secure, and mission-ready marketplace that dramatically accelerates procurement—reducing lead times by a factor of ten—and provides full visibility into approved technologies across government. In 2024, the SEWP team executed its sixth government-wide acquisition contract under unprecedented complexity, expanding into IT services and emerging technologies while managing more than 7,000 questions and 2,000 offers—volume unmatched by any comparable federal program. Through close collaboration with NASA HQ, OMB, SBA, federal agencies, and industry partners, SEWP VI set a new benchmark for clarity, scalability, and innovation, positioning NASA to issue awards ahead of schedule and once again lead the federal acquisition community in delivering a transformative, highly replicable model for mission support.

The initial Centralized Acquisition Services team fundamentally reshaped how the federal government acquires domestic common goods and services by operationalizing Executive Order 14240 and centralizing $1.5B in contracts from OPM, SBA, and HUD under GSA in just six months. Their rapid, compliant transition improved procurement lead times by 35–40%, generated $7.7M in documented savings, and established GSA as the governmentwide leader for consolidated procurement. To manage the unprecedented volume and pace, the team built an automated procurement routing tool that modernized requirements intake, assignment, and tracking—processing 293 packages in FY25 and saving an estimated 586 labor hours. Through extensive coordination across contracting, finance, IT, and program teams, they unified stakeholders across multiple agencies, piloted transfer workflows, solved roadblocks in real time, and delivered a seamless, risk-free transition ahead of the March 31 deadline. Their scalable framework now serves as the model for future agency onboarding, demonstrating how innovation, automation, and collaboration can transform federal acquisition at enterprise scale.

Brian Epley is a visionary CIO whose leadership at the Department of Commerce (DOC) has accelerated secure digital modernization, strengthened mission delivery, and advanced a unified, service-driven approach to technology. He has aggressively modernized cybersecurity protections across the DOC’s multibillion-dollar IT portfolio—safeguarding sensitive data and critical systems supporting agencies such as the Census Bureau and NOAA—while driving enterprise-wide transformation rooted in his prior strategic work at DOE. Since joining Commerce, he has rapidly implemented a cohesive modernization strategy that reduces technical debt, enhances operational agility, and ensures a secure, scalable foundation for mission delivery. Equally committed to the human element, Mr. Epley prioritizes intuitive, user-centered technology and a customer service mindset, making government services more accessible, effective, and responsive to the public and the businesses the department serves.

The team transformed DHCF’s fragmented compliance process into a unified, automated RegScale GRC ecosystem that delivers real-time governance, dramatically improves efficiency, and strengthens the agency’s ability to safeguard healthcare data. By integrating automated evidence collection, continuous authorization checks, and standardized workflows aligned with HIPAA, NIST 800-53, and OCTO requirements, they reduced manual review time by more than 60%, increased control assessment accuracy by 45%, and enabled tasks that once took weeks to be completed in hours. Their innovative redesign replaced paper-driven processes with dynamic dashboards and real-time control monitoring, allowing DHCF to anticipate risks rather than react to them. Through close collaboration across DHCF offices, OCTO security teams, and RegScale engineers, the team delivered a scalable, enterprise-grade compliance program that accelerates audit readiness, eliminates longstanding bottlenecks, and provides lasting transparency and data-driven decision-making across the agency.

JEXC2 Cybersecurity Operations significantly strengthened the Navy’s expeditionary mission by sustaining 123 deployed Information Systems, developing patches and hotfixes that resolved more than 11,000 critical and high-severity vulnerabilities, and executing four major Maintenance Releases to replace obsolete software and eliminate security weaknesses. Their efforts produced a 78% reduction in Patch System Integration Testing timelines, enhanced ATO risk management across eight authorizations, and delivered seven direct warfighter support visits that improved operational readiness at the tactical edge. The team’s innovative use of Model-Based Systems Engineering, including a new CAMEO-driven process for tracking system hardware, software, and network architecture, revolutionized traceability and enabled a stronger focus on resiliency and survivability. Through close collaboration with Program Offices, ship crews, the NSWCPCD Cybersecurity Community of Practice, and the Security Control Assessor Office, the team accelerated fielding of mission-critical capabilities and strengthened cybersecurity awareness across the fleet. Their work ensured a secure, resilient operational environment that directly supports effective Navy expeditionary operations.

Dr. Frank Ofori led the Department of State’s first-ever design, build, and accreditation of a classified AWS IL6 environment, delivering a fully hardened, zero-trust architecture 38% faster than previous on-premises timelines and enabling secure, scalable Assessment & Authorization operations across global classified networks. Rejecting years-long hardware procurement cycles, he pioneered a modern cloud-based approach that cleared a decade-long A&A backlog, negotiated the first State–AWS Direct Connect classified circuit—cutting latency for overseas posts by 88%—and engineered a Department-wide compliance-as-code framework now enforced across cloud and data center systems. Uniting five major organizations and a 28-person joint team, Dr. Ofori leveraged collaboration tools inside classified environments to transparently track more than 3,400 artifacts and achieve a full IL6 Authority to Operate ahead of schedule, under budget, and with greater capability than originally planned, setting a new standard for secure cloud innovation in the federal government.

The USSOCOM J62 Compliance Team revolutionized how the command identifies and mitigates cyber risk by developing the Cybersecurity Heat Map—an actionable, color-coded dashboard that highlights the highest-risk vulnerabilities across Components and TSOCs rather than overwhelming administrators with thousands of raw findings. Built initially in SharePoint and upgraded in 2025 to a more powerful Microsoft Power BI platform, the Heat Map integrates ACAS scanner data to provide drill-down views of missing patches, “fix-these-first” systems, and other critical compliance metrics, all at minimal cost. Since its deployment, network compliance has improved by more than 31%—with gains concentrated in the areas of greatest risk—and the tool is now briefed weekly at the J6 NETOPS forum to drive rapid remediation and leadership oversight. By giving globally dispersed units a clear view of cyber health and helping system administrators prioritize what matters most, the J62 team solved a long-standing vulnerability management challenge and significantly strengthened USSOCOM’s ability to maintain a secure, resilient operational network.

Jerald Jeffrey has demonstrated exceptional innovation and leadership in strengthening cybersecurity across the City of Winston-Salem by redesigning the new-hire cybersecurity program to include modern threats, acceptable AI use, real-world breach analysis, and best practices for securing devices—content now delivered 26 times annually and so effective it is being considered mandatory for all employees. His creative approach extended to Cybersecurity Awareness Month, where he deployed engaging, multi-vendor educational materials and reinforced critical habits like phishing vigilance through memorable messaging that helped shift the city’s security culture. Jerald also exemplifies outstanding collaboration, uniting department heads, vendors, and stakeholders, establishing a team-monitored rapid-response channel, and fostering trust and accountability following a major breach. Through proactive outreach, accessible communication, and a focus on shared responsibility, he has significantly improved organizational resilience, elevated security awareness across all departments, and strengthened partnerships across the broader community.

The team serves as the Navy’s primary engine for innovative cybersecurity solutions, rapidly incubating, testing, and deploying zero trust capabilities for Fleet Cyber Command and Joint Forces under U.S. Cyber Command. Through their CyberX process—which aligns sponsors, funding sources, and technologies in a unified data tool—they match mission needs with cutting-edge commercial and government solutions, advancing programs of record across the DODIN-N and delivering first-of-their-kind capabilities aligned to MITRE D3FEND for identity, application, data, device, and network security. Drawing on Silicon Valley experience and agile delivery methods, the team works in small, fast-paced increments to translate warfighter requirements and field capabilities within a single quarter rather than traditional multiyear cycles, accelerating tools for cyber operators in tactical and maritime environments. Their extensive partnerships span all Services, DIU, the Defense Industrial Base, academia, and over 150 vendors per quarter, enabling continuous technology scouting and rapid acquisition navigation. By bridging the “skills gap” that often stalls innovation, the team delivers transformative, non-kinetic warfighting capabilities and strengthens the Navy’s operational cybersecurity posture at speed and scale.

Cameron Dixon has transformed the .gov domain registration program into a modern, secure, and highly accessible digital service, cutting processing times by 50% and driving record customer satisfaction across all levels of government. As product owner, he led the full relaunch of the .gov registrar and the seamless migration of the program from GSA to CISA—maintaining uninterrupted service, reducing a backlog of more than 1,000 requests to under 100, and building an agile team that delivers continuous, user-focused improvements. Cameron’s leadership unified key stakeholders across CISA, GSA, OMB, Congress, state governments, election offices, tribal nations, and international partners, securing passage of the DOTGOV Act and expanding secure .gov adoption nationwide. Through his commitment to collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and direct customer engagement, he strengthened public trust in government digital services and set a new standard for operational excellence and mission impact in the federal digital landscape.

The CBP Team delivered a transformative improvement to procurement operations by designing and deploying the Congressional Notification (CN) Tool Automation, reducing entry processing time from over 90 minutes to just 16 minutes—an 80% efficiency gain—while achieving 99.9% data accuracy and eliminating redundant data entry through DHS ERA integration. Since launch, the tool has processed more than 621 CN entries and saved 45,000 administrative minutes, accelerating CBP’s responsiveness to legislative inquiries and enabling staff to focus on mission-critical work. Built in only four months by an all-volunteer, cross-functional team, the tool incorporates programmed approval workflows, automated recommendations, and a scalable, sharable codebase now recognized by the DHS Procurement Innovation Lab as a departmentwide best practice. Its success reflects exceptional collaboration between procurement and IT experts, mandatory adoption across CBP, and the establishment of a replicable model of innovation that strengthens efficiency, accountability, and stakeholder communication across DHS.

Bry Pardoe and the Commonwealth Office of Digital Experience (CODE PA) have transformed how 13 million Pennsylvanians access government services by unifying 70 agency websites into a modern, user-centered PA.gov that provides seamless access to more than 1,000 services. In just seven months, Bry’s 65-person integrated team executed a massive consolidation effort that improved ADA compliance from 37% to 95%, incorporated extensive feedback from over 300 residents, and delivered a platform that has already generated hundreds of millions of page views. By aligning 70 agencies around a services-first, agile approach and securing executive support for a new digital model, CODE PA replaced a fragmented, outdated system with a scalable, accessible, and intuitive experience that makes it easier for residents to find jobs, start businesses, access family services, or plan recreation—all in one place. This initiative sets a new national standard for state digital transformation and delivers lasting impact for the Commonwealth.

Clark County CIO Bob Leek and the Digital Services team have transformed the county’s digital infrastructure by unifying more than 3,500 web pages, 28,000 digital assets, and content from over 40 departments into a modern, accessible, citizen-first platform that serves 2.3 million residents and 40 million annual visitors. Their rapid modernization replaced outdated systems with a streamlined, mobile-first site that achieved a 93+ accessibility score, 100% PageSpeed performance, and more than 900,000 users within the first 15 days of launch. By restructuring the website around user needs rather than departmental silos, standardizing branding, and prioritizing intuitive navigation, the team restored public trust and made government services easier to find and use. Through extensive collaboration with county leadership, IT teams, state partners, and industry experts, they created a scalable, consistent digital ecosystem that strengthens service delivery today while setting a durable foundation for future citizen-centric innovation.

Dr. Manivannan has been a driving force in advancing AI/ML, digital engineering, and emerging technologies to improve readiness, sustainment, and capability across Naval aviation. Moving beyond assessments into actionable enterprise change, he connected offices and divisions that had not historically collaborated, helping the workforce recognize the tangible value of AI-driven tools. He partnered extensively with small businesses to mature AI solutions that reduce maintenance costs, increase aircraft availability, and introduce digital twin capabilities for corrosion and drivetrain issues—several of which are now transitioning across the organization. Mani also took a rotational assignment with the DoN CIO to shape Generative AI policy and establish guardrails for responsible adoption, ensuring alignment with higher-level guidance. In addition, he brought together stakeholders on strategic topics such as quantum, microelectronics, multipurpose processors, and digital engineering, establishing a new Microelectronics Community of Interest that strengthens knowledge-sharing among industry, academia, and government. His leadership has illuminated critical challenges, accelerated innovative solutions, and meaningfully elevated the Command’s technological readiness and strategic decision-making.

Jose Orellana has played a pivotal role in modernizing the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration’s (ABCA) digital footprint, transforming how the agency serves both staff and the wider DC community. Bringing private-sector expertise into government, he quickly earned the trust of colleagues by coupling IT excellence with exceptional customer service, ensuring technology solutions were not only secure and efficient but also intuitive and accessible for end users. Jose has helped digitize core agency operations, streamline service delivery, and strengthen ABCA’s technical infrastructure, reducing friction for staff and improving the experience for residents and businesses who rely on timely, accurate licensing and regulatory services. His proactive self-training, adaptability, and commitment to continuous improvement have elevated ABCA’s IT environment, positioning the agency to better meet modern public expectations and support the District’s mission with resilience and innovation.

The nominee was instrumental in launching and institutionalizing Operation Stormbreaker, a transformative DevSecOps initiative that fundamentally reshaped the agency’s ability to deliver mission-critical software at speed and scale. By replacing slow, siloed development and security processes with an integrated, continuous pipeline, the nominee cut software delivery timelines by an extraordinary 17x—compressing months-long cycles into weeks or even days—and eliminated the prolonged ATO waiting periods that historically delayed capabilities for 12–18 months. Their vision reframed cybersecurity from a final approval gate into an ever-present, automated function, enabling an authorized landing zone, embedding “shift-left” security practices, and forcing long-standing organizational barriers between engineering and security teams to fall away. This imaginative and resourceful redesign established a permanent, enterprise-wide model for rapid, secure adaptation, ensuring warfighters can field cutting-edge technology faster and more safely than ever before. Stormbreaker now stands as a pivotal competitive advantage in the digital battlespace, delivering lasting operational readiness and mission impact across the Department.

As Executive Director of CBP’s Targeting and Analysis Systems Program Directorate (TASPD), Nael Samha has revolutionized CBP’s operational use of AI and machine learning, integrating cloud-based analytics, predictive modeling, and automated anomaly detection into systems that support millions of security decisions each year at U.S. ports of entry. His innovations have produced mission-critical results: in the past fiscal year alone, AI-enabled targeting helped interdict more than $100 million in narcotics, disrupt human trafficking networks, and double cargo narcotics seizure-exam rates, while reducing investigative lead times and enabling officers to focus on the highest-risk threats. Samha’s creative leadership accelerated the early adoption of Generative AI and Large Language Models to automate data translation and intelligence synthesis, and he pioneered the migration of mission-critical analytics to secure, scalable cloud environments that speed deployment and improve cost efficiency. His commitment to collaboration—bridging federal, international, customs, trade, and intelligence partners—expanded data sharing, strengthened cross-border situational awareness, and unified responses to complex risks across the homeland security enterprise. Samha’s forward-looking vision has delivered enduring improvements in threat detection, operational resilience, and the culture of innovation across CBP.

The DOI Office of Grants Management (PGM) has transformed federal financial assistance oversight through pioneering AI solutions that dramatically improve efficiency, compliance, and mission delivery. By automating internal controls testing for more than 8,000 project descriptions, PGM reduced review time from 546 hours to just 4, saving over $36,000 in labor costs; additional AI tools for pre-award eligibility checks and budget reviews cut thousands of manual hours to near-zero, reducing annual workloads by more than 3,000 hours and generating over $1.3 million in combined annual savings. These scalable tools—capable of validating SAM.gov data in 30 seconds, cross-checking SF-424A budgets, and embedding federal cost principles—enhance accuracy, reduce risk, and allow staff to focus on higher-value oversight. Through close partnership with Microsoft, DOI’s CIO, and federal innovation leaders, PGM navigated complex technical and policy challenges to securely deploy AI, earning national recognition and drawing interest from DOJ, DOT, NIH, OSTP, and QSMO. Their work has established PGM as a governmentwide leader in AI-enabled grants management and set a new standard for operational excellence across the federal financial assistance ecosystem.