Description

NOMINATIONS:

The AFFIRM Leadership Awards recognize outstanding accomplishments by an individual or team in providing firm direction, inspired vision and outstanding contributions within or beyond an agency or organization. The honorees' high impact achievements help the government deliver its mission more effectively and efficiently. 

Our Leadership Awards Celebration will be held November 6th, 2025 at The Observatory at America's Square, 300 New Jersey Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20001. 

Our theme this year is: Embracing Change and Transformation.

AWARD CATEGORIES:

Apex Award - For leaders who are spearheading transformative change through cutting-edge technology.

Diana Logreira

Jacqueline Hillian-Craig

Lee Zeldin

Melissa Oliva

Ryan Higgins

Shila Cooch

Civic Visonary - Leaders who have revolutionized public service delivery, driving citizen-focused IT innovations that make a real-world impact.

Alan Monico

Daniel York

Arthur Brunson

Alexis Masterson

Laura Szakmary

Yvette Gibson

Gary Washington

Josh Jordan

Congressional Leadership - Recognizing a member of congress who has championed transformative legislation, driving forward-thinking policies that foster innovation and technological advancement in government.

Crisis Navigator - Leaders who have successfully guided their organizations through crisis, demonstrating exceptional leadership and transformative problem-solving during emergencies.

Deanne Criswell

Dr. Rick Spinrad

Kevin Yasuda

Linda Fagan

Michael Whitaker

Yemi Oshinnaiye

Cyber Innovator (Threat Hunting / Change Management/ Change Talent) - Individuals or teams that have led the change in advanced threat hunting, providing transformative cybersecurity defenses across government and/or industry.

Amir Dastouri

Andrew Renna

Anish Patel

Brian Peretti

Dustin Goetz

Ejaz Zeb

Jared Quinn

Mark Canter

Nancy Landreville

Disruption Engine - Industry-led projects that have radically transformed the government technology landscape, setting a new bar for innovation.

Akash Jain

Candice Ling

Dan Naselius

Imogen Thomas

Imran Umar

Jonathan Alboum

Emerging Tech - Individuals that led the charge in advancing emerging technology. Innovating and advancing together beyond today's government.

Austin Stout

Bob Etris

Kelli Furrer

Richard Jacik

Emerging Visionary - For executive leaders in government who light the way in IT transformation, setting new standards for innovation.

Andrea Fletcher

David Larrimore

David Markowitz

Lesley Briante

Mason McDaniel

Spencer Burgos

Stephen Kucharski

James Johnson

Fresh Force - Rockstar Rookie - Honoring emerging leaders who are driving significant technological change within their first 1-5 years of service, demonstrating transformative potential.

Darrell Wood

Hanna Kim

Jairo Castro-Rivera

Meagan Martin

HealthTech Trendsetter - Recognizing leaders in healthcare technology who are transforming how government health services are delivered through innovative IT solutions.

Dennis Papula

Kathleen Berst

Keith Campbell

Micky Tripathi

Shereef Elnahal

Fred Deese

Julie Hoyte

Linda Obi

Legacy Leaders - Recognizing distinguished leaders whose lifelong contributions have had a lasting legacy.

Guy Cavallo

Ivette Granier-Smith

Jamie Holcombe

Luminary Award - Recognizing small business executives who lead the way in innovation and transformative technology for government solutions.

Nick Vass

Ron Jones

Tahera Zamanzada

Yael Harris

MetaTech - Award for Transformational Technology - A trailblazer whose leadership is reshaping the future of government and industry IT, driving transformative change.

Akinwande Oshodi

Anthony Custardo

Gautam Ijoor

Manprit Singh

Sharon Hinde-Grimm

Procurement Pioneer - Visionaries who have designed and constructed transformative procurement frameworks, reshaping how government and industry acquire technology.

David White

Emily Strunk

Heather Stier

Jessica Forget

Chet Frith

Merissa Larson

Lynne Parker

Steven Brand

Project Vanguard - Government-led projects that break new ground and demonstrate transformative leadership in IT development and deployment.

Alison Jarvis

Greg Eddy

Pete Flores

Sarah Stricevic

Steven McAndrews

Kevin Heaney

Tameika Turner

Oseana Johnson

William Watkins

Eric MacEwen

Titan Award - Celebrating leaders from large businesses who drive transformative large-scale IT initiatives in the government tech community.

Carl Eastley

Chris Townsend

Gabrielle Rivera

Kelly Olson

Nelofur Damiani

Rick Dansey

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:

Increase brand recognition at 2025 Leadership Awards. Various sponsorship levels are available, and all sponsorships include your company logo on all marketing communications, event website, and signage at the event.  

Click here for a list of available sponsorships.

AGENDA: 
5:30 - 6:00pm: General Reception  |  Rooftop
6:00 - 8:30pm: Awards & Networking  |  Rooftop

REGISTRATION FEES:

Join us to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of our honorees, who have provided firm direction and demonstrated inspired vision within or beyond their agency or organization. The high impact achievements of these leaders have helped government to be more effective and efficient in delivering its mission.

*Sustaining Partner Member tickets based on membership size: Large - up to 5 employees at discount; Medium - up to 3 employees at discount; Small - up to 2 employees at discount; Specialty Small - 1 employee at discount. 

Contact info@affirm.org if you have questions about your membership size or your company's registrants. Please note: All event purchases are final.

Dress code: Business attire

Parking: Parking is available in the building for $12 after 5pm

Gabrielle Rivera