The Homeland Security Today awards annually recognize the people who devote their lives to protecting our people, our resources, and our way of life. From heroic efforts on duty to invaluable efforts behind the scenes, annually we gather to celebrate excellence, honor, and the daily successes of those working on the front lines and in a support capacity to ensure the safety of all Americans. We are proud to honor the following 2025 award recipients.
HOMELAND SECURITY PERSON OF THE YEAR
The GTSC Homeland Security Today Person of the Year is awarded to people who serve the homeland security mission in an exemplary fashion. These individuals have directly improved, executed, and/or engaged the proper people, agencies, or departments necessary to tangibly improve the nation’s prevention, protection, mitigation, or response capacity to make America safer.
Homeland Security Person of the Year – National
Dr. Ed Mays, Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Infrastructure and Support Services, Office of Information and Technology, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Deputy Assistant Commissioner (DAC) Dr. Ed Mays has led the Infrastructure and Support Services (ISS) team within U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Office of Information and Technology through a year defined by innovation, transformation, and 
mission impact. Under his leadership, CBP advanced its technological capabilities by securing and deploying $185 million in dedicated cloud funding, accelerating migration to Amazon Web Services and Google Cloud Platform. This modernization effort has strengthened the agency’s agility, operational efficiency, and readiness—ensuring that CBP remains at the forefront of technology innovation in support of its mission to safeguard America’s borders.
Dr. Mays has also expanded CBP’s international security posture through enhanced biometric data-sharing partnerships with five key nations across the Western Hemisphere. This initiative has significantly improved the U.S. government’s ability to identify, interdict, and repatriate criminal actors while deepening intelligence collaboration with foreign partners. His leadership was equally critical in ensuring CBP’s technological preparedness for major national events—including the 60th Presidential Inauguration, State of the Union, and the Super Bowl—where he oversaw the deployment of advanced communications infrastructure and interagency coordination support.
Through the launch of mission-critical edge computing capabilities and the creation of the OpsTech Test Lab, Dr. Mays has built a strong foundation for validating emerging technologies that support CBP’s continuous operations. His vision and technical expertise have empowered his teams to deliver results that strengthen national security, modernize operations, and uphold the highest standards of public service. Dr. Ed Mays’ leadership exemplifies innovation in action—translating technology into tangible mission success that protects the homeland and supports the men and women on the front lines.
Homeland Security Person of the Year – State
Karin Lodge-Hendley, Program Manager, Operation Drawbridge, Border Security Operations Center, Texas Department of Public Safety
Karin Lodge-Hendley, Program Director for the Texas Department of Public Safety’s (DPS) Operation Drawbridge, has been the driving force behind one of the most impactful and enduring border security initiatives in the state’s history. Since the program’s inception in 
2012, Karin has transformed Drawbridge from a small-scale experiment into a statewide, mission-critical component of Texas’ border security operations. Under her visionary leadership, Operation Drawbridge has become an indispensable partnership linking federal, state, local, and tribal agencies in a unified command effort to detect, deter, and disrupt criminal activity along the Texas border.
The results of Karin’s leadership are extraordinary. Through her direction, Drawbridge has assisted law enforcement in over 1.2 million apprehensions, including hundreds of known gang members, and contributed to the seizure of more than 680,000 pounds of marijuana, 1,200 pounds of cocaine, numerous weapons, and other illicit drugs. The program’s real-time monitoring capabilities have also guided responders in rescuing dozens of smuggling and trafficking victims left behind in dangerous conditions. Drawbridge’s effectiveness is so profound that one U.S. Border Patrol Sector Chief noted that if the system were to go offline, agencies in his sector would lose 40% of their situational awareness.
Through her unwavering dedication, strategic foresight, and collaborative leadership, Karin Lodge-Hendley has elevated Operation Drawbridge into a cornerstone of Texas’ homeland security mission. Her work continues to save lives, strengthen border enforcement, and protect communities—solidifying her as a vital leader in America’s ongoing effort to secure its borders.
Homeland Security Person of the Year – Local
Chief Anthony Marrone, Fire Chief, Los Angeles County Fire Department
Chief Anthony Marrone, Fire Chief of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, has exemplified courage, candor, and steady leadership during one of the most challenging wildfire seasons in California’s history. In January 2025, as the Palisades and Eaton Fires 
became two of the most destructive blazes the state had ever faced, Chief Marrone confronted the crisis with honesty and resolve—acknowledging the immense strain on Los Angeles County’s 29 fire departments and the limitations of even the most robust preparedness efforts. Despite pre-positioned resources and expanded staffing, Marrone emphasized that the sheer scale of multiple, simultaneous wildfires presented an unprecedented operational challenge.
Under his leadership, firefighters made critical progress as conditions evolved, aided by mutual aid partners from Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington, who deployed more than 1,000 personnel and 250 fire engines to assist in containment. Chief Marrone’s coordination across state and regional lines was instrumental in stabilizing operations and protecting lives and property amid relentless winds and dangerous fire weather. Throughout the crisis, his transparent communication—offering regular updates, safety guidance, and words of reassurance—was a lifeline for communities under evacuation and for the firefighters battling the flames.
Chief Marrone’s leadership reflects an unwavering dedication to both public safety and the well-being of first responders. He views wildfire not just as an environmental or local challenge, but as a growing homeland security threat—one that demands innovation, collaboration, and sustained readiness. Through his integrity, expertise, and deep commitment to the mission, Chief Anthony Marrone continues to protect lives, strengthen resilience, and lead the fight against one of California’s most persistent and devastating dangers.
HOMELAND’S HUMAN FIREWALL
Homeland’s Human Firewall is an award to recognize the tireless efforts and achievements of those keeping our cyber infrastructure protected.
Vulnerability Response and Coordination Branch, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
The Vulnerability Response and Coordination (VRC) Branch embodies the spirit of Homeland’s Human Firewall through its unwavering dedication to protecting the nation’s cyber infrastructure. As one of the most critical teams within CISA’s cybersecurity 
ecosystem, the VRC Branch manages the full lifecycle of vulnerability response—detecting, validating, categorizing, and coordinating the disclosure of Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) that form the backbone of national cyber defense.
Working in close collaboration with CVE Numbering Authorities (CNAs), federal agencies, and private sector partners, the VRC team serves as a vital bridge between government and industry. Their disciplined coordination and technical expertise ensure that vulnerabilities are identified, analyzed, and communicated swiftly and accurately—allowing defenders across sectors to act before adversaries can exploit weaknesses.
The Branch’s work directly powers CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) Catalog, a cornerstone resource that transforms raw data into actionable intelligence for cyber defenders at every level of government and industry. Through technical excellence, proactive engagement, and a tireless commitment to collaboration, the VRC Branch strengthens the nation’s collective cyber shield—turning information into impact and keeping America’s most critical systems secure and resilient.
EXCELLENCE AWARDS
The Excellence Awards have been newly expanded to recognize the full spectrum of mission impact across the homeland and national security enterprise. What began as a focused set of awards has grown to honor outstanding achievements in areas including information sharing, counterterrorism, training, prevention, technology advancement, and partnership building. This broader scope reflects the evolving needs of the homeland mission and the diverse expertise required to secure the nation.
Excellence in Counterterrorism
Don Rassler, Assistant Professor, Department of Social Sciences and Director of Strategic Initiatives, Combating Terrorism Center, West Point
Don Rassler, Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Sciences and Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Combating Terrorism Center (CTC) at West Point, stands at the forefront of global counterterrorism thought and collaboration. A trusted integrator 
across the U.S. counterterrorism community, NATO, and Five Eyes (FVEY) partners, Don has played a pivotal role in bridging critical gaps in capacity, capability, and knowledge across tactical, operational, and national levels. His forward-leaning research, insight, and community-building have been instrumental in strengthening shared understanding and coordination between government, military, and academic institutions.
Over the past year, Don has led inclusive and coordinated research efforts addressing some of the most pressing challenges in modern counterterrorism. His work has advanced understanding of terrorist operating environments in Africa, Salafi-jihadist targeting of U.S. and Western forces outside conflict zones, and the evolution of ISIS and al-Qa’ida foreign fighter networks—including why some branches thrive while others fail. He has also helped refine the counterterrorism lexicon and warning processes, directly supporting planners, operators, and analysts across the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, NATO, and allied nations.
Beyond his research and policy contributions, Don is shaping the next generation of leaders as an educator and mentor at West Point, guiding both U.S. and international students and practitioners in understanding and combating terrorism. His tireless dedication, intellectual rigor, and collaborative spirit have made him an indispensable partner to the global counterterrorism enterprise and an enduring example of leadership in service to national and international security.
Excellence in Information Sharing – Corporate
AVANGRID, Corporate Security and Resilience Office
AVANGRID has redefined public-private collaboration through an innovative intelligence-sharing partnership with the Connecticut Threat Intelligence Center (CTIC), a DHS-mandated state fusion cell. Together, they pioneered the first-ever direct data exchange 
between a private company and a government fusion center using synchronized Kaseware knowledge management systems. This groundbreaking initiative moves beyond traditional reporting to real-time, automated information sharing—transforming how threat data is analyzed and applied to protect critical infrastructure.
Led by Robert Antonellis, AVANGRID’s Intelligence Program Manager, and Alvin Schwapp, CTIC Director, the partnership is built on trust, transparency, and a shared mission to strengthen security statewide. With the support of Courtney Samp, AVANGRID’s Intelligence Project Manager, who operates directly within CTIC, the collaboration enables both organizations to share anonymized, raw data—from crime statistics to cyber indicators—allowing faster detection, richer analysis, and improved situational awareness.
The project’s impact is profound: AVANGRID’s site assessments now benefit from real-time intelligence, while CTIC gains deeper insights into threats to Connecticut’s infrastructure. This model demonstrates how technology and trust can elevate information sharing from meetings and reports to actionable, collaborative defense. AVANGRID’s leadership in this space stands as a blueprint for the future of national security partnerships.
Excellence in Information Sharing – Government
Jorge Comas, Director, Counter-Network Division, National Targeting Center, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
As Director of the Counter-Network Division at CBP’s National Targeting Center, Jorge Comas embodies the intelligence-driven, operationally focused leadership this recognition is meant to honor. In a role that spans land, sea, and air domains, he turns fast-moving 
global events and a flood of foreign and domestic, classified and unclassified data into clear, actionable guidance. Agents and officers on the line know exactly what matters because Jorge frames it simply: what we know, what we don’t, what to ask, what to listen for, and what to look for—down to the questions at primary and the anomalies in a bag.
Jorge is the connective tissue between strategic intelligence and front-line action. He anticipates adversary tradecraft, calibrates CBP’s authorities to the threat, and gets the right information to the right people at the right time. In practice, that means sharper interviews, smarter referrals, tighter targeting, and safer outcomes. He is the hub—and the backbone—of a mission set that protects the nation’s borders every day.
Excellence in Training
Virtual Reality Training System, Distance Learning and Multimedia Branch, Federal Protective Service
The Distance Learning and Multimedia Branch (DLMB) has set a new benchmark for innovation and collaboration through its development and outreach surrounding the Virtual Reality Training System (VRTS)—the first system of its kind and scale in the federal 
government. This groundbreaking technology immerses officers in realistic, high-stakes scenarios to strengthen decision-making, judgment, and operational readiness, all within a controlled, safe, and cost-effective training environment.
What truly distinguishes DLMB is its commitment to outreach and education, ensuring that the benefits of this innovation extend well beyond the Federal Protective Service. Over the past year, the team has shared the VRTS with audiences across DHS, other federal agencies, state and local law enforcement, academic institutions, and professional associations. By hosting VIP visits, demonstrations, and interactive sessions at the FPS Consolidated Training Center in Alexandria, Virginia, DLMB has created meaningful opportunities for dialogue, collaboration, and shared learning about the future of immersive training.
Their outreach embodies the best of what homeland security innovation should be—transparent, collaborative, and mission-focused. Through strategic engagement and experiential learning, DLMB has inspired agencies nationwide to explore similar technologies and embrace new approaches to law enforcement preparedness. Their efforts have not only advanced FPS’s mission but have also strengthened the collective capability of the homeland security enterprise. DLMB’s leadership in connecting people, ideas, and technology stands as a powerful example of Excellence in Outreach—transforming innovation into impact and ensuring a safer, more resilient nation.
Excellence in Prevention
Rick Shaw, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Awareity
Rick Shaw, CEO and Founder of Awareity, is the recipient of the Excellence in Prevention Award for his transformative contributions to proactive threat prevention and information sharing across the homeland security enterprise. Through the creation and national 
deployment of the Awareity Platform, Rick has built one of the most effective pre-incident prevention systems in the country—empowering schools, government agencies, and private organizations to identify and act on early warning signs before tragedy strikes.
For more than a decade, Rick has championed the need to close what he calls the “80% Gap”—the critical disconnect where warning signs exist but are not acted upon. His work has provided organizations with a secure, structured way to collect, connect, and share concerning information before it escalates into violence or crisis. This approach has not only saved lives but has reshaped how communities view prevention as a collective responsibility, not a reactive measure.
Rick’s leadership and innovation have turned Awareity into a vital national model for early intervention, helping thousands of professionals—from educators to law enforcement—to connect the dots before it’s too late. His commitment to proactive safety and collaboration truly embodies Excellence in Prevention and the mission of securing the homeland through awareness, innovation, and action.
Excellence in Combatting Exploitation
Richard S. Fitzgerald, Assistant Director, Cyber and Operational Technology, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement
Richard S. Fitzgerald, Assistant Director for Cyber and Operational Technology (COT) at Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), is recognized with the Excellence in Combatting Exploitation Award for his outstanding leadership in the global fight against online child 
exploitation and abuse. Under his direction, COT leads investigations into cyber-enabled and cyber-dependent crimes—combining cutting-edge technology, intelligence, and international cooperation to protect victims and bring perpetrators to justice.
One of Mr. Fitzgerald’s most impactful efforts is Operation Renewed Hope, a global initiative led by HSI to combat child sexual exploitation online. In its most recent phase, Operation Renewed Hope III (February 24–March 7, 2025), the initiative identified 36 victims and generated over 380 investigative leads tied to additional victims. Across all phases, more than 450 victims have been identified and over 100 children safeguarded. The operation’s success reflects extraordinary collaboration among 47 partner countries, 28 victim identification specialists, and key partners such as Interpol, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), and the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (ICMEC).
Through his vision, Mr. Fitzgerald has expanded HSI’s global partnerships and advanced the use of innovative digital forensics to identify victims, trace offenders, and dismantle networks of abuse. His leadership has not only delivered justice but also brought renewed hope to survivors and their families. Richard S. Fitzgerald’s commitment to service, compassion for victims, and relentless pursuit of justice embody the very essence of Excellence in Combatting Exploitation.
Excellence in Outreach
Blue Campaign, DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement
The Blue Campaign exemplifies the Department of Homeland Security’s mission to protect vulnerable communities through education, innovation, and collaboration. With only six full-time employees, the campaign has achieved nationwide impact—training tens of 
thousands, reaching millions through public awareness, and reshaping how the nation recognizes and prevents human trafficking. Since its founding, the Blue Campaign has hosted over 830 training sessions, educating nearly 83,000 individuals, and through the Blue Lightning Initiative, partnered with 150+ aviation organizations to train more than 450,000 airport and airline personnel. Its outreach has generated hundreds of millions of impressions and distributed 1.3 million free resources in 37 languages, ensuring accessibility for all communities.
The campaign’s success is remarkable given its origins—launched in 2010 with no budget, no permanent staff, and no formal office, sustained for nearly a decade through dedication and interagency collaboration before Congress codified it in 2018. Today, one of its most powerful innovations is the Lived Experience Expert (LEE) Network, which includes 80 survivors of trafficking who are paid professional consultants ensuring that every product and message is survivor-informed and trauma-aware. In 2025 alone, 17 LEE consultants guided strategic reviews, events, and national campaigns to ensure authenticity, accuracy, and cultural sensitivity in every effort.
The Blue Campaign’s inclusive outreach continues to set a national standard. Its Tribal Public Awareness Poster Series, developed in collaboration with Indigenous communities, has strengthened federal-tribal trust and representation in anti-trafficking efforts. This year’s PSA, “I Just Want It to Stop,” reached over 17 million viewers and earned a Platinum AVA Digital Award for storytelling excellence. From major initiatives like the Super Bowl Outreach Campaign to #WearBlueDay and international partnerships, the Blue Campaign demonstrates how education can transform into empowerment—and how even the smallest team can make an extraordinary impact in safeguarding the homeland.
ACQUISITION EXCELLENCE
The Acquisition Excellence awards recognize a division, agency or effort that has improved the speed, efficiency, and effectiveness of the acquisition of technology, products or services that support the frontline missions of homeland security. Projects must demonstrate tangible benefits and improved efficiency in the acquisition process.
Amanda Duquette, Head of Contracting Activity, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Under the leadership of Amanda Duquette, Chief of the Contracting Office at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the RIVER and RAPID Acquisition Team delivered two of the agency’s most innovative and mission-critical procurements — 
advancing USCIS’s enterprise data modernization and analytics capabilities to new heights. These efforts ensured continuous support for immigration benefits, vetting, and national security operations while setting a new standard for agile, data-driven acquisition across DHS.
Through Amanda’s strategic direction, the team strengthened competition—with 22 offers for RIVER and 21 for RAPID—and achieved meaningful cost savings and mission continuity. They leveraged proactive market research, innovative evaluation methods, and government-wide acquisition vehicles to accelerate delivery and ensure value for the American public. Their approach modernized USCIS’s data ecosystem, enabling real-time insights and improved decision-making across the agency.
Amanda Duquette’s leadership and her team’s success established a repeatable model for performance-based, analytics-focused acquisition within DHS. Their work embodies the very spirit of Acquisition Excellence—innovation, integrity, and measurable impact—ensuring USCIS remains equipped to deliver secure, efficient, and modern services for the homeland mission.
Isaac Kitchen, Program Manager, Linear Ground Detection Systems, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Isaac Kitchen has demonstrated outstanding leadership and strategic vision as the Program Manager for the Linear Ground Detection Systems (LGDS) program, directly advancing U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s mission to enhance border security through cutting-edge 
sensor technologies. His work has accelerated the speed, efficiency, and impact of the acquisition process, delivering clear and measurable benefits to the front-line homeland security mission.
In Fiscal Year 2025, under Mr. Kitchen’s direction, the LGDS program installed and operationalized more than 73% of its fiber-optic sensor deployment goal—deploying over 120 miles of sensing capability, twice the original target, with an additional 21 miles slated for completion by the end of September. These advancements have strengthened situational awareness and improved agent safety across the Southwest Border.
Mr. Kitchen has driven seamless alignment across engineering teams, field operators, environmental and real estate compliance partners, and contracting officers, ensuring every aspect of the program meets Department of Homeland Security acquisition standards and engineering best practices. His leadership has reinforced stakeholder engagement, strengthened program governance, and kept the program on schedule while mitigating deployment risks and supporting a demanding operational tempo.
He has also skillfully managed multiple deployment and sustainment vendors to ensure uninterrupted support for system installation, expansion, and long-term sustainment. His forward-leaning approach enabled the program to achieve the Acquisition Decision Event 3 milestone following a successful initial operational test and evaluation. Additionally, he led the operationalization of LGDS at the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico, ensuring new users are trained and ready for field deployment.
Through his strategic oversight, technical acumen, and unwavering commitment to excellence, Mr. Kitchen has helped deliver more than 400 miles of fiber-optic sensing capability along the Southwest Border. His performance reflects the highest standards of public service and makes him a deserving recipient of the Acquisition Excellence Award.
Adam Reinbolt, Branch Chief, Office of Field Operations, U.S. Secret Service
Mr. Adam Reinbolt is recognized with the Acquisition Excellence Award for his exceptional leadership and groundbreaking innovation as the Contracting Officer for the United States Secret Service (USSS) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA). This first-of-its-kind DHS 
solicitation integrated both FAR and non-FAR award instruments within a single procurement, dramatically accelerating the delivery of advanced protective and investigative technologies. By pioneering the FAR/Non-FAR Dual Track Authority and designing a structure that met CICA competition requirements while allowing flexible award selection, Mr. Reinbolt eliminated months of bureaucratic delay. As a result, critical technologies supporting physical security, situational awareness, and investigative missions are now being fielded in months rather than years.
Mr. Reinbolt further advanced acquisition innovation by implementing a five-minute video-based submission process, shifting industry’s focus from burdensome paperwork to true technical merit. This streamlined approach increased vendor participation, improved proposal quality, and rapidly elevated the most innovative commercial solutions for evaluation. His forward-leaning leadership ensured the USSS could quickly adopt mature, high-value capabilities that enhance protection for national leaders, strengthen security at National Special Security Events (NSSEs), and modernize investigative operations—including cybersecurity advancements and an AI-driven High Resolution Banknote Processing System to safeguard the nation’s financial infrastructure.
Beyond his direct accomplishments for the USSS, Mr. Reinbolt amplified the impact of his innovations across DHS as a cross-component mentor and process evangelist. He provided guidance, shared best practices, and helped other DHS components replicate the flexible BAA structure, ensuring that the gains in speed, agility, and mission alignment he achieved are becoming standard across the Department. His ingenuity, execution, and commitment to elevating the acquisition enterprise make him unequivocally deserving of the Acquisition Excellence Award.
MOST INNOVATIVE CAMPAIGN TO INCREASE SECURITY
People around the nation are working to find creative and engaging ways to help the public understand and prepare for any eventuality. Educating the public about homeland priorities, threats, and vulnerabilities is a critical part of the security equation. The Most Innovative Campaign to Improve Security recognizes a federal, state, local, or private-sector campaign that has increased awareness and preparedness for a threat that requires the partnerships to mitigate and prevent physical or cyber attack, disaster preparedness, human trafficking, infrastructure protection, supply-chain security or any threat to the country.
Dr. Tamara Schwartz, Associate Professor of Cybersecurity and Strategy, York College of Pennsylvania; Affiliate Researcher, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan Interdisciplinary Consortium for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity, U.S. Air Force (ret)
Dr. Tamara Schwartz, Lt Col, USAF (ret), is honored with the Most Innovative Campaign to Increase Security Award for her pioneering leadership in advancing the human dimension of cybersecurity. After contributing to the early development of U.S. Cyber Command in 
2007 and helping shape how cyberspace would redefine national defense, she redirected her expertise toward one of today’s most urgent frontiers—the cognitive domain, where human perception, emotion, and behavior are increasingly targeted by adversaries. Her groundbreaking doctoral research at Temple University, “The Dynamic Cyber-Based View of the Firm,” reframed cybersecurity as a strategic and behavioral discipline, laying the foundation for York College of Pennsylvania’s trailblazing human-centered cybersecurity program.
As a professor at York College, Dr. Schwartz brings this vision to life through innovative, experience-driven coursework that teaches students how information manipulates bias, emotion, and decision-making. Through classes such as Infowarsand Cyber Insecurity–Culture, she employs gamification, narrative warfare simulations, and reflective learning to equip the next generation with the cognitive resilience needed for modern security challenges. Her influential textbook, Surviving AI-Enabled Information Warfare (now in its second edition), extends her educational impact across the nation.
Dr. Schwartz’s leadership extends far beyond the classroom. She has launched a far-reaching public education campaign to raise awareness of cognitive security, creating programs for adults and youth at the Gettysburg Presbyterian Church and the York County Library, and delivering specialized briefings on AI-enabled manipulation to organizations including U.S. Strategic Command, Wellspan Health, the Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association, Beacon Financial Network, and MIT. As a board member of the Cognitive Security Institute, she advances a national mission to “protect the human mind as the last line of defense,” contributing to strategic initiatives and the flagship CognectCon conference. Through her vision, outreach, and unwavering commitment to public education, Dr. Schwartz has fundamentally strengthened the nation’s understanding of cognitive security—and exemplifies innovation in safeguarding the public against modern information warfare.
FEDERAL SMALL BUSINESS CHAMPION
Federal Small Business Champion of the Year is awarded annually to a federal official who shows a distinct commitment and tangible results toward improving the environment and success for small businesses in the federal homeland and national security market.
Reggie Mitchell, Small Business Specialist, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Small businesses have had a tough year, facing unprecedented challenges across the federal marketplace — and few advocates have done more to support, uplift, and empower them than Reggie Mitchell, selected as this year’s Federal Small Business Champion. As a 
Small Business Specialist at the Environmental Protection Agency, Mitchell plays a vital role in expanding access and opportunity for Small Disadvantaged Businesses, Women-Owned Small Businesses, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses, and firms located in Historically Underutilized Business Zones. He serves as a trusted liaison to small businesses nationwide, providing guidance, expertise, and encouragement to help them navigate federal procurement and compete for meaningful contracting opportunities.
Mitchell brings more than a decade of contract management and administration experience to this work, including service as a Contracting Officer for the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Inspector General and as a Senior Contract Specialist for Federal Student Aid. He holds FAC-C Professional and FAC-COR Level III certifications and is actively pursuing his Small Business Professional certification through the Federal Acquisition Institute. His deep technical knowledge, combined with his passion for environmental sustainability and supplier diversity, allows him to support program offices while strengthening the small business industrial base that federal agencies rely on.
In a year defined by uncertainty, Mitchell’s positivity, advocacy, and relentless outreach have set him apart. He has championed equitable access to contracting opportunities, amplified the voices of underserved businesses, and consistently worked to ensure that small firms remain integral partners in delivering on the EPA’s mission. Reggie Mitchell exemplifies what it means to be a Federal Small Business Champion, helping create a more inclusive, resilient, and mission-ready federal marketplace.
BACKBONE
Often the “back-end” side of the mission is the most neglected, and yet often the most important. Recipients of the Backbone award have accomplished extraordinary feats to ensure that the support functions of an agency maximize efficiency, support mission and account for new advancements and technology.
Carolyn Bednarek, Acquisition Program Manager, Technology and Innovation Directorate, Federal Protective Service
Carolyn Bednarek serves as the Acquisition Program Manager within the Technology & Innovation Directorate at the Federal Protective Service (FPS), where she oversees seven capital investment programs supporting the protection of more than 9,500 federal facilities 
and 1.4 million daily visitors. Throughout 2025, she significantly advanced FPS’s acquisition professionalism by implementing a new enterprise-wide reporting framework that improved accountability, performance tracking, and administrative oversight across all programs. Her leadership drove measurable improvements in program execution and set a higher standard for acquisition governance within the agency.
Ms. Bednarek delivered major transformational progress across multiple programs, most notably the Revenue Management System (RMS). She secured approval for an updated Acquisition Program Baseline; improved vendor agile performance, increasing completion rates from 49% to 98%; stabilized operations during an unexpected DHS cloud migration; and ensured continuity by negotiating new development support after the loss of contractor services. She also oversaw two successful RMS releases that automated billing, contract cost estimates, and correspondence, strengthening FPS’s fiscal health. Additionally, she led a cross-functional effort to restructure FPS’s partnership with Argonne National Laboratory for the Modified Infrastructure Survey Tool (MIST), enabling cloud migration, improving sustainment, supporting potential AI integration, and allowing ANL to refocus on critical infrastructure assessment innovation. She further established the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) program within DHS’s Acquisition Lifecycle Framework, steering it toward modified Commercial Off-the-Shelf solutions to minimize cost, reduce scope risk, and break the cycle of past unsuccessful attempts.
Complementing her programmatic leadership, Ms. Bednarek played a pivotal role in maturing the FPS Capability Requirements Council by expanding its enterprise responsibilities and aligning its annual capability gap process with the Resource Allocation Process, resulting in more strategically viable initiatives. She also invests deeply in the FPS workforce as the Component Acquisition Certification Manager and through her mentorship of emerging leaders. Carolyn Bednarek embodies the essence of the Backbone Award—a behind-the-scenes leader whose strategic foresight, operational excellence, and commitment to continuous improvement are strengthening FPS’s mission execution and creating a foundation for long-term agency success.
Ackie Jones, Portfolio Acquisition Executive, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Ackie Jones is honored with the Backbone Award for her transformative leadership of the CBP Programming–Budgeting Integration Solution (P-BIS)—the system that now underpins CBP’s ability to fund, sustain, and protect the nation’s border security mission. Through her 
strategic vision and technical expertise, she reshaped CBP’s approach to fiscal planning and resource allocation, delivering an integrated, analytics-driven capability that ensures critical operations are consistently and optimally funded. By eliminating manual processes, reducing reconciliation failures, and providing real-time visibility into resource impacts, she has strengthened mission readiness and protected the continuity of frontline law enforcement operations.
Under Jones’s leadership, P-BIS has delivered enterprise-level improvements felt across DHS. She engineered the system to seamlessly share data with DHS OneNumber, enhancing transparency and dramatically reducing reporting burdens. This design enabled CBP to systemically submit the FY27 Resource Allocation Plan—a process previously requiring substantial manual effort—earning recognition as “a HUGE milestone” for CBP’s Budget and Programming teams and the DHS budget community. Her forward-looking architecture ensures long-term scalability, including current work to integrate P-BIS and SAP data, positioning CBP to maintain fiscal efficiency and operational agility well into the future.
Jones has significantly strengthened the financial backbone that supports CBP’s mission execution. Her leadership ensures that key border security needs—from technology modernization to personnel resourcing—are addressed with precision, speed, and strategic clarity. By transforming CBP’s budget execution into a modern, transparent, and reliable enterprise capability, Jones has delivered lasting benefits to DHS and enhanced national security. Her contributions exemplify the purpose and spirit of the Backbone Award
Thomas Rosner, Chief, Service Integration and Innovation Division, U.S. Department of State
Tom Rosner, Division Chief for Servic
e Integration and Innovation at the Department of State, is recognized with the Backbone Award for his critical behind-the-scenes leadership in enabling the successful rollout of a high-priority Visa initiative directed by the Executive Office. This Administration-driven effort aims to attract individuals who will help fuel U.S. prosperity, and Tom served as the operational linchpin ensuring the program’s technical and operational foundation came together seamlessly. He coordinated across the Department of State, CBP, DHS, USCIS, Treasury, and the Department of Justice to design, build, and deploy the technology and processes necessary to support the initiative. Under his leadership, a fully functional Minimum Viable Product was delivered within four weeks and successfully validated against real production data—verifying identities, sharing intelligence, and safeguarding mission-critical information for rapid, confident decision-making.
Rosner’s expertise, steady leadership, and focus on mission outcomes accelerated the program from concept to operational readiness. He ensured that all critical systems, data-sharing mechanisms, and security controls were integrated and tested, enabling smooth coordination among agencies with distinct authorities and operational demands. His ability to unify technical teams, legal stakeholders, and policy offices allowed the initiative to stay on schedule while maintaining the rigorous standards required for national security systems.
Through Rosner’s work, the program is on track for full deployment within 60 days, strengthening homeland defense by enabling the secure, reliable flow of data that supports U.S. border, visa, and law-enforcement operations. His quiet, steadfast contributions have enabled one of the Administration’s most ambitious immigration initiatives to move forward with confidence. Tom Rosner exemplifies the purpose and spirit of the Backbone Award—a leader whose resilience, precision, and commitment ensure mission success.
Nora Shafakian, Section Chief, Diplomatic Security Bureau, U.S. Department of State
Nora Shafakian has demonstrated exceptional dedication and leadership within the Diplomatic Security Bureau at the Department of State, making significant contributions that strengthen the safety and security of U.S. citizens and Mission personnel overseas. 
Supporting training programs at 237 U.S. Embassies and Consulates, she has ensured that Regional Security Officers and their teams possess the skills required to maintain effective protective operations in challenging and dynamic environments. Her work has consistently improved mission readiness and enhanced the Bureau’s ability to respond to emerging threats around the globe.
As the Business Owner for Diplomatic Security’s ServiceNow platform—serving more than 25,000 users—Shafakian has been instrumental in modernizing enterprise systems and improving operational efficiency. She set development priorities, oversaw Operations and Maintenance teams, and chaired governance, risk management, and compliance committees for 11 major applications. Her leadership in launching an automated testing program reduced manual testing burdens, improved software quality, and lowered costs to the government. Recognizing the importance of continuous learning and innovation, she co-founded the DS Innovation Series, helping colleagues understand new technologies and federal innovation trends. She also manages critical shared resources across the Bureau, setting priorities objectively based on mission need and contributing to more streamlined operations and effective budget management.
Shafakian’s contributions reflect the core values embodied by the Backbone Award—quiet excellence, operational reliability, and a steadfast commitment to mission success. Her work has enhanced the Bureau’s global security posture, optimized resource management, and fostered a culture of continuous improvement. Through her leadership, innovation, and dedication, Nora Shafakian has strengthened the foundation that supports Diplomatic Security’s mission worldwide.
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
The MVP award is given to an official or team that modernizes and improves the operations and performance of an agency, component, or division to increase capacity, speed delivery, use innovation and improve performance. These leaders also focus on the future – developing strategies and plans to address our constantly changing, dynamic threat environment.
Most Valuable Player – Federal
Adam Stahl, Acting Deputy Administrator, Transportation Security Administration
Adam Stahl, Acting Deputy Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), is recognized with the MVP Federal Award for his exceptional leadership, strategic acumen, and enduring commitment to strengthening national security. Named TSA’s Chief 
of Staff in January 2025, Stahl provides critical counsel on policy, planning, public affairs, and congressional engagement, while serving as a key liaison to the Presidential Administration, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and interagency partners. His ability to navigate complex operational and policy landscapes has been central to advancing TSA’s mission and shaping its strategic direction during a pivotal period.
Stahl’s federal career is distinguished by impactful service across DHS and Capitol Hill. As DHS Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of Strategy, Policy, and Plans, he led the development of foundational National Security Council policy documents and major Department-wide strategies, including the first-ever DHS Arctic Strategy and the DHS Strategy to Counter Malicious Activity from the People’s Republic of China—both significant contributions to U.S. homeland and geopolitical security. His earlier work with U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Trade Relations and his roles on the Senate Commerce Committee and Senate Foreign Relations Committee further strengthened national security and global trade policy at the highest levels. Stahl also brings private-sector experience as Chief of Staff and Strategic Advisor to a global energy company, where he oversaw security-related policies, regulatory matters, and governance for international assets and operations.
A Fellow at George Mason University’s National Security Institute, Stahl blends academic rigor with real-world leadership. He holds a master’s degree in foreign affairs from the University of Oxford, where he focused on the geopolitics of energy and supply-chain weaponization. Across government, industry, and academia, Adam Stahl has consistently delivered mission-focused excellence, strategic vision, and results that strengthen the security of the United States. His contributions exemplify the purpose of the MVP Federal Award.
Most Valuable Player – State
Christopher Blanco, Chief Financial Officer, New York City Emergency Management
Chris Blanco, Chief Financial Officer for NYC Emergency Management, brings more than a decade of exceptional service in homeland security finance, disaster recovery funding, and emergency management advocacy. Before joining the agency in early 2023, he played a 
pivotal role at the NYC Office of Management and Budget, overseeing hundreds of millions of dollars in homeland security grant funding and managing critical financial support for disaster relief efforts following Hurricane Sandy, Hurricane Ida, and numerous other emergencies. His deep expertise in federal, state, and local funding streams has strengthened the City’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from complex incidents.
Blanco’s influence extends far beyond internal financial operations. As a former member of the federal National Advisory Committee (NAC), he helped shape national preparedness policy until the committee’s disbandment in 2025. Within NYC Emergency Management, he leads the agency’s finance, procurement, and audit units with a focus on transparency, efficiency, and strategic resource allocation. Equally important, he has become a leading voice in federal advocacy on behalf of New York City and its regional partners, working closely with UASI collaborators, Big City Emergency Management members, and other emergency management organizations to navigate—and influence—rapidly evolving homeland security and emergency management funding landscapes.
A trusted adviser during a moment of intense national policy shifts, Blanco has crafted thoughtful, bipartisan advocacy strategies to ensure NYC’s priorities are heard at the federal level. He has diligently monitored proposed funding changes, advised elected officials, and helped steward limited resources to maximize preparedness and operational readiness. His leadership, foresight, and commitment to the mission have positioned NYC Emergency Management to remain resilient and adaptive during a pivotal time for homeland security. The City is fortunate to have his expertise guiding both its financial foundation and its national advocacy efforts.
Most Valuable Player – Local
Joseph Scaramucci, Director, Law Enforcement Training and Operations, Skull Games Solutions Deputy Sheriff, McLennan County Sheriff’s Office
Few individuals embody the mission and spirit of homeland security as fully as Detective Joseph Scaramucci. For more than two decades, he has made a profound, measurable impact on national safety through his relentless efforts to combat human trafficking, child 
exploitation, and organized criminal enterprises that prey on vulnerable populations across the United States. As Director of Law Enforcement Training and Operations for Skull Games Solutions—and as a reserve deputy—Scaramucci has led intelligence-driven, multi-state operations that unite federal, state, and local agencies in a shared fight against trafficking networks. These coordinated efforts have resulted in the identification and recovery of countless victims, the arrest of high-value offenders, and the dismantling of trafficking operations tied to transnational criminal organizations.
Scaramucci is equally influential as a trainer and subject-matter expert. He has personally trained more than 14,000 law enforcement professionals across the United States and 15 countries in advanced investigative methodologies, including OSINT, digital forensics, undercover operations, and trauma-informed victim engagement. His curricula—now used by police academies, federal partners, and international agencies—have transformed how departments large and small collaborate and share data. He has built and led real-time intelligence networks involving more than 30 agencies, resolving longstanding interoperability barriers and creating secure pipelines that give law enforcement a unified intelligence picture. His operational contributions with Homeland Security Investigations, state fusion centers, the Department of Justice, and non-governmental partners have strengthened the national ability to identify traffickers, disrupt financial crimes, and safeguard victims.
Detective Scaramucci’s work sits squarely at the intersection of intelligence, technology, and humanitarian protection—directly advancing DHS priorities in information sharing, prevention, response, and resilience. His efforts have improved the speed and effectiveness of intelligence flow across jurisdictions, reduced the domestic threat footprint by targeting networks that exploit vulnerable communities, and built enduring partnerships that extend far beyond any individual operation. In strengthening the systems, relationships, and investigative capabilities that protect the homeland, Joseph Scaramucci has helped safeguard not only individual victims, but the national fabric of security itself.
Most Valuable Player – Biometrics
Timothy S. Murray, Executive Program Manager, Homeland Advanced Recognition Technology Program, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Timothy S. Murray, Executive Program Manager for the Homeland Advanced Recognition Technology (HART) program, is recognized with the MVP – Biometrics Award for his exceptional leadership in advancing one of the Department of Homeland Security’s most 
consequential technology modernizations. HART, the Department’s next-generation biometric identification system, will replace the legacy IDENT system and serves as DHS’s enterprise biometric system of record—providing faster, more accurate, and more secure identity services to support border security, immigration screening, law enforcement, national defense, and intelligence missions. Murray’s leadership has been instrumental in ensuring that this critical capability advances toward full operational readiness.
When Murray assumed leadership, the program was more than seven years overdue and facing major development and budget challenges. Recognizing the need for decisive action, he restructured the program from the ground up—flattening the management model, empowering product owners, and shifting the team toward a modern, agile, mission-aligned organizational structure. He reorganized the workforce into cross-functional teams, broke down longstanding silos, and moved the entire HART organization from OBIM to the DHS Office of the CIO, strengthening enterprise alignment and significantly improving morale. Under his direction, the program progressed through architectural stabilization, parallel IDENT/HART operations, and operational assessments that introduced HART to field personnel for real-world validation, ultimately positioning the system for Initial Operating Capability and the decommissioning of IDENT.
Murray’s leadership revitalized a program once at risk of failure, transforming it into a mission-critical biometric platform that now supports up to 350,000 transactions per day and manages more than 250 million biometric identities. He shepherded the system through a FedRAMP-certified cloud deployment, implemented modular biometric matching for greater scalability, and ensured that HART’s modernization aligns with DHS commitments to privacy, transparency, and responsible information sharing. His efforts have strengthened collaboration across DOJ, DoD, and key international partners—including Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Through his vision, technical stewardship, and dedication to mission success, Timothy S. Murray exemplifies the spirit of the MVP – Biometrics Award, advancing a capability that keeps the nation safe, secure, and connected.
Most Valuable Player – Border Security
Amanda Sviba, Program Manager, Cross Border Tunnel Threat Program, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Amanda Sviba has demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to operational excellence as Program Manager for the Cross Border Tunnel Threat (CBTT) Program. Her contributions have directly advanced U.S. Customs and Border 
Protection’s mission to enhance border security by detecting, adjudicating, and neutralizing illicit cross-border tunnels that pose significant threats to national security. Under her direction, the CBTT Program achieved Initial Operating Capability in the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2025 for Persistent Surveillance Detection technology—a major milestone that strengthened the nation’s ability to identify and address underground threats in real time.
Sviba’s strategic insight also led to the development of a new geotechnical Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, which significantly increased procurement throughput and accelerated critical acquisition timelines. This modernization enabled the program to better support operational partners and rapidly deploy specialized capabilities. Her leadership directly contributed to the successful completion of five tunnel adjudication missions this fiscal year—surpassing CBP’s C1 Priority Goal—and, as of September 11, 2025, the program had completed nine tunnel adjudications and three remediation missions. These efforts neutralized illicit tunnels, disrupted transnational criminal activity, and prevented unauthorized access into the United States.
Through her ability to streamline processes, accelerate acquisitions, and guide complex operational missions, Sviba has delivered measurable improvements to homeland security and strengthened CBP’s response to subterranean threats. Her dedication, foresight, and mission-focused leadership have enhanced frontline capabilities across the Southwest Border.
Most Valuable Player – Artificial Intelligence and Technology Advancement
Tyson Walker, Deputy Chief Technology Officer, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Tyson Walker, Deputy Chief Technology Officer at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), is recognized with the MVP – Artificial Intelligence & Technology Advancement Award for his exceptional leadership in transforming CBP’s technological capabilities and 
accelerating innovation across the agency. His strategic vision and operational expertise have strengthened the foundation of the Chief Technology Office and advanced CBP’s mission through groundbreaking modernization efforts. Walker’s work has matured enterprise processes, enabled critical milestones, and provided the technological backbone that supports CBP’s 65,000-person workforce.
Among Walker’s most impactful achievements is the rapid development and deployment of chatCBP, CBP’s first AI-powered large language model chatbot. In only six weeks, he led its delivery to the entire workforce—an unprecedented timeline for a federal technology rollout. Employees across the nation report significant time savings and operational efficiencies, and CBP Officers and Agents now rely on chatCBP in real-world environments to support frontline mission execution. Walker also established the Artificial Intelligence Center of Excellence (AI COE), a centralized entity designed to advance AI governance, training, capability development, and use-case management. Under his leadership, the AI COE is positioned to elevate AI maturity not only within CBP but potentially across the entire Department of Homeland Security.
Walker’s portfolio also includes oversight of the CBP One mobile application, a mission-critical tool used to register and process individuals seeking to enter the United States. Since January 20, 2025, the application has undergone more than a dozen high-visibility deployments—each executed flawlessly—while supporting thousands of users and meeting the expectations of White House and DHS leadership. Through his forward-leaning vision, commitment to secure innovation, and ability to deliver complex technologies at operational scale, Tyson Walker has transformed the agency’s use of artificial intelligence and digital solutions. His contributions embody the excellence recognized by the MVP – Artificial Intelligence & Technology Advancement Award.
Most Valuable Player – Information Technology Modernization
Ezekiel “Zeke” Maldonado, Executive Director for Information Technology Operations, Office of the Chief Information Officer, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Zeke Maldonado is recognized with the MVP – Information Technology Modernization Award for his visionary leadership and transformative impact on the Department of Homeland Security’s technology enterprise. Through his previous role as Chief Information Officer for 
Intelligence & Analysis and his current leadership of IT Operations across DHS, Maldonado has strengthened the technological backbone that supports the Department’s national security mission. With nearly three decades of combined military and private-sector experience, he has unified intelligence and operational requirements under a modernized digital ecosystem, advancing investment management, digital transformation, cybersecurity, data utilization, and workforce development across mission areas.
Maldonado has been instrumental in driving DHS toward a more agile, cloud-based architecture that improves interoperability and resilience across components. His leadership accelerated enhancements to classified screening, automated intelligent search capabilities, and the responsible introduction of generative AI tools to improve intelligence collection and dissemination. His ongoing work to modernize the Top Secret Data Hub and to support the development of advanced analytic platforms—such as Periscope—demonstrates a forward-leaning approach rooted in operational excellence and mission responsiveness. These advancements have strengthened intelligence workflows, improved information sharing, and expanded DHS’s ability to detect and respond to emerging threats.
Through his strategic foresight, technical expertise, and commitment to innovation, Maldonado has elevated DHS’s information technology posture and inspired continuous improvement across the enterprise. His contributions reinforce national security, enhance collaboration across the intelligence community, and provide the Department with modern, resilient IT capabilities needed in today’s evolving threat landscape. Zeke Maldonado’s leadership exemplifies the mission impact recognized by the MVP – Information Technology Modernization Award.
Most Valuable Player – Data Advancement
David Hong, Acting Chief Information Officer, Office of Intelligence and Analysis, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
David Hong, currently serving as the Acting Chief Information Officer for the DHS Office of Intelligence & Analysis, is recognized with the MVP – Data Advancement Award for his trailblazing leadership in data protection, privacy, and ethical governance across the 
intelligence enterprise. With a career spanning both public and private sectors—including key roles at Microsoft, Deutsche Bank, and Capital One—Hong brings a rare combination of strategic vision, operational insight, and global compliance expertise to DHS. His work has strengthened the Department’s ability to protect sensitive data, modernize analytic environments across classification levels, and ensure that mission-critical information is managed with precision, integrity, and accountability.
Hong’s leadership is defined by his ability to align technical innovation with rigorous privacy and regulatory standards. At DHS I&A, he has spearheaded efforts to modernize data environments, establish privacy policies for analytic platforms, and implement enterprise data management frameworks that improve information accessibility without compromising security. He has championed secure multimodal analytic environments, advanced national information-sharing initiatives, and guided teams in designing architectures that meet evolving privacy requirements. His deep understanding of international compliance standards—supported by formal certifications in both data management and privacy—enables him to navigate complex policy and technical landscapes with confidence.
Through his commitment to ethical data stewardship, modernized information systems, and responsible innovation, Hong has elevated the Department’s data posture and strengthened its intelligence mission. His contributions have fortified DHS’s data infrastructure, improved analyst access to critical information, and set a standard for privacy-centric, mission-driven data governance across the national security community. David Hong’s leadership exemplifies the mission excellence recognized by the MVP – Data Advancement Award.
Most Valuable Player – Data Optimization
FEMA Enterprise Data Analytics Modernization Initiative (EDAMI) Team
Dr. Julie Waters, Senior Technical Advisor, Joanne Neukirchen, Division Director and IT Program Manager; Irene Pan, Branch Chief, Business Architecture and Transformation; Marian Delligatti, Branch Chief, Product Development & Product Management
The Enterprise Data and Analytics Modernization Initiative (EDAMI) Team is recognized with the MVP – Data Optimization Award for their exceptional dedication, technical mastery, and mission-driven service in support of FEMA and the broader homeland security enterprise. In
a field where timely, accurate data can mean the difference between effective response and missed opportunities, the EDAMI Team stands out as a critical force behind national preparedness and resilience. Their work ensures that state, local, territorial, tribal, and regional partners have access to the right information at the right time—before, during, and after disasters—empowering leaders with the situational awareness necessary to protect lives, infrastructure, and communities.
At the core of their mission is the FEMA Data Exchange (FEMADex), a cloud-based analytics ecosystem built on Azure and powered by technologies such as Databricks, Power BI, and emerging AI capabilities. The EDAMI Team manages and continuously enhances this highly complex platform, enabling FEMA Regions, Regional Response Coordination Centers (RRCCs), the National Response Coordination Center (NRCC), Disaster Joint Field Offices, nonprofit partners, and emergency managers across the nation to seamlessly access, analyze, and share mission-critical data. Their work transforms disparate datasets into real-time insights that support planning, mitigation, response, and recovery operations—ensuring FEMA can coordinate effectively across the entire emergency management community.
The EDAMI Team’s commitment to innovation, reliability, and cross-agency collaboration has elevated data sharing across the homeland security enterprise. By leveraging cutting-edge tools and modern analytics, they have enabled the creation of solutions that not only guide crisis response but help prevent future disasters, safeguard resources, and strengthen community resilience nationwide. Their tireless efforts exemplify the spirit of the MVP – Data Optimization Award, and their impact resonates far beyond any single event—helping build a safer, more informed, and more resilient nation for generations to come.
CITIZEN OF MISSION
The Citizen of Mission award goes to an individual who devotes their personal time, energy, and resources to work for causes related to homeland security. Volunteers, nonprofit leaders, corporate employees — anyone is eligible for nomination as long as they devote time and dedicated effort to supporting the homeland mission.
Eric D. Thomas, Director, Founder, and Chairman of the Board, CJ3 Foundation
Eric D. Thomas is recognized with the Citizen of Mission Award for his extraordinary personal dedication to serving wounded and disabled U.S. Military Service Members, Veterans, Law Enforcement Officers, Firefighters, and Emergency/First Responders through 
the nonprofit he founded — the CJ3 Foundation. A 100% permanently disabled U.S. Army combat veteran, Thomas transformed his own difficult experiences navigating the VA system and veteran support networks into a mission to ensure that no wounded hero is left behind. He created the CJ3 Foundation as a holistic support organization that provides advocacy, mental health and wellness services, service dogs, and outdoor therapeutic programs to those who have sacrificed for the nation. His service dog, Havoc, a Belgian Malinois and the face of the CJ3 Foundation, accompanies Thomas to DHS every 
day.
Since founding the CJ3 Foundation during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic — a time when many believed launching a nonprofit would be impossible — Thomas has built a nationally reaching organization with facilities in Iowa, Illinois, and Georgia, and team members across the United States. The foundation has helped countless heroes obtain critical mental health support, secure service dogs, navigate complex benefits systems, and access community-building activities such as hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation. Importantly, Thomas designed the organization not to compete with existing veteran service groups, but to complement them — filling gaps, eliminating backlogs, and ensuring that heroes receive multi-faceted care rather than single-issue assistance.
What makes Thomas especially deserving of the Citizen of Mission Award is that every hour he devotes to the CJ3 Foundation is entirely voluntary. Neither he nor anyone on the foundation’s leadership or staff receives financial compensation for their efforts. Thomas regularly invests as much time in the foundation as he does in his full-time role at DHS, driven solely by compassion, duty, and an unwavering commitment to those who served. His work has improved lives nationwide — including quietly supporting many DHS employees — and has earned him recognition including the President’s Gold Volunteer Service Award and the DHS Secretary’s Award for Volunteer Service. Eric D. Thomas embodies the spirit of the Citizen of Mission Award, demonstrating what it truly means to give one’s time, energy, and heart to strengthen the homeland and uplift its heroes.
Honorable Mention – Canines of Mission
Canine Heroes of 9/11
The Canines of Mission honors the remarkable search and rescue dogs who served after the September 11, 2001 attacks—silent heroes whose courage and devotion brought hope to a grieving nation. More than 300 dogs deployed to Ground Zero, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, working side-by-side with first responders as they searched tirelessly for survivors and provided comfort amidst unimaginable devastation.
Among them was Bretagne, a Golden Retriever and one of the last surviving 9/11 search dogs, who worked 12-hour shifts navigating unstable debris to help locate victims and support exhausted firefighters. Trakr, a German Shepherd from Canada, famously located the last human survivor pulled from the ruins of the World Trade Center. Roselle, a guide dog, calmly led her blind handler down 78 stories in Tower 1, then guided others to safety as the building collapsed behind them. And dogs like Apollo, the first K-9 on scene at Ground Zero, pushed through fire, smoke, and falling debris—refusing to stop even after being struck by embers.
Their service reshaped the nation’s understanding of the vital role of working dogs in disaster response and inspired an entire generation of search-and-rescue K-9 programs.
MARKET MAVEN
Presented to an exceptional individual who contributes in a concrete and tangible way to the efficiency, productivity, and effectiveness of the homeland and national security market. Proven as a thought leader with a belief in increasing individual opportunity, the power of free enterprise and the nurture of innovation to advance and support the homeland and national security mission.
Market Maven
Daniel Odom, Director, Defense and Security Segment, Guidehouse; former Section Chief, Federal Bureau of Investigation
Dan Odom embodies the spirit and purpose of the Market Maven Award, which honors individuals who make concrete, tangible contributions to the efficiency, productivity, and effectiveness of the homeland and national security market. With more than 32 years of 
executive leadership across the FBI, local law enforcement, and the private sector, Odom has consistently demonstrated the thought leadership, innovative mindset, and belief in expanding individual opportunity that define this award. His distinguished FBI career took him across Phoenix, Atlanta, and Dallas—leading complex investigations and gaining firsthand understanding of the operational demands placed on law enforcement. His service also extended internationally, including deployments to Hungary and El Salvador, experiences that further broadened his strategic and global perspective.
Throughout his 23 years in the FBI, Odom advanced to senior executive leadership within the Counterterrorism Division, where he guided critical technology modernization efforts and directed multidisciplinary teams through sensitive national security operations. His strategic vision was instrumental in relocating key FBI capabilities to Huntsville, Alabama, a move that enhanced the Bureau’s technological infrastructure and operational agility—an achievement that directly improved the homeland security marketplace by enabling innovation, better resource alignment, and stronger mission support. Today, as a Director at Guidehouse, Odom continues to elevate the national security ecosystem by leading all FBI-related work in Huntsville. Under his leadership, the firm delivered the first-ever Cyber Kinetic Training Range, an innovation that integrates cyber and physical threat readiness. He also oversees the development of advanced training venues and drives digital modernization across the FBI Huntsville campus, significantly improving agent and staff preparedness.
Odom’s dedication extends beyond his professional portfolio into meaningful civic engagement. He volunteers with the Alabama Morgan County Child Advocacy Center and the Huntsville Downtown Rescue Mission, and he was appointed by the Mayor and City Council to the Huntsville Police Department Citizen Advisory Committee, where he fosters collaboration and transparency between law enforcement and the community. As a graduate of Leadership Greater Huntsville’s Flagship Program, he continues to support the development of future leaders. Through every facet of his work—federal, corporate, and community—Dan Odom exemplifies the principles of free enterprise, innovation, and mission-driven impact celebrated by the Market Maven Award, contributing significantly to a stronger, more resilient homeland and national security ecosystem.
