Leaders commended for contributions to info security
DHS' Bruce McConnell recognizes top talent in key government sector
Four persons have been recognized for their leadership in federal information security at the sixth annual 2009 Government Information Security Leadership Awards, presented by (ISC)2, a not-for-profit association that certifies information security professionals.
Honorees at the 2009 Government Information Security Leadership Awards, held Oct. 7 in Washington, included current and former military service members and civilian professionals who have careers in information technology and security at the national level.
The winners were: Bobby Akins, a network integrator with the 561st Network Operations Squadron at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo.; Erin Finkes, branch chief for executive management and support services for the Defense Contract Management Agency; Stanley Joseph Jarzombek Jr., director of software assurance at the Homeland Security Department's National Cyber Security Division; and Margaret Spanninger, leader of the Security Awareness, Training and Professional Development Services at Booz Allen Hamilton.
“Finally, the IT people have a sexy mission!” said keynote speaker Bruce McConnell, DHS cybersecurity counselor.
McConnell said as part of cybersecurity, information security is a “shared responsibility” and it is increasingly vulnerable as government IT progresses.
“We need processes that run at the speed of the threat,” McConnell said. “We need [policy] based not on religion and anecdote, but on metrics and science. These people are the most important part of this. We need these people to help create a safe workplace and world.”
The full list of nominees can be found here.
About the Author
Amber Corrin is a staff reporter covering defense and national security.