2026 Charlie Allen Achievement Awards

On Wednesday, February 18, more than 200 leaders from across the intelligence, defense, homeland, and national security communities came together for INSA/INSF's 16th Charlie Allen Achievement Awards ceremony at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, VA. 

View event photos courtesy of Workday! 

Ms. Christine Bordine, the Deputy Director of DIA, kicked off the program with a reflective keynote address focused on the idea that leadership is a continual practice shaped by curiosity, humility, and self-awareness. She shared personal experiences from her own journey, including a formative opportunity to work for Charlie Allen at the CIA, whose commitment to lifelong learning deeply influenced her approach to leading others. Ms. Bordine highlighted key lessons drawn from candid feedback she solicited from former colleagues, noting themes of presence, trust, calm under pressure, and accountability, explaining that "leadership is a practice, not a destination" and that projecting steadiness in difficult moments is often "a gift to your team." To close, Ms. Bordine underscored that none of us are finished products, encouraging everyone in the room to embrace curiosity, invite honest feedback, and commit to continuous growth.

View event recording courtesy of Salesforce!

Following Ms. Bordine’s remarks, the spotlight shifted to our six award recipients and the remarkable contributions they are making to the mission. The event concluded with a celebratory dessert reception.

Congratulations to our 2026 honorees:

Joan A. Dempsey Mentorship Award
Nicole Griffin, Threat Analysis Division Director (Acting), TSA/I&A

John W. Warner Homeland Security Award
Brent Howlett, Special Agent, NCIS

Edwin H. Land Industry Award
Robert James Robancho Jr., Lead Cyber Intelligence Analyst, MD6/S2, Deloitte

Sidney D. Drell Science & Technology Award
Sarah K. Adams, Manager, Alternative Computing Paradigms, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory 

Richard J. Kerr Government Award
Alexander Bramsen, Intelligence Analyst, FBI

William O. Studeman Military Award
Maj. Alan G. Friedlander, USAF, Individual Mobilization Augmentee to the Commander, DISA, U.S Air Force