Nominations Open for 2026 Achievement Awards
Honoring our Rising Stars!
The Intelligence and National Security Alliance (INSA) and the INSA Foundation (INSF) are now accepting nominations for the 2026 INSA/INSF Charlie Allen Achievement Awards. Celebrating its 16th year, these awards recognize outstanding early -to mid-career professionals in the intelligence, defense, homeland, and national security communities, as well as a senior leader committed to mentorship and workforce development. Learn About All Six Awards!
Each of the six awards is named in honor of a recipient of the William Oliver Baker Award, which INSA annually presents to a senior leader who has demonstrated sustained excellence in U.S. intelligence and national security affairs.
"Every day, early- and mid-career professionals are driving innovation, supporting critical missions, and advancing U.S. intelligence and national security,” said INSA President Suzanne Wilson Heckenberg. “These awards are our chance to celebrate their impact, honor their dedication, and say thank you for all they do.”
Nominations are due by close of business on Friday, October 31.
About the Six Awards
Joan A. Dempsey Mentorship Award: Open to public, private, and academic professionals up to and including GS-15/O-6 or equivalent rank.
Sidney D. Drell Science & Technology Award: Open to researchers and technologists conducting innovative scientific or technological R&D with potential to significantly impact intelligence, defense, and/or homeland security.
Richard J. Kerr Government Award: Open to civilian government employees up to and including GS-13 or equivalent rank.
Edwin H. Land Industry Award: Open to contractors and non-government employees with 8 to10 years of non-executive experience. This award is exclusively for individual and corporate INSA members.
William O. Studeman Military Award: Open to uniformed military personnel up to and including 0-4/E-7.
John W. Warner Homeland Security Award: Open to law enforcement, intelligence analysts, and first responders from federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial agencies at levels up to federal GS-13 or equivalent.
Questions? Contact Achievement@INSAonline.org
With so many hard-working early- to mid-career professionals powering the national security, intelligence, and homeland security communities, we know there is someone in your organization deserving of recognition!
