INSA Announces 2026 Charlie Allen Achievement Awards Recipients

Arlington, VA (January 15, 2026)—The Intelligence and National Security Alliance (INSA) today announced the recipients of the 2026 Charlie Allen Achievement Awards. Now in its 16th year, these awards honor extraordinary early to mid-career professionals in the intelligence, national security, and homeland security communities.

"These honorees represent the strength and promise of the next generation of national security leaders,” said INSA/INSF President Suzanne Wilson Heckenberg. “They are mission-driven professionals of high integrity who lead by example, inspire their peers, and reflect the leadership and responsibility our mission demands. We look forward to celebrating them and sharing their stories.”

2026 Award Recipients

Joan A. Dempsey Mentorship Award
Nicole Ellen Griffin, 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 University APL

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

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

A committee of senior intelligence and national security leaders from across INSA’s membership selected the six recipients.

Registration is now open for the award ceremony, which will take place on Wednesday, February 18, from 6:00-9:00 pm at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, VA. Following the opening welcome reception, Ms. Christine Bordine, Deputy Director at DIA, will kick off the formal program with keynote remarks, followed by the awards ceremony and celebratory dessert reception.

This ceremony is open to the press. Please contact pr@insaonline.org to secure media credentials.