(Arlington, VA) January 7, 2021 – Registration is now open for the 2021 INSA Achievement Awards taking place virtually on Wednesday, February 17 from 4:30-6:00 pm ET. Now in its 11th year, this festive program celebrates outstanding early to midlevel professionals from government, the military, the private sector, and ac ...
Events

2021 INSA Achievement Awards
Gratis, however advanced registration is required.
Register Now!Honoring our Rising Stars!
Registration is now open for INSA's 11th Achievement Awards Ceremony, taking place virtually on Wednesday, February 17 from 4:30-6:00 pm ET. We hope you'll join us as we recognize outstanding early and mid-career professionals in the intelligence, national security, and homeland security communities, as well as the senior leaders who inspire their success.
The festive evening is bound to keep viewers engaged, especially with a keynote from Dr. Stacey Dixon, Deputy Director, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), and appearances from IC legends, senior leaders, and our six outstanding honorees.
Get to Know the 2021 Achievement Award Honorees
Joan A. Dempsey Mentorship Award | Meghan Flannery Hayes, Complex Systems Monitoring Department Head, Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State
As a Department Head at Pennsylvania State University’s Applied Research Lab (PSU/ARL), Meghan Flannery Hayes has used her extraordinary leadership skills, vision, and empathy for others to transform her workplace, empower colleagues, and bring about positive organizational change. A consummate champion for equality, she is the lead member of the PSU/ARL strategic plan development team on the topic of workforce recruiting and retention, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Meghan is a true supporter and mentor for others. She gives generously of her time and contributes to national organizations, such as the Society of Women Engineers; helps at recruiting events; and serves her local community as a board member of CentreSafe, which helps survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Centre County, Pennsylvania.
Sidney D. Drell Academic Award | Meg Guliford, Vice-Provost Post Doctoral Fellow, Perry World House, University of Pennsylvania
Meg Guliford embodies what it means to be a dedicated scholar, engaged community member, and esteemed role model. While a PhD candidate at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, Ms. Guliford brought service as a defense analyst for the U.S. government and on-the-ground experience in a war zone to her work on the complex dynamics of foreign intervention. The strength of her research, which investigates how external intervention impacts the victimization of civilians in civil wars, has been recognized by the broader community, earning her a seat at conferences and public discussions, as well as a prestigious multi-year fellowship to be in residence at Perry World House from the University of Pennsylvania’s Provost. She prefers to work alongside her colleagues and students to build a stronger national security community, epitomizing all that the Sidney D. Drell Achievement Award represents.
Edwin H. Land Industry Award | Darek Kawamoto, Principal Engineer, Algorithms, HawkEye 360
As Principal Engineer for Algorithms, Darek Kawamoto has been instrumental in demonstrating how inexpensive and unclassified small satellite technology can be used to produce world-class geolocations. He developed sophisticated algorithms that underpin how his company geolocates high quality radio frequency (RF) data. A pioneer in this emerging field of commercial RF GEOINT, Darek’s name appears as an inventor on two of HawkEye 360's patents. He thrives in an environment where the art-of-the-possible must be explored quickly and with limited background information. The quality of his work has led the U.S. Government to recognize the value of commercial RF GEOINT for intelligence analysis. Darek multiplies his influence through mentorship, education, and support of both technical and non-technical members of the organization.
John W. Warner Homeland Security Award | Victoria Rossi, Intelligence Research Specialist, DHS/CISA
Whether it is information on known cyber threat actors or malign foreign influencers targeting elections, Victoria Rossi is highly regarded for consistently taking the extra step to ensure information reaches the organization, team, or individual where it can drive operations. As an Intelligence Analyst for CISA’s Integrated Operations Division, Intelligence Division, Ms. Rossi made significant contributions to the safety and security of the 2020 Presidential Election. She spearheaded the acquisitions process for systems and equipment supporting not only the elections team but the entire CISA Intelligence Division; ensuring the team had the right tools to successfully accomplish daily mission requirements. Ms. Rossi’s hard work and commitment are infectious. She is a mentor, counselor, confidante, and cheerleader for her colleagues. Victoria Rossi leads by example and seeks out opportunities to support those around her.
William O. Studeman Military Award | Maj. Arturo A. "Jay" Tibayan, Jr., USA, Duty Officer, White House Situation Room, National Security Council, The White House
Serving in positions often reserved for higher ranks, Major Arturo A. "Jay" Tibayan, Jr. has led with poise and maturity beyond his years, in support of high priority initiatives for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Secretary of Defense, and the White House. Major Tibayan spearheaded efforts on two of the Secretary of Defense’s “4+1” challenges. He was lead planner for the Defense Department’s response to North Korean provocations and the White House DPRK Pressure Campaign. Major Tibayan's exceptional vision and can-do attitude mitigated joint force shortfalls. In his current role, he provides the White House with 24-hour awareness and strategic warning regarding threats to the homeland and U.S. national security. Displaying the character, intellect, vision, and leadership expected from the most senior Army and Joint leaders, Major Arturo A. Tibayan, Jr. is eminently deserving of the William O. Studeman Military Award.
Richard J. Kerr Government Award | Jessica S. Van Cleaf, SIGINT Program Manager, Assistant Commandant for Intelligence, U.S. Coast Guard, CG-257
Jessica Van Cleaf’s admirable work ethic, astute decision-making, and effective interpersonal communication skills make her a valued member of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Intelligence Program. From 2019-2020, she served as the U.S. Coast Guard’s Signals Intelligence Program Manager, taking on the role of a higher-grade civilian position for a $225 million program office. Ms. Van Cleaf worked across organizational boundaries at the most senior levels to address Coast Guard SIGINT Program mission needs. She facilitated multiple working groups resulting in the establishment of a Coast Guard Cryptologic Office, the creation of a joint Coast Guard-Navy Signals Analysis Laboratory, and new Memoranda of Agreement between Navy and Coast Guard. Jessica Van Cleaf has helped transform the Coast Guard’s operational culture to reflect the Service’s embrace of data-centric decision-making, which expanded maritime awareness at a fraction of the cost of current approaches.
Program Overview
Agenda:
4:30 - 5:00 pm ET | Welcome and Keynote Remarks
5:00 - 5:50 pm ET | Awards Ceremony
5:50 - 6:00 pm ET | Closing Remarks and Champagne Toast
Platform
Zoom (View System requirements for Windows, macOS, and Linux)
Media Policy
This event is open to the press
About Dr. Stacey Dixon
In June 2019, Dr. Stacey Dixon became the eighth Deputy Director of the NGA. Prior to taking on this role, Dr. Dixon served as both the Deputy Director and then Director of IARPA. Previously, she was the Deputy Director of NGA's Research Directorate and spent time serving as the Chief of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs and the Deputy Director of NGA's Office of Corporate Communications. Before joining NGA, Dr. Dixon was a staff member for the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and worked for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), where completed an assignment at the National Reconnaissance Office's Advanced Systems and Technology directorate.
For additional information about available sponsorships, please contact Jeff Lavine at JLavine@INSAonline.org.
Sponsors
Available Sponsorships
Sold Sponsorships
Digital Playback Sponsor ($5,500)
- Sponsor will receive a company-branded marketing email and a social media graphic for distribution to relevant stakeholders (suppliers, partners, etc.)
- Opportunity to provide email copy (no more than 130 words) for INSA to include in post-event email containing the recording to attendees within 24 hours of web event
- Company logo placement on event marketing materials, website, email promotions, and a social media post thanking your organization for its support of the program
Emerging Leaders Sponsor ($3,000)
- Sponsor of all student (.edu email address) registrations
- Opportunity to provide 130-word message about sponsor company to include in email to students on INSA distribution list
- Opportunity to have one staff member profiled in the #yourIC section of INSA website and spotlighted on social media during the week
- Sponsor will receive a company-branded marketing email and social media graphic for distribution to relevant stakeholders (suppliers, partners, etc.)
- Company logo placement on event marketing materials, website, email promotions, and a social media post thanking your organization for its support of the program
Supporting Sponsor ($2,000)
- Sponsor will receive a company-branded marketing email and a social media graphic for distribution to relevant stakeholders (suppliers, partners, etc.)
- Company logo placement on event marketing materials, website, email promotions, and a social media post thanking your organization for its support of the program
Premier Sponsor (SOLD)
- Opportunity to introduce keynote
- Opportunity to submit one piece of company-branded thought leadership (a video no longer than 30 seconds or a PDF)
- Sponsor will receive a company-branded marketing email and a social media graphic for distribution to relevant stakeholders (suppliers, partners, etc.)
- Company logo placement on event marketing materials, website, email promotions, and a social media post thanking your organization for its support of the program
Celebratory Toast Sponsor (SOLD)
- Opportunity for limited speaking role to virtually toast honorees
- Company logo placement on champagne bottle sent to six Achievement Award honorees
- Sponsor will receive a company-branded marketing email and social media graphic for distribution to relevant stakeholders (suppliers, partners, etc.)
- Company logo placement on event marketing materials, website, email promotions, and a social media post thanking your organization for its support of the program
Digital Program Sponsor (SOLD)
- Company logo placement in digital program and space for a branded full-page ad (including a hyperlinked URL) in the digital program
- Sponsor will receive a company-branded marketing email and social media graphic for distribution to relevant stakeholders (suppliers, partners, etc.)
- Company logo placement on event marketing materials, website, email promotions, and a social media post thanking your organization for its support of the program
Registration Sponsor (SOLD)
- Company logo placement on registration pages and confirmation messages
- Sponsor will receive a company-branded marketing email and a social media graphic for distribution to relevant stakeholders (suppliers, partners, etc.)
- Company logo placement on event marketing materials, website, email promotions, and a social media post thanking your organization for its support of the program
Award Categories
ACADEMIC
The Sidney D. Drell Academic Award
Open to graduate students and untenured professors at accredited U.S. academic institutions.
GOVERNMENT
The Richard J. Kerr Government Award
Open to civilian government employees up to and including GS-13 and equivalent rank.
HOMELAND SECURITY
The John W. Warner Homeland Security Award
Open to law enforcement professionals, intelligence analysts, and first responders from the federal government and state, local, tribal and territorial agencies.
INDUSTRY
The Edwin H. Land Industry Award
Open to contractors and nongovernment employees with eight to ten years of nonexecutive experience.
MENTORSHIP
The Joan A. Dempsey Mentorship Award
Open to public, private and academic professionals up to and including GS-15/0-6 and equivalent rank.
MILITARY
The William O. Studeman Military Award
Open to uniformed military personnel up to and including 0-4/E-7.
About the Awards
The INSA Achievement Awards were established in 2010 to recognize the accomplishments of early to mid-career professionals (GS-13/O-4/E-7 or equivalent and below with the exception of the Joan A. Dempsey Mentorship Award) in intelligence and national security as well as the mentors who inspired them.
Each of the six awards, named after William Oliver Baker Award recipients, acknowledge the importance of mentors and inspire early careerists to strive for excellence in the intelligence, homeland security, and national security communities.
Although missions and requirements differ in each of the individual categories, common areas of excellence include: leadership, potential for growth, impact on the profession, mission accomplishment, and emerging professional standing and influence.
The Awards
- Joan A. Dempsey Mentorship Award
- Open to all public, private and academic elements up to and including GS-15/O-6 and equivalent rank
- Sidney D. Drell Academic Award
- Graduate students and untenured professors
- Richard J. Kerr Government Award
- Civilian government employees up to/including GS-13 and equivalent rank
- Edwin H. Land Industry Award
- Contractor/non-government employees
- William O. Studeman Military Award
- Uniformed military up to/including O-3 and equivalent enlisted rank
- John W. Warner Homeland Security Award
- First responders and domestic government employees up to and including GS-13 and equivalent rank
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