Intelligence Champions Council
The Intelligence Champions Council (ICC) strives to strengthen and grow the IC workforce by advising, mentoring, advocating for, and fostering dialogue among professionals across organizations and experience levels who are interested in intelligence-related careers.
Through programming and mentoring events, the Council facilitates informal learning for the intelligence and national security workforce and helps these professionals build positive relationships, discover mentors, and gain an appreciation for other perspectives.
Produced by the Council, Intelligence Career Conversations explores the people, paths, and policies shaping today’s intelligence community. Each episode features candid discussions with professionals from across the field—covering career journeys, skill-building advice, and the real-world impact of policy decisions on the IC workforce.
Intelligence Career Conversations Podcast
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Gordon Hannah: From Submarines to Cyber, Navigating CybersecurityOn this episode of the Intelligence Career Conversations podcast, host Jim Donnelly speaks with Gordon Hannah, Principal, Cyber Risk Services, Deloitte, about his extensive career in defense, intelligence, and cybersecurity. Gordon shares insights from his upbringing, military service, and various career transitions, emphasizing the importance of education, mentorship, and networking. He offers advice for early-career professionals and touches on common misconceptions in cybersecurity.
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Tonya Wilkerson: Stewardship of People and MissionOn this week's episode of the Intelligence Career Conversations podcast, Jim Donnelly welcomes Tonya Wilkerson, former Deputy Director of NGA. Tonya reflects on her path into the intelligence community and her experiences serving at multiple agencies. She shares insights on career mobility, mentorship, and skills intelligence professionals should look develop to keep ahead!
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ICC Podcast Holiday Special!In this special holiday edition, INSA/INSF President Suzanne Wilson Heckenberg, joins podcast host Jim Donnelly to reflect on the key themes and insights from the past year. They discuss the importance of mentorship, resilience, and the human aspect of the mission, emphasizing that while technology and innovation is crucial, it is the people who drive success. The conversation also touches on what's to come in 2026.
Leadership
Council News and Publications
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Nominations Open for 2026 Achievement AwardsAugust 28, 2025
The Intelligence and National Security Alliance (INSA) and INSA Foundation are now accepting nominations for the 2025 INSA Charlie Allen Achievement Awards. Now in its 16th year, these awards recognize outstanding early- to mid-career professionals from the intelligence, homeland, and national security communities, as well as a senior leader who inspires their success.
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Nominations Open for 2025 Achievement Awards
August 20, 2024
The Intelligence and National Security Alliance (INSA) and INSA Foundation are now accepting nominations for the 2025 INSA Charlie Allen Achievement Awards. Now in its 15th year, these awards recognize outstanding early- to mid-career professionals from the intelligence, homeland, and national security communities, as well as a senior leader who inspires their success.
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INSA Announces Recipients of 2024 Charlie Allen Achievement AwardsJanuary 10, 2024
The awards, to be presented on February 15 at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, VA, acknowledge the exceptional contributions of early to mid-career professionals to U.S. national security, as well as one senior leader for sustained commitment to building and mentoring a worldclass workforce.