AI Summit Flywheel Awards

Recognize accomplishments by federal employees and programs that transform and innovate federal technology.

Awards Categories

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Rising Star

Rising Star

The Rising Star award recognizes a newcomer in federal AI leadership who demonstrates a dedicated commitment to developing innovative frameworks and solutions to enhance AI capabilities within their organization. This emerging leader shows exceptional promise in shaping the future of federal AI.
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AI Talent Advocate

AI Talent Advocate

The AI Talent Advocate is a leader in driving workforce transformation to boost operational efficiency through the strategic use of artificial intelligence. This individual excels in recruiting and upskilling teams, building strong partnerships and implementing innovative training programs that equip the workforce with critical AI skills. Their efforts ensure sustained growth, adaptability and excellence in AI adoption across their agency.
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AI Innovator

AI Innovator

The AI Innovator celebrates a leader who pioneers practical applications of artificial intelligence, achieving measurable impact and setting new standards for innovation within their agency. Their initiatives showcase how AI can effectively address complex challenges across agency missions.
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AI Evangelist

AI Evangelist

The AI Evangelist is a dedicated leader who educates and inspires others to prioritize ethical considerations in AI development for the public good. This individual champions responsible AI practices to ensure technological advancements align with moral and societal values.
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CAIO of the Year

CAIO of the Year

The CAIO of the Year award honors a visionary leader who empowers their agency with transformative artificial intelligence strategies. This individual strives for AI excellence by developing and deploying solutions that drive growth and operational efficiency. They are seen as a model leader in the federal AI community for their drive for growth and integration of AI capabilities within government.

Important Dates

Entry Deadline Extended: September 12, 2025

Finalists Announced: September 19, 2025

Winners Announced: November 6, 2025 at the AI Summit in Tysons, VA

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Hear From Past Winners

The efforts of the entire team continue to drive CORA to rapidly adapt to new threats and vulnerabilities in ways that were not possible with CCRI. The remediations of key indicators of risk during the assessment have expedited the most important fixes by leaps and bounds.

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Charles Wille, JFHQ-DODIN

Cyber Defender 2025 Winner |

Our team and people across Navy and Marine Corps are working to modernize systems and capabilities for our Marines and sailors. Because, at the end of the day, getting them the capabilities that they need is the only thing that matters to us. We just want to make them the winners.

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Beth Caswell, Department of the Navy

Digital Transformer 2025 Winner |

Data is a team sport and there are several airmen and guardians in the room. I thank each and every one of you because we wouldn’t be where we are today without every single one of you making data a part of your core DNA and everything that you do every single day.

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Eileen Vidrine, Air Force

Data Advocate 2024 Winner |

As I accept this award for Interoperability Leader, a lot of people ask me what credentials do I have and what training did I have? And I simply say passion. ... I also say there’s a lot of i’s in interoperability: there’s innovation, ingenuity, intelligence, there’s industry, there’s not be willing to say that we innovate in silos and then there’s raising a hand and saying I want to help.

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Amanda Cournoyer, Department of Veterans Affairs

Interoperability Leader 2023 Winner |

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Why the Flywheel?

The flywheel — a critical component in a machine to increase its momentum — is also a critical symbol representing our goal to keep federal IT decision-makers informed on technology’s impact on government. This momentum is what fuels the constant need for transformers to innovate around strategies, systems and tools to keep government functioning efficiently.

Contact Us

If you have any questions or issues accessing the form,
please contact Director of Events Ruslana Meyerson at
Ruslana.Meyerson@govcio.com

 

Sponsorships available.
Contact Jennifer.Weiss@govcio.com