Cybersecurity Association Announces Winners of 2025 Cybersecurity Awards
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COLUMBIA, MD – September 25, 2025 – The Cybersecurity Association, Inc., a national membership association leading the advancement of cybersecurity through advocacy and collaboration, today announced the winners of the 9th Annual Cybersecurity Awards, held at the Bethesda Marriott. The evening celebrated the leaders, innovators, and organizations making exceptional contributions to the region’s and the nation’s cybersecurity ecosystem.
Board Members of the Cybersecurity Association at the 9th Annual Cybersecurity Awards. Full gallery.
Tasha Cornish, Executive Director of the Cybersecurity Association, reflected:
"The Cybersecurity Awards recognize those who drive innovation, strengthen security, and inspire collaboration across the industry. These leaders set the standard for protecting our communities and advancing the future of cybersecurity."
Keynote Speakers and Presenters
The ceremony opened with remarks from:
- Tasha Cornish, Executive Director, Cybersecurity Association
- The Hon. Marc Elrich, Montgomery County Executive
- Linda Conrad, SVP Operational & Technical Risk, First Citizens Bank
- Chuck Faughnan, III, Chair of the Board, CEO of Personam.ai
- Kim Mentzell, Director of Cybersecurity, Maryland Dept. of Commerce
- Sam Bell, CISO, Edwards Performance Solutions
Chuck Faughnan, III, Chair of the Board remarked:
"Cybersecurity is not just a necessity. It’s a commitment to trust, resilience, and progress. These awards highlight the visionaries who embody that commitment every day."
Many distinguished presenters joined the celebration to honor this year’s award recipients, including:
Senator Brian Feldman · Senator Will Smith · Senator Katie Fry Hester · Senator Guy Guzzone · Senator Ben Kramer · Delegate Ken Kerr · Senator Steve Hershey · Jill Porter, AAEDC · Carey Esslinger, HCEDA · Bob Zhang, HCEDA · Rich Madaleno, Montgomery County CAO · Sarah Moscoso, Exelon · Nish Thakker, CEO, NXT
Judges
A heartfelt thank you goes to the panel of judges whose expertise and insight ensured a fair and rigorous selection process. This year’s panel represented a broad cross-section of cybersecurity leaders, including industry executives, government officials, entrepreneurs, and academic experts:
Kyle McQuighan · Kim Mentzell · Philip Niedermair · Rick Olesek · Loyce Pailen · Maurice Boissiere · John Bruns · Dr. Diane Janosek · Ken Kurz · Yolanda Reid · Donna Ruginski · Bruce Spector · Kyle Waggoner · Dr. Timothy Schilbach
Their dedication and time brought thoughtful evaluation to more than 90 nominations, resulting in an outstanding group of finalists and winners.
2025 Cybersecurity Awards Winners
- Best of Anne Arundel County: Summit Business Technologies
- Best of Howard County: RealmOne
- Best of Montgomery County: iVision Consulting
- Cybersecurity Woman of the Year: Netta Squires
- Cybersecurity Defender of the Year: RedZone Technologies & ePlus Technologies, Inc.
- Change Maker of the Year: Camelot Secure
- Cybersecurity Company to Watch: Pixee
- GovCon of the Year: BTS Software Solutions & DigiFlight
- Cybersecurity Champion of the Year: Dr. Darren Death
- Cybersecurity Innovation of the Year: Hopper Security
- People’s Choice Award: Ardent Privacy
About the Cybersecurity Association
The Cybersecurity Association, Inc. is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization established in 2015. The Association is dedicated to advancing cybersecurity through advocacy and collaboration. It helps members form connections with each other, industry resources, and potential private and public sector buyers. Additionally, the Association hosts the Speakers Bureau, an exclusive database of professionals within the cybersecurity industry available to the community.
Media Contacts:
Jeannette Blake – Cybersecurity Association – [email protected]
Tasha Cornish, Executive Director – Cybersecurity Association – [email protected]
