Cybersecurity Association Announces Winners of 2026 Cybersecurity Awards
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COLUMBIA, MD – September 30, 2026 – The Cybersecurity Association, Inc., a national membership association leading the advancement of cybersecurity through advocacy and collaboration, today announced the winners of the 10th Annual Cybersecurity Awards, held at the Maryland Jockey Club. The evening celebrated the leaders, innovators, and organizations making exceptional contributions to the region’s and the nation’s cybersecurity ecosystem.
Jacqui Magnes, Board Chair, 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."
The ceremony opened with remarks from:
- Jacqui Magnes, CEO, COMSO DBA CISPOINT
- Sam Bell, CISO, Edwards Performance Solutions
- Shelley Lombardo, President, Evergreen Advisors
Many distinguished presenters joined the celebration to honor this year’s award recipients, including:
- Chuck Faughnan, Personam.ai
- Jason Servary, RealmOne
- Dr. Timothy Schilbach, Penacity
- Sarah Woods, VenturePotential
- Sam Bell, Edwards Performance Solutions
- Kimberly Mentzell, Maryland Department of Commerce
- Susan Beall, Decerio
- Jill Porter, Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation
- Bob Zhang, Howard County Economic Development Corporation
- Danny Chavez, Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation
- Loyce Pailen, UMGC
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:
- Maurice Boissiere, DataTribe
- Linda Conrad, Stone Harbor Consulting
- Justin Horsman, Evergreen Advisors
- Diane Janosek, JANOS, LLC
- Ken Kurz, COPT Defense Properties
- Marcelle Lee, Fractal Security Group
- Sarah Longo, First Citizens Bank, Mid Atlantic Technology Banking
- Kimberly Mentzell, Maryland Department of Commerce
- Philip Niedermair, National Cyber Group
- Rick Olesek, Gula Tech Adventures
- Loyce Pailen, UMGC
- Jill Porter, Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation
- Yolanda Reid, Code Mercedes Q
- Donna Ruginski, UMBC
- Bruce Spector, BCR Cyber
Their dedication and time brought thoughtful evaluation to more than 94 nominations, resulting in an outstanding group of finalists and winners.
2026 Cybersecurity Awards Winners
- Cybersecurity Company of the Year: Advantage.Tech
- Cybersecurity GovCon Company of the Year: IntelliGenesis LLC
- Cybersecurity Company to Watch: Cipher
- Cybersecurity Innovator of the Year: Deployed Global Solutions
- Cybersecurity Leader of the Year: Tom Quinn, T. Rowe Price
- Rising Cyber Star: Tyrr Parker, Digiflight
- Cyber Warrior Woman: Candice Scarborough, Parsons
- Cybersecurity Workforce Champion: John Bruns, Cyber Ready Clinic
- Best of Anne Arundel County: Clarity Business Solutions
- Best of Howard County: IntelliGenesis LLC
- Best of Montgomery County: SANS Institute
- Best of Prince George's County: Tina Williams-Koroma, TCecure
- People’s Choice Award: Sneha Rangari, Visa
The Association also presented Impact Awards honoring individuals who have shaped the organization over its 12-year history, from its earliest supporters to those who have played leading roles along the way. Receiving these awards were:
Legacy Award
- Joe Mezzanotte, Whiteford, Legal Counsel for the Cybersecurity Association
- Art Jacoby, Founder of the Cybersecurity Association
- Evan Dornbush, Deception Check
- Karen Austin, American Publishing and United States Cybersecurity Magazine)
Service Award
- Gina Abate, Edwards Performance Solutions
- Linda Conrad, Stone Harbor Consulting
- Evan Davis, ADG Creative
- Chuck Faughnan, Personam.ai
- Shelley Lombardo, Evergreen Advisors
- Jacqui Magnes, CISPOINT and COMSO
- Gregg Smith, Toka
- Sarah Woods, VenturePotential
Appreciation Award
- Senator Guy Guzzone
- Senator Katie Fry Hester
- Sarah Peters, HB Strategies
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:
Cybersecurity Association: [email protected]
