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ICIT Announces 2025 Gala Honorees; Google Public Sector Serves as Co Chair as the Gala Celebrates 11 Years

The Institute for Critical Infrastructure Technology (ICIT), a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank dedicated to modernizing, securing, and making resilient critical infrastructure that provides for people’s foundational needs, is proud to announce the winners and Co-Chair of its 2025 ICIT Gala & Benefit — an annual invitation-only black-tie event that celebrates leading figures in cybersecurity and national security while raising funds to support ICIT’s independent research and education initiatives.


Held at the Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C. on January 15, 2026, this year’s Gala marks 11 years of honoring the leaders and innovators whose recognition reflects their outstanding contributions and accomplishments in strengthening the resilience and security of our nation’s critical infrastructure.


2025 Honorees

Pioneer Award — Ron Gula, President, Gula Tech Adventures. ICIT's Top Honor is awarded to a globally recognized individual whose leadership and lifetime commitment to public service has fortified critical infrastructures and transformed national security.


Pinnacle Award — Sean Plankey, Senior Advisor to the Homeland Security Secretary for the Coast Guard, U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Awarded to an individual whose career has led them to the highest levels of the cybersecurity sector and whose contributions to the nation include a legacy of frameworks, guidance, publications, or other artifacts that will strengthen public and private critical infrastructures for generations to come.


Impact Award — Dr. Kelly E. Fletcher, Chief Information Officer, U.S. Department of State. Awarded to an individual whose work has significantly impacted a specific sector, cluster of sectors, or agency through technical excellence, innovation, and exceptional leadership.


Excellence in Action Award — Alexandra Seymour, Principal Deputy Assistant National Cyber Director for Policy, Office of the National Cyber Director. Awarded to an individual who has contributed to consequential national security programs and whose personal qualities make them an exceptional candidate for future, high-profile leadership positions.


For more information about the award winner, please click here to visit the 2025 ICIT Gala website.


Google Public Sector Co Chairs the 2025 Gala

ICIT is honored to recognize Google Public Sector as the 2025 Gala Co Chair. For numerous years, Google Public Sector has been a steadfast partner in ICIT’s mission, providing both financial and thought leadership support to strengthen the cybersecurity ecosystem. Their continued partnership underscores the vital role of private sector collaboration in protecting critical infrastructure and democratic institutions.


“Support from our partners, including Google Public Sector, is essential to ensuring that ICIT remains an independent, nonprofit think tank dedicated to free and objective research,” said an ICIT spokesperson. “Every dollar raised through the Gala directly funds our educational initiatives, policy briefings, and community programs that advance resilience across the public and private sectors.”


Recognizing ICIT’s Supporters and Sponsors

In addition to our Co Chair, ICIT extends gratitude to this year’s sponsors and partners whose generosity made the Gala possible:


Diamond Sponsor: Rubrik

Media Partner: CyberRisk Alliance


These partnerships reflect the shared commitment to securing America’s most essential systems and supporting the people who defend them.


About the ICIT Gala & Benefit

The ICIT Gala & Benefit is an invitation only black tie event bringing together leaders from the legislative, federal agency, and private sector communities. The Gala celebrates the accomplishments of influential cybersecurity leaders while raising funds to advance ICIT’s nonprofit mission.


About ICIT

The Institute for Critical Infrastructure Technology (ICIT) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, 501(c)3 think tank with the mission of modernizing, securing, and making resilient critical infrastructure that provides for people’s foundational needs. ICIT takes no institutional positions on policy matters. Rather than advocate, ICIT is dedicated to being a resource for the organizations and communities that share our mission.


Media Contact:media@icitech.org 


Institute for Critical Infrastructure Technology (ICIT)

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