Commonwealth IT recognition opportunities
The Commonwealth of Virginia has a wealth of great technology talent and success stories within our state agencies, and we want to share opportunities for recognition. Please view current opportunities below, including several from NASCIO for summer 2025. Additional awards and details will be shared as they become available.
If you are interested in submitting a nomination and would like any support from VITA, please email VITA Communications and copy your customer account manager (CAM). The VITA team will be happy to partner, review and consult on your nomination.
Honors the best and the brightest who make state government more efficient and effective.
Website: https://www.statescoop.com/statescoop50/
Categories:
-
Golden Gov: The visionary state executive leading state government into a new technology landscape with innovative ideas and inspiring others to get on board.
-
State Leadership: The public sector principal helping government implement new technologies, strategies and IT programs.
-
State IT Innovation of the Year: The cutting-edge state IT approach to cross-agency or intra-agency technology that embraces innovation.
Recognizes and celebrates women technologists making an impact in the greater Richmond area.
Website: https://rvatech.com/rvatech-events/women-in-tech-awards/
Categories:
-
Paula Gulak Memorial "Impact on Community" Award: Nominees who show significant impact in RVA in growth enhancement, education, and promotion of tech in or outside of organization.
-
Innovator Award: Nominees who showcase innovative use of tech to enhance processes, methodologies, and/or services to benefit the organization.
-
Rising star award: Nominees in beginning of their career and exemplifies potential and the future of women in tech.
-
Male Ally Award: Nominees who goes out of their way to improve diversity level of women in IT, within the org, or within the larger community.
Recognizes one individual annually for outstanding contributions in the field of technology in the public sector.
Website: https://www.nascio.org/awards/techchampionawardsubmission/
Criteria:
-
Nominees from any sector are eligible and may either have a direct role in the implementation or oversight of IT, or their role may be in creating the environment for IT innovation to occur. (State CIOs are not eligible for this award.)
-
Nominations that focus on an individual's relationship with a company and/or the use or implementation of specific services or platforms will NOT be considered.
-
Nominations are only accepted from individuals within NASCIO member organizations.
-
Self nominations are not accepted.
Honors transformational projects and initiatives that address critical business problems, improve business processes and elevate the citizen experience.
Website: https://www.nascio.org/awards/stateitawards/
What projects can be submitted?
- State-focused projects that:
- were implemented within the past 24 months.
- have not previously been named as an award recipient in this program.
- A project may only be entered into one category.
- Multi-state projects are encouraged – one state will submit and all will be recognized.
This award honors outstanding individuals who have made contributions to advance the state’s technology policy agenda through the promotion of best practices, adoption of new technologies and advancements in service delivery.
Award details:
- Who can be nominated? State government employees. State CIOs, elected officials, and contract employees are NOT eligible.
- Who can submit? Nominations are only accepted from individuals employed by NASCIO state and corporate member organizations. NASCIO corporate members may only submit one nomination per company.
Learn more and submit your nomination here.
Honors state chief information security officers for exceptional accomplishments in their field. The award pays homage to Thomas M. Jarrett, past president of NASCIO, who had a passion for state IT and cybersecurity.
Award details:
- Eligible nominees are state chief information security officers (or equivalent position). Nominations must be submitted by the State CIO.
- Agency CISOs are not eligible for this award but may be appropriate for the State Technology Innovator Award.
- The selection of the recipient is made by the NASCIO Executive Committee. They draw heavily on their expertise as leaders in information technology focusing on how the nominee has:
- Promoted a culture of cybersecurity in their state
- Advanced the state’s cybersecurity posture
- Implemented cybersecurity best practices
Learn more and submit your nomination here.
A peer-to-peer award honoring state CIOs for their leadership in state government and their dedication to the advancement of NASCIO’s mission.
Award details:
- Recipient Announced at Annual Conference Awards Dinner
- Recipients are named on ad hoc basis
- Eligibility: State CIOs currently or recently (no more than 12 months removed) serving in that role; only current state CIOs may submit nominations