2015 Cybersecurity Award Winners Demonstrate Leadership, Innovation, Creativity

The best in government cybersecurity were recognized at the Center for Digital Government’s fifth annual Cybersecurity Leadership and Innovation Awards, presented on Oct. 27 during the FOCUS 15 Security Conference in Las Vegas.

Winners — chosen in four organization categories for their progressive cybersecurity strategies — were the state of Colorado for Secure Colorado, the state’s first strategic cyber plan; Maricopa County, Ariz., for its cyber security performance measurements; the city of Los Angeles, Calif., for its Integrated Security Operations Center; and Boston Medical Center for the Security Risk and Compliance Program, which saves $1.3 million annually.

Winners were selected for their achievements during the past two to three years as they pertain to the advancement of cybersecurity. Demonstrations of leadership, innovation and creativity were valued highly by the judges’ scoring criteria.

In addition to organization awards, three individuals were awarded for their achievements in leadership and innovation.

Susan Blanton, senior director of Production Control at Dignity Health, was recognized for her decades-long career of support team leadership, ensuring business and technology owners understand and manage security tools that solve crucial challenges.

Ricardo Lafosse, chief information security officer for Cook County, Ill., was recognized for developing the county’s first Information Security Office and managing the funding to secure a massive span of critical infrastructure. Lafosse also built relationships with partner agencies and vendors and attained executive support, creating a collaborative environment that allowed the county’s current cyber efforts to thrive.

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