Skip to Content | Skip to Footer
Commentary
Federal Leaders Recognized for Strengthening the Government's Cyber Security FrontA Tribute to the 2008 Government Information Security Leadership Award (GISLA) Winners The 2008 GISLA Program, marked this year by its five-year anniversary milestone, was established as part of (ISC)2's effort to recognize the ongoing commitment by federal information security leaders to build a highly qualified and ethical workforce. Nominees in each of the four categories were judged based on how well the nominees demonstrated innovation, leadership, project definition and management, as well as their strategic and tactical goals and mentoring initiatives. (ISC)2 and the community are honored to be able to shine a bright spotlight on the work, dedication and service of the 2008 winners. 
Ms. Pam Rusk, CISSP, received a 2008 GISLA award in the Non-Managerial IT Security Professional category. In her position as the information systems security manager for the Federal Aviation Administration's Office of Regions and Center Operations (ARC), Ms. Rusk has been instrumental in establishing Information System Security Officer (ISSO) positions for the ARC organization in nine regions of the FAA. As a result of Pam's leadership, ARC's tactical and strategic business plan objectives are being met with success. 
Mr. Michael Williams received a 2008 GISLA in the Senior Non-IT Security Manager category. In his position as executive director, information technology and chief information officer (CIO)/director, Information Technology Customer Service Organization of the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), Mr. Williams must comply with the Department of Defense (DoD) Information Assurance Workforce Initiative of ensuring that employees with security responsibilities obtain professional certification. By establishing an internal CIO certification program for DCMA personnel, Michael helped to progress his agency a year ahead of the compliance schedule and has helped DCMA personnel achieve a certification pass rate of over 90 percent. 
Ms. Adair Martinez, CISSP, PMP, received a 2008 GISLA in the Senior IT Security Manager category. As the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) deputy assistant secretary for information protection and risk management, Ms. Martinez' leadership was critical in developing an agency-wide Information Security Officer (ISO) Initiative that would serve to greatly improve the overall security of the VA's systems. Under Adair's guidance, the ISO Workforce Initiative, including an Intern ISO Training Program, has met and exceeded all of its initial objectives. 
Mr. Steven Busch is the first-ever recipient of a GISLA in the Federal Contractor IT Security Professional category, a category added to the program this year. In his position as a senior managing consultant with IBM Business Consulting Services, Mr. Busch has been critical to the achievement of every major goal and objective of the DoD Information Assurance Workforce Initiative Program at the Defense-wide Information Assurance Program Office. He developed an active community of DoD, federal government, intelligence, and commercial organizations in support of this initiative and worked closely with more than 30 DoD Service and Agency Office of Primary Responsibility points of contact to help achieve an IA-empowered workforce. 
For more information on the GISLA Program or to submit a nomination, visit www.isc2.org/gisla. Hord Tipton, a former CIO at the U.S. Department of Interior, is the executive director of (ISC)2. |
 |