Awards
States lead transformative and innovative IT projects that make state government and citizens’ lives better. Through state and individual awards, NASCIO recognizes these projects and the people that make them happen.
State IT Recognition Awards
Honors transformational projects and initiatives that address critical business problems, improve business processes and elevate the citizen experience. View entries from the past 5 years in the Awards Library.
Nominations Timeframe: March 19 – June 1, 2025 (closed for 2025)
Recipients Announced: Awards Dinner at Annual Conference
Recipients: 1 recipient named from 3 finalists in each award category
Additional Information: Eligibility, categories, and guidance
Technology Champion Award
Honors individuals that champion the critical role of IT and innovation in the business and continuity of state government and advances the belief that IT is a transformational tool that enables positive change for citizens. The recipient may 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. View Past Recipients
Nomination Timeframe: January 14 – February 14 (closed for 2025)
Recipient Announced: Midyear Conference
Recipients: 1 selected each year
State Technology Innovator Award
Honors outstanding individuals who have made contributions to advance state technology through the promotion of best practices, adoption of new technologies or advancements in service delivery. Recipients have an active role in the implementation or oversight of IT innovations. View Past Recipients
Nomination Timeframe: May 7 – June 25 (closed for 2025)
Recipient Announced: Awards Dinner at Annual Conference
Recipients: Up to 3 selected each year
Thomas M Jarrett State Cybersecurity Leadership Award
Honors state chief information security officers for exceptional accomplishments in their field. The award pays homage to Thomas M Jarrett, past president of NASCIO (2004-2005) who had a passion for state IT and cybersecurity. View Past Recipients
This award evolved from the Thomas M Jarrett Cybersecurity Scholarship, being renamed in 2020 to reflect the vital role state CISOs hold in state cybersecurity efforts and their deeper involvement with NASCIO.
Nomination Timeframe: May 7 – June 25 (closed for 2025)
Recipient Announced: Awards Dinner at Annual Conference
Recipients: 1 selected each year
Eligibility: State CISO (or equivalent position); only state CIOs may submit nominations
*Recipients of the Jarrett Cybersecurity Scholarship, the precursor to this award, are eligible for the award. Moving forward, individuals may only be named as an award recipient once.
Meritorious Service Award
A peer-to-peer award honoring state CIOs for their leadership in state government and their dedication to the advancement of NASCIO’s mission. View Past Recipients
Nomination Timeframe: summer 2025
Recipient Announced: Awards Dinner at Annual Conference
Recipients: recipients 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
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