Circuit

Government Computer News celebrated the 20th anniversary of the GCN Awards Gala last week by honoring several systems that helped agencies accomplish their missions. , commander of the Strategic Command, was selected as GCN’s Defense Department Executive of the Year, and , assistant commissioner at the General Services Administration, was selected as GCN’s Civilian Executive of the Year. “Like many of you, I grew up with parents and grandparents that were part of the ‘Greatest Generation,’ ” Cartwright said. “I’ve looked into the eyes and souls of people who walk the streets of Fallujah and Ramadi. I’ve been on aircraft carriers where the average age is 22. We have the opportunity to make sure that they can be the next ‘Greatest Generation.’ Please, let’s do that for them.” , senior vice president of Qwest Government Services, was selected as the industry Executive of the Year. , former administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy and a professor at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, and former Treasury Department Chief Information Officer were inducted into the GCN Hall of Fame. , who recently retired as Army program executive officer for enterprise information systems, was selected for the Special Commendation for Government IT Service award. It was something of a new era for the Gala. , former editor of Federal Computer Week and now president and group publisher of 1105 Government Information Group, which owns both GCN and FCW, said this was her first Gala. The event was held to honor the good work the government IT community had done. GCN Editor-in-Chief said awardees were chosen for their “imagination, perseverance and a willingness to take risks.” The Industry Advisory Council and the American Council for Technology held the group’s annual Executive Leadership Conference last week in Williamsburg, Va., and recognized a number of people for their service. Among the winners: The prestigious Janice K. Mendenhall Spirit of Leadership Award to , executive vice president at ICF International. The award is in honor of the late Janice Mendenhall, a lifelong civil service employee and exceptional leader known for her focus on mentoring and strengthening government and industry relations. “Ellen’s service to our community, her contributions of time, talent and leadership are only some of the many qualities which have earned her this award,” said , IAC’s executive vice chairwoman.Previous Mendenhall awardees include in 2006, in 2005, in 2004, in 2003, in 2002 and in 2001. The Chairman’s Awards went to of the General Services Administration and of Sprint Nextel. A special Chairman’s Award for Outstanding Public Service went to , former chief architect at the Office of Management and Budget. Industry Individual Contributor of the Year to of SAIC. Government Individual Contributor of the Year to of the Education Department and of the Treasury Department. Rookie of the Year went to of Constellation.