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The Secretary’s Award for Innovation 2022

The Secretary’s Award for Innovation recognizes individuals or teams that employ a strategic and enterprise-wide approach to strengthening the DHS mission and its operations. The nominees should exhibit an ongoing record of high standards of achievement and innovation. The work of the nominee(s) may have resulted in superior performance and/or significant operational improvements in the manner in which capabilities are developed and deployed. The nominee’s achievement/contributions should include maximizing the effectiveness of people, processes, and technologies; providing wise stewardship of resources; and enhancing the capabilities of Component/DHS employees.

AART Implementation Team

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Washington, DC

Donald Anderson

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, Donald Anderson and family.
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, Donald Anderson and family. | View Original

Michael V. Bernacke
Trishia Bowman
Michael Dalton

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, Michael Dalton.
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, Michael Dalton. | View Original

Diana Ford
David King

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, David King.
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, David King. | View Original

Michael Prado

Left to Right: ICE Senior Official Performing Dutes of the Deputy Director Patrick J. Lechleitner, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and Innovation Award recipient, Michael Prado.
Left to Right: ICE Senior Official Performing Dutes of the Deputy Director Patrick J. Lechleitner, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and Innovation Award recipient, Michael Prado. | View Original

Michael P. Reid

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, Michael P. Reid.
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, Michael P. Reid. | View Original

Acquisition and Procurement Streamlining Integrated Product Team

Transportation Security Administration

Springfield, VA

Eric Backlin
Andrew Cordova
Charles Eppright
John Gatewood
Jonathan Glickhouse
Gary Gorrell
Marvin Grubbs
Joseph Illar

Left to right: Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator David Pekoske, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Innovation Award recipient Joseph Illar, TSA Assistant Administrator for Acquisition Program Management Mario Wilson, and TSA Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Deputy Administrator Stacey Fitzmaurice.
Left to right: Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator David Pekoske, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Innovation Award recipient Joseph Illar, TSA Assistant Administrator for Acquisition Program Management Mario Wilson, and TSA Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Deputy Administrator Stacey Fitzmaurice. | View Original

Dale Mason
Kevin Newton
Bret Nichols

Left to right: Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator David Pekoske, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Innovation Award recipient Bret Nichols, and TSA Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Deputy Administrator Stacey Fitzmaurice.
Left to right: Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator David Pekoske, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Innovation Award recipient Bret Nichols, and TSA Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Deputy Administrator Stacey Fitzmaurice. | View Original

Paul Novak

Left to right: Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator David Pekoske, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Innovation Award recipient Paul Novak, TSA Assistant Administrator for Acquisition Program Management Mario Wilson, and TSA Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Deputy Administrator Stacey Fitzmaurice.
Left to right: Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator David Pekoske, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Innovation Award recipient Paul Novak, TSA Assistant Administrator for Acquisition Program Management Mario Wilson, and TSA Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Deputy Administrator Stacey Fitzmaurice. | View Original

Amy Olsen
Erick Rekstad
Jerry Schmidt
Christopher Steele
Anthony Tsantrizos

Left to right: Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator David Pekoske, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Innovation Award recipient Anthony Tsantrizos, TSA Assistant Administrator for Acquisition Program Management Mario Wilson, and TSA Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Deputy Administrator Stacey Fitzmaurice.
Left to right: Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator David Pekoske, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Innovation Award recipient Anthony Tsantrizos, TSA Assistant Administrator for Acquisition Program Management Mario Wilson, and TSA Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Deputy Administrator Stacey Fitzmaurice. | View Original

Budget Team

Science and Technology Directorate

Washington, DC

Ronnyka V. Fitzpatrick

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, Ronnyka V. Fitzpatrick.
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, Ronnyka V. Fitzpatrick. | View Original

Patricia Joyce S. Jogie
Pierre A. Noizet

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, Pierre A. Noizet.
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, Pierre A. Noizet. | View Original

Luke D. Watko

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, Luke D. Watko.
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, Luke D. Watko. | View Original

Case Scanning Portal (CSP)/STACKS Enterprise Team

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Burlington, VT

Lynn Bourdreau

Burlington, VT (April 8, 2022) Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas participates in a Secretary’s Awards Ceremony in Burlington, VT, honoring DHS employees from the area who have demonstrated a commitment to the DHS mission and exemplify the values of duty, honor, and excellence. (DHS Photo by Benjamin Applebaum)
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, Lynn Bourdreau | View Original


Alexandra Collins

Burlington, VT (April 8, 2022) Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas participates in a Secretary’s Awards Ceremony in Burlington, VT, honoring DHS employees from the area who have demonstrated a commitment to the DHS mission and exemplify the values of duty, honor, and excellence. (DHS Photo by Benjamin Applebaum)
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, Alexandra Collins | View Original


Tiffanie Dukeshire

Burlington, VT (April 8, 2022) Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas participates in a Secretary’s Awards Ceremony in Burlington, VT, honoring DHS employees from the area who have demonstrated a commitment to the DHS mission and exemplify the values of duty, honor, and excellence. (DHS Photo by Benjamin Applebaum)
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, Tiffanie Dukeshire | View Original


David Gilbert

Burlington, VT (April 8, 2022) Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas participates in a Secretary’s Awards Ceremony in Burlington, VT, honoring DHS employees from the area who have demonstrated a commitment to the DHS mission and exemplify the values of duty, honor, and excellence. (DHS Photo by Benjamin Applebaum)
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, David Gilbert | View Original


Becky Hightower

Burlington, VT (April 8, 2022) Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas participates in a Secretary’s Awards Ceremony in Burlington, VT, honoring DHS employees from the area who have demonstrated a commitment to the DHS mission and exemplify the values of duty, honor, and excellence. (DHS Photo by Benjamin Applebaum)
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, Becky Hightower | View Original


Michelle Marble
Robert Perkins

Burlington, VT (April 8, 2022) Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas participates in a Secretary’s Awards Ceremony in Burlington, VT, honoring DHS employees from the area who have demonstrated a commitment to the DHS mission and exemplify the values of duty, honor, and excellence. (DHS Photo by Benjamin Applebaum)
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, Robert Perkins | View Original


Timothy Smith

Camp Springs, MD

John Allen
Brian Broderick
Meredith Davis
Heather Holick
Andrew Jensen
Robert Paulette

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient Robert Paulette.
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient Robert Paulette. | View Original

CISA Elections Rumor Control Team

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency

Arlington, VA

Brian Eschels
Amanda Glenn
Geoffrey Hale

Left to Right: CISA Deputy Director Nitin Natarajan, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and Innovation Award recipient, Geoffrey Hale.
Left to Right: CISA Deputy Director Nitin Natarajan, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and Innovation Award recipient, Geoffrey Hale. | View Original

David Kuennen
Scott McConnell

Left to Right: CISA Deputy Director Nitin Natarajan, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and Innovation Award recipient, Scott McConnell.
Left to Right: CISA Deputy Director Nitin Natarajan, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and Innovation Award recipient, Scott McConnell. | View Original

Seth McKinnis

Left to Right: CISA Deputy Director Nitin Natarajan, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and Innovation Award recipient, Seth McKinnis.
Left to Right: CISA Deputy Director Nitin Natarajan, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and Innovation Award recipient, Seth McKinnis. | View Original

Robert Mull, Jr.
Leah Schloss
Allison Snell

Left to Right: CISA Deputy Director Nitin Natarajan, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and Innovation Award recipient, Allison Snell.
Left to Right: CISA Deputy Director Nitin Natarajan, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and Innovation Award recipient, Allison Snell. | View Original

Candice Walker

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, Candice Walker.
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, Candice Walker. | View Original

CISA Vulnerability Disclosure Team

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency

Arlington, VA

Aaron Adams

Left to Right: CISA Deputy Director Nitin Natarajan, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and Innovation Award recipient, Aaron Adams.
Left to Right: CISA Deputy Director Nitin Natarajan, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and Innovation Award recipient, Aaron Adams. | View Original

Lindsey Cerkovnik

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, Lindsey Cerkovnik.
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, Lindsey Cerkovnik. | View Original

Iain Deason

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, Iain Deason.
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, Iain Deason. | View Original

Jay Gazlay

Left to Right: CISA Deputy Director Nitin Natarajan, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and Innovation Award recipient, Jay Gazlay.
Left to Right: CISA Deputy Director Nitin Natarajan, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and Innovation Award recipient, Jay Gazlay. | View Original

David Gloria
Martin Kihiko

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, Martin Kihiko.
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, Martin Kihiko. | View Original

Andrew Pasternak

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, Andrew Pasternak.
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, Andrew Pasternak. | View Original

Nancy Pomerleau
Matthew Slowik
Eric Snyderman

Left to Right: CISA Deputy Director Nitin Natarajan, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and Innovation Award recipient, Erik Snyderman.
Left to Right: CISA Deputy Director Nitin Natarajan, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and Innovation Award recipient, Erik Snyderman. | View Original

Patricia Soler

Left to Right: CISA Deputy Director Nitin Natarajan, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and Innovation Award recipient, Patricia Soler.
Left to Right: CISA Deputy Director Nitin Natarajan, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and Innovation Award recipient, Patricia Soler. | View Original

Alyssa Zeutzius

Crisis Intervention Team

U.S. Secret Service

Washington, DC

Zachary N. Ainsworth

Caption: Left to right: U.S. Secret Service Director James Murray, Innovation Award recipient Zachary N. Ainsworth, and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas., D.C. (May 6, 2022) Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas participates in a Secretary’s Awards Ceremony honoring U.S. Secret Service Agents in recognition of their hard work and dedication over the past year. (DHS Photo by Benjamin Applebaum)
Left to right: U.S. Secret Service Director James Murray, Innovation Award recipient Zachary N. Ainsworth, and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. | View Original

Richard J. Allwein

Left to right: U.S. Secret Service Director James Murray, Innovation Award recipient Richard J. Allwein, and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Left to right: U.S. Secret Service Director James Murray, Innovation Award recipient Richard J. Allwein, and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. | View Original

Joanne P. Armstrong
Dr. Michelle M. Keeney

Left to right: U.S. Secret Service Director James Murray, Innovation Award recipient Dr. Michelle M. Keeney, and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Left to right: U.S. Secret Service Director James Murray, Innovation Award recipient Dr. Michelle M. Keeney, and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. | View Original

Cybersecurity Talent Management System (CTMS) Team

Management Directorate - Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer

Washington, DC

Joseph D. Bergman
Shadeah L. Capers
Carolyn Z. Chow
Jerri Damavandy
Lisa A. Dorr

DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien with Innovation Award recipient, Lisa A. Dorr.
DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien with Innovation Award recipient, Lisa A. Dorr. | View Original

Monica S. Doyle
Alicia C. Dozier
Candice B. Gray
Erin Hayes

DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien with Innovation Award recipient, Erin Hayes.
DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien with Innovation Award recipient, Erin Hayes. | View Original

Travis Hoadley
Byron M. Lee
Carolyn K. Mackerer
Alexis Mafnas
Rachel H. Makai

DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien with Innovation Award recipient, Rachel H. Makai.
DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien with Innovation Award recipient, Rachel H. Makai. | View Original

Shelley R. Mayo
Phillis Morgan

DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien with Innovation Award recipient, Phillis Morgan.
DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien with Innovation Award recipient, Phillis Morgan. | View Original

Joshua Musicante
Elizabeth D. Persell
Kalee E. Rinehart
Safura M. Saeed
Esa Sferra-Bonistalli
Linda L. Siu
Laura T. Spitnale
Brian H. Wedding
Christine A. Winchester

DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien with Innovation Award recipient, Christine A. Winchester.
DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien with Innovation Award recipient, Christine A. Winchester. | View Original

De-escalation Behaviors in Naturalistic Law Enforcement Settings Research Team

Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers

Glynco, GA

John A. Palmer

DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien with Innovation Award recipient, John A. Palmer.
DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien with Innovation Award recipient, John A. Palmer. | View Original

Dr. Laura A. Zimmerman

DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien with Innovation Award recipient, Dr. Laura A. Zimmerman.
DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien with Innovation Award recipient, Dr. Laura A. Zimmerman. | View Original

Distributive Learning Section

U.S. Secret Service

Laurel, MD

Colin J. Blevins

Left to right: U.S. Secret Service Director James Murray, Innovation Award recipient Colin J. Blevins, and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Left to right: U.S. Secret Service Director James Murray, Innovation Award recipient Colin J. Blevins, and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. | View Original

Laurie A. Fulk

Left to right: U.S. Secret Service Director James Murray, Innovation Award recipient Laurie A. Fulk, and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Left to right: U.S. Secret Service Director James Murray, Innovation Award recipient Laurie A. Fulk, and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. | View Original

Connor R. Kretlow
Tiffany L. Lund
Zachary R. McCaleb
Tammy S. Means
Lauren M. Moe
Andrew C. Murphy

Left to right: U.S. Secret Service Director James Murray, Innovation Award recipient Andrew C. Murphy, and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Left to right: U.S. Secret Service Director James Murray, Innovation Award recipient Andrew C. Murphy, and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. | View Original

William F. Nicholson, Jr.
Thomas D. Novak

Caption: Left to right: U.S. Secret Service Director James Murray, Innovation Award recipient Thomas D. Novak, and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Left to right: U.S. Secret Service Director James Murray, Innovation Award recipient Thomas D. Novak, and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. | View Original

Leonardo Torres-Almodovar
Michelle P. Trahan

Left to right: U.S. Secret Service Director James Murray, Innovation Award recipient Michelle P. Trahan, and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Left to right: U.S. Secret Service Director James Murray, Innovation Award recipient Michelle P. Trahan, and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. | View Original

Shirley K. Vaias

Left to right: U.S. Secret Service Director James Murray, Innovation Award recipient Shirley K. Vaias, and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Left to right: U.S. Secret Service Director James Murray, Innovation Award recipient Shirley K. Vaias, and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. | View Original

Emergency Food and Shelter Program

Federal Emergency Management Agency

Washington, DC

Kathleen Balet
Denise Beasley
Kelly Faro
Rebekah Kennedy
Michael Lee

DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien with Innovation Award recipient, Michael Lee.
DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien with Innovation Award recipient, Michael Lee. | View Original

Eric Littlepage
Nica Mathes

DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien with Innovation Award recipient, Nica Mathes.
DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien with Innovation Award recipient, Nica Mathes. | View Original

Eden Miller

DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien with Innovation Award recipient, Eden Miller.
DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien with Innovation Award recipient, Eden Miller. | View Original

Edward Nwaba
Christopher A. Rizzuto
Victoria Roth

DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien with Innovation Award recipient, Victoria Roth.
DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien with Innovation Award recipient, Victoria Roth. | View Original

Geralyn Ryan
Jessie Samuels
Deborah Scott
Thomas Sexton
Christopher B. Smith
Erika Steele
Stacey Street
Robert Tate
Jennifer Voorhies
Matthew Weibel
Thomas Wilson
Troy R. Windham
Jennifer Wohltman

Eric Garton

Federal Emergency Management Agency

Philadelphia, PA

Flood Response Capability Team

U.S. Coast Guard

Homestead, FL

Bradford E. Clark

Caption: Miami, FL (April 13, 2022) Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas participates in a Secretary’s Awards Ceremony in Miami, FL, honoring DHS employees from the area. This ceremony is one part of a series of award ceremonies honoring employees across the country. (DHS Photo by Benjamin Applebaum)
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, Bradford E. Clark | View Original

St. Augustine, FL

Scott A. Wildrick

Staten Island, NY

Michael A. Keane

Burlington, VT (April 8, 2022) Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas participates in a Secretary’s Awards Ceremony in Burlington, VT, honoring DHS employees from the area who have demonstrated a commitment to the DHS mission and exemplify the values of duty, honor, and excellence. (DHS Photo by Benjamin Applebaum)
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, Michael A. Keane | View Original

Washington, DC

Carlos M. Crespo

DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien with Innovation Award recipient, Carlos M. Crespo.
DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien with Innovation Award recipient, Carlos M. Crespo. | View Original

Willard A. Holbrook IV
Daniel J. Murray

DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien with Innovation Award recipient, Daniel J. Murray.
DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien with Innovation Award recipient, Daniel J. Murray. | View Original

Eduardo J. Oropeza

DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien with Innovation Award recipient, Eduardo J. Oropeza.
DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien with Innovation Award recipient, Eduardo J. Oropeza. | View Original

Thomas K. Owens
David M. Shepard
Scott C. Slingland
Daniel H. Stoner
Jeffrey L. Wheeler

Homeland Enterprise Intelligence Support Team

Intelligence and Analysis

Washington, DC

Cameron Brigham

DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien with Innovation Award recipient, Cameron Brigham.
DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien with Innovation Award recipient, Cameron Brigham. | View Original

Scott Clifford

DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien with Innovation Award recipient, Scott Clifford.
DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien with Innovation Award recipient, Scott Clifford. | View Original

Brian Dutze
Jimmy Gause
Nicole Leigh

DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien with Innovation Award recipient, Nicole Leigh.
DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien with Innovation Award recipient, Nicole Leigh. | View Original

Grace Lutfy
Nick Messina
David Parkin

DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien with Innovation Award recipient, David Parkin.
DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien with Innovation Award recipient, David Parkin. | View Original

Paige Schilling
Matthew Tyson

DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien with Innovation Award recipient, Matthew Tyson.
DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien with Innovation Award recipient, Matthew Tyson. | View Original

Kyle Van Hecke

DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien with Innovation Award recipient, Kyle Van Hecke.
DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien with Innovation Award recipient, Kyle Van Hecke. | View Original

Kyle Weber

Identity Management Team

Transportation Security Administration

Springfield, VA

Kelli Biegger

Left to right: Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator David Pekoske, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Innovation Award recipient Kelli Biegger, and TSA Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Deputy Administrator Stacey Fitzmaurice.
Left to right: Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator David Pekoske, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Innovation Award recipient Kelli Biegger, and TSA Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Deputy Administrator Stacey Fitzmaurice. | View Original

Jay Blanco

Left to right: Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator David Pekoske, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Innovation Award recipient Jay Blanco, and TSA Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Deputy Administrator Stacey Fitzmaurice.
Left to right: Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator David Pekoske, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Innovation Award recipient Jay Blanco, and TSA Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Deputy Administrator Stacey Fitzmaurice. | View Original

Daniel Boyd

Left to right: Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator David Pekoske, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Innovation Award recipient Daniel Boyd, and TSA Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Deputy Administrator Stacey Fitzmaurice.
Left to right: Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator David Pekoske, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Innovation Award recipient Daniel Boyd, and TSA Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Deputy Administrator Stacey Fitzmaurice. | View Original

Chang Ellison

Left to right: Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator David Pekoske, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Innovation Award recipient Chang Ellison, and TSA Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Deputy Administrator Stacey Fitzmaurice.
Left to right: Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator David Pekoske, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Innovation Award recipient Chang Ellison, and TSA Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Deputy Administrator Stacey Fitzmaurice. | View Original

Jason Lim

Left to right: Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator David Pekoske, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Innovation Award recipient Jason Lim, and TSA Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Deputy Administrator Stacey Fitzmaurice.
Left to right: Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator David Pekoske, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Innovation Award recipient Jason Lim, and TSA Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Deputy Administrator Stacey Fitzmaurice. | View Original

Joint Online Filing for Temporary Protected Status and Employment Authorization

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Camp Springs, MD

Jocelene M. Aquino
Erika R. Botts
Irene M. Chen
Aparna Dache
Wendy S. DeLapp
Scott A. Massey
Kathleen N. McGuire
Erika P. Mendoza
Guillermo Roman-Riefkohl
Durrell A. Scott
JeNeil C. Teel

National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC)

U.S. Secret Service

Chicago, IL

Katie Lord

Dallas, TX

Lisa Domier

Los Angeles, CA

Arlene Macias

Caption: San Diego, CA (April 29, 2022) Homeland Security Deputy Secretary John Tien participates in a 2022 Secretary’s Awards Ceremony in San Diego, California. Prior to the ceremony, Deputy Secretary Tien received an operational tour of the area by the Coast Guard. (Photo by USCG Petty Officer Alex Gray)
DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien with Innovation Award recipient, Arlene Macias | View Original

Philadelphia, PA

Michael Kapuscinski

Left to right: U.S. Secret Service Director James Murray, Innovation Award recipient Michael Kapuscinski, and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Left to right: U.S. Secret Service Director James Murray, Innovation Award recipient Michael Kapuscinski, and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. | View Original

Washington, DC

Dr. Lina Alathari

Left to right: U.S. Secret Service Director James Murray, Innovation Award recipient Dr. Lina Alathari and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Left to right: U.S. Secret Service Director James Murray, Innovation Award recipient Dr. Lina Alathari and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. | View Original

Ashley Blair

Left to right: U.S. Secret Service Director James Murray, Innovation Award recipient Ashley Blair and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Left to right: U.S. Secret Service Director James Murray, Innovation Award recipient Ashley Blair and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. | View Original

Dr. Arna Carlock
Dr. Aaron Cotkin

Left to right: U.S. Secret Service Director James Murray, Innovation Award recipient Dr. Aaron Cotkin, and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Left to right: U.S. Secret Service Director James Murray, Innovation Award recipient Dr. Aaron Cotkin, and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. | View Original

Steven Driscoll

Left to right: U.S. Secret Service Director James Murray, Innovation Award recipient Steven Driscoll, and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Left to right: U.S. Secret Service Director James Murray, Innovation Award recipient Steven Driscoll, and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. | View Original

Diana Drysdale

Left to right: U.S. Secret Service Director James Murray, Innovation Award recipient Diana Drysdale, and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Left to right: U.S. Secret Service Director James Murray, Innovation Award recipient Diana Drysdale, and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. | View Original

Christina Foley

Innovation Award recipient, Christina Foley, with DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien.
Innovation Award recipient, Christina Foley, with DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien. | View Original

Brianna Johnston
David Mauldin
Jeffrey McGarry

Left to right: U.S. Secret Service Director James Murray, Innovation Award recipient Jeffrey McGarry, and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Left to right: U.S. Secret Service Director James Murray, Innovation Award recipient Jeffrey McGarry, and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. | View Original

Jessica Nemet

Left to right: U.S. Secret Service Director James Murray, Innovation Award recipient Jessica Nemet, and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Left to right: U.S. Secret Service Director James Murray, Innovation Award recipient Jessica Nemet, and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. | View Original

Natalie Vineyard

Operation Cyber Centurion

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Fairfax, VA

Mohamed I. Bah

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, Mohamed I. Bah.
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, Mohamed I. Bah. | View Original

Elijah I. Brigham

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, Elijah I. Brigham.
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, Elijah I. Brigham. | View Original

Samuel Padilla

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, Samuel Padilla.
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, Samuel Padilla. | View Original

Matthew J. Senson

Left to Right: ICE Senior Official Performing Dutes of the Deputy Director Patrick J. Lechleitner, Innovation Award recipient, Matthew J. Senson, and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Left to Right: ICE Senior Official Performing Dutes of the Deputy Director Patrick J. Lechleitner, Innovation Award recipient, Matthew J. Senson, and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. | View Original

Cory J. Smith

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, Cory J. Smith.
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, Cory J. Smith. | View Original

Patrick G. F. Wilhelm

Left to Right: ICE Senior Official Performing Dutes of the Deputy Director Patrick J. Lechleitner, Innovation Award recipient, Patrick G. F. Wilhelm, and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Left to Right: ICE Senior Official Performing Dutes of the Deputy Director Patrick J. Lechleitner, Innovation Award recipient, Patrick G. F. Wilhelm, and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. | View Original

San Diego, CA

Stirling A. Campbell

Caption: San Diego, CA (April 29, 2022) Homeland Security Deputy Secretary John Tien participates in a 2022 Secretary’s Awards Ceremony in San Diego, California. Prior to the ceremony, Deputy Secretary Tien received an operational tour of the area by the Coast Guard. (Photo by USCG Petty Officer Alex Gray)
DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien with Innovation Award recipient, Stirling A. Campbell | View Original

James R. Grundy
Allen W. Latimer
Benjamin J. Lockyer

Caption: San Diego, CA (April 29, 2022) Homeland Security Deputy Secretary John Tien participates in a 2022 Secretary’s Awards Ceremony in San Diego, California. Prior to the ceremony, Deputy Secretary Tien received an operational tour of the area by the Coast Guard. (Photo by USCG Petty Officer Alex Gray)
DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien with Innovation Award recipient, Benjamin J. Lockyer | View Original

Brent H. Moores

Caption: San Diego, CA (April 29, 2022) Homeland Security Deputy Secretary John Tien participates in a 2022 Secretary’s Awards Ceremony in San Diego, California. Prior to the ceremony, Deputy Secretary Tien received an operational tour of the area by the Coast Guard. (Photo by USCG Petty Officer Alex Gray)
DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien with Innovation Award recipient, Brent H. Moores | View Original

Kenneth K. Padilla

Caption: San Diego, CA (April 29, 2022) Homeland Security Deputy Secretary John Tien participates in a 2022 Secretary’s Awards Ceremony in San Diego, California. Prior to the ceremony, Deputy Secretary Tien received an operational tour of the area by the Coast Guard. (Photo by USCG Petty Officer Alex Gray)
DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien with Innovation Award recipient, Kenneth K. Padilla | View Original

Radiation Portal Monitor Replacement Program System Performance Evaluation Team

Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction

Washington, DC

Alex B. Abetria

Left to right: Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator David Pekoske, Innovation Award recipient Alex B. Abetria, and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Left to right: Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator David Pekoske, Innovation Award recipient Alex B. Abetria, and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. | View Original

John M. Blackadar, Jr.

Left to right: Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator David Pekoske, Innovation Award recipient John M. Blackadar Jr., and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Left to right: Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator David Pekoske, Innovation Award recipient John M. Blackadar Jr., and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. | View Original

John C. Heavener

Left to right: Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator David Pekoske, Innovation Award recipient John C. Heavener, and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Left to right: Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator David Pekoske, Innovation Award recipient John C. Heavener, and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. | View Original

Luc Y. Murphy
Shaunna A. Riddick
Nicholas G. F. Schan

Left to right: Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator David Pekoske, Innovation Award recipient Nicholas Schan, and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Left to right: Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator David Pekoske, Innovation Award recipient Nicholas Schan, and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. | View Original

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Kathleen McCormick

Robotics Process Automation (Bot Team)

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Washington, DC

Bartek M. Chwalek
Joseph P. Millard
Ronie Brian M. Namata

Innovation Award recipient Ronie Brian M. Namata with DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Innovation Award recipient Ronie Brian M. Namata with DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. | View Original

Christopher J. Nigh

Innovation Award recipient Christopher J. Nigh with DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Innovation Award recipient Christopher J. Nigh with DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. | View Original

Camilla J. Schmidt

Robotics Process Automation Tuna Bot Modernization

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Ashburn, VA

Gregory J. Beam Jr.
Malynda Crea
Joseph L. Kane
Manisha Miglani

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient Manisha Miglani.
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient Manisha Miglani. | View Original

Ajay Phogat

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient Ajay Phogat.
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient Ajay Phogat. | View Original

Miami, FL

Israel Adame

Washington, DC

Douglas P. Beebe
Lea-Ann B. Bigelow

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, Lea-Ann B. Bigelow.
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, Lea-Ann B. Bigelow. | View Original

Sabrina M. Crisp
Pelbea Griffin-Jones
Acenitha L. Kennedy

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient Acenitha L. Kennedy.
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient Acenitha L. Kennedy. | View Original

Adam L. Malinowski

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, Adam L. Malinowski.
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, Adam L. Malinowski. | View Original

Julia D. Peterson

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, Julia D. Peterson.
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, Julia D. Peterson. | View Original

John O. Raymer Jr.
Andrew T. Vielhaber

Scott A Judy

Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers

Brunswick, GA

Scott A. Judy

DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien with Innovation Award recipient, Scott A. Judy.
DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien with Innovation Award recipient, Scott A. Judy. | View Original

Team SoSOA

Office of Operations Coordination

Washington, DC

Timothy A. Phillips

Intelligence and Analysis

David M. Mannix
Darryl Wilkerson

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, Darryl Wilkerson.
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, Darryl Wilkerson. | View Original

Science and Technology Directorate

Lorraine C. Castillo

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, Lorraine C. Castillo.
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, Lorraine C. Castillo. | View Original

Levent K. Ozdemir

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, Levent K. Ozdemir.
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, Levent K. Ozdemir. | View Original

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Martina Melliand

USCG COVID-19 Vaccine Common Operating Picture (COP) Team

U.S. Coast Guard

Houston, TX

Kristin M. Gray

Miami, FL

Gregory A. McLamb

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Innovation Award awardee, Gregory A. McLamb
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, Gregory A. McLamb | View Original

Josiah A. Toepfer

Milwaukee, WI

Gregory Loreck

Norfolk, VA

Terry L. Hasenauer

Washington, DC

Edward S. Aponte
Christopher D. Capule
Kathleen L. Claffie

DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien with Innovation Award recipient, Kathleen L. Claffie.
DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien with Innovation Award recipient, Kathleen L. Claffie. | View Original

Benito Gonzalez
Joseph W. Kidwell
Paul T. Michaud
Joseph C. Ross-Corbett
Sharon E. Russell

Caption: Miami, FL (April 13, 2022) Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas participates in a Secretary’s Awards Ceremony in Miami, FL, honoring DHS employees from the area. This ceremony is one part of a series of award ceremonies honoring employees across the country. (DHS Photo by Benjamin Applebaum)
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient, Sharon E. Russell | View Original

Swati Singh
Evan J. Twarog

USCIS-CIS Ombudsman Customer Service Working Group

Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman

Camp Springs, MD

Alex Baden
Bryan P. Christian

Innovation Award recipient Brian P. Christian with DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Innovation Award recipient Brian P. Christian with DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. | View Original

Vashon M. Citizen
Eric L. Cohen
Gracie Contreras
Albert G. Eskalis
Janna Evans
Bianca A. Fitzpatrick
Andrew Geary
Bret S. Gregg
Mary K. Herrmann
Miriam E. Hillmann
Sheena G. Holman

Innovation Award recipient Sheena G. Holman with DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Innovation Award recipient Sheena G. Holman with DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. | View Original

Jessica Membreno

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient Jessica Membreno.
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient Jessica Membreno. | View Original

Terrance Oey
Opeyemi Oshinnaiye
Prabha Rajendran

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient Prabha Rajendran.
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient Prabha Rajendran. | View Original

Jim A. Scallan
Samford Scharpf
Leah Stewart
Daniel Tepper
Ricky West

St. Albans, VT

Shawn Benjamin

Washington, DC

Bertha I. Anderson

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient Bertha I. Anderson.
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient Bertha I. Anderson. | View Original

Phyllis A. Coven

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient Phyllis A. Coven.
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient Phyllis A. Coven. | View Original

Rachelle Ellis
Rafael Galvez
Elissa McGovern

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient Elissa McGovern.
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient Elissa McGovern. | View Original

Edgar Munoz
Michael J. Onka
Ciro Parascandola
Stacy Shore

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient Stacy Shore.
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient Stacy Shore. | View Original

Nathaniel I. Stiefel

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient Nathaniel I. Stiefel.
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Innovation Award recipient Nathaniel I. Stiefel. | View Original

Veronica Vaughan

Last Updated: 07/29/2022
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