Curtis Arnold of Core4ce has won WashingtonExec’s Chief Officer Award for Cybersecurity Executive of the Year (Private & Public Company).
On June 2, WashingtonExec unveiled the winners of the 2026 Chief Officer Awards, its premier recognition of the executives shaping the future of government contracting. This annual can’t-miss event celebrates bold, innovative leaders across government and industry.
The event took place at The Hilton in McLean, Virginia, where over 500 attendees came together for a memorable in-person luncheon.
In his finalist Q and A, Arnold discussed how his background as a non-commissioned officer shaped his perspective on leadership and success, the importance of making cyber risk more understandable, and where his efforts are focused in the coming year.
“As a former non-commissioned officer, I place a high value on professional development, and I strongly believe that the most effective leaders are ultimately defined by the people they develop, not just the projects they deliver,” he said. “Helping early-career professionals translate academic knowledge into mission-relevant thinking, confidence and judgment has been especially meaningful to me.”
Along with the government and industry winners, John G. Edwards, president of the CIA Officers Memorial Foundation, was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award. This award recognizes Edwards for his decades of exceptional service to the nation, marked by transformative leadership at the CIA and an enduring commitment to its people and mission.
WashingtonExec extends its gratitude to its silver sponsors, KippsDeSanto & Co. and Morgan Stanley; to its award sponsor, M&T Bank; and to its many table sponsors for their generous support.