The finalists for WashingtonExec’s 2024 Pinnacle Awards were announced Sept. 20, and we’ll be highlighting some of them until the event takes place live, in-person Nov. 21.
Next is Steve Hoffman, president of Fortinet Federal, and finalist in the Cybersecurity Executive of the Year, Public Company, category. Here, he talks about recent achievements, shares career advice and more.
What key achievements did you have in 2024?
An ongoing, long-term focus for Fortinet Federal this year has been to establish our company as an independent entity that solely provides mission-focused cybersecurity and networking solutions to the federal government. As part of that mission, Fortinet Federal has pioneered techniques that tighten our oversight on the entire process of solutions to ensure we have the strongest and most secure supply chain.
What are your primary focus areas going forward, and why are those so important to the mission?
In recent years, the federal government has been an active advocate for advancing cybersecurity initiatives. Our primary focus areas will be in Zero Trust implementation, harnessing the use of artificial intelligence for cyber defense, and continuing to be at the forefront of secure supply chain initiatives. Together, these tactics help mitigate the risk of cyberattacks and strengthen our national security posture. Beyond these technical elements, collaboration between industry and government will be key to driving the mission forward. As cyber threats grow, public-private partnerships play a crucial role in keeping defense strategies agile.
What is your best career advice for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
To be successful as a leader, you need to have the right people, teams and processes in place. In our case at Fortinet Federal, we think it’s important to champion a diverse and mission-oriented cyber workforce and accomplish this by leveraging various skills and perspectives when developing cybersecurity solutions. Additionally, throughout my career, I’ve learned the value of continued professional education, networking and community involvement, all which has allowed me to grow professionally and personally.
Fun Fact: What is something about you that most people do not know?
Outside of work, you can often find me boating and fishing on the Chesapeake Bay and dining with my wife in Annapolis. I’m also passionate about Baltimore sports and enjoy rooting for the Orioles and Ravens.