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 Joanna Dempsey, vice president of the CISA portfolio at ECS, and finalist in the DHS Executive of the Year, Public Company, category. Here, she talks about recent achievements, shares career advice and more.
What key achievements did you have in 2024?
In 2024, my team and I made significant strides with the CDM Dashboard, which has become one of the most effective cybersecurity management platforms in the federal government. We supported CISA’s response to over 50 heightened cyber threat alerts, providing critical data insights that allowed for faster, more informed decision-making. One of my proudest achievements this year was securing an expanded role for ECS under the new CDM Data Services contract, which will enable the standardization of cybersecurity data across all federal agencies.
What are your primary focus areas going forward, and why are those so important to the mission?
My focus moving forward is on continuing to evolve and enhance the CDM Dashboard and its capabilities. This is critical to the mission because the Dashboard provides the visibility and insight that federal agencies need to respond to cyber threats quickly and effectively. By standardizing data across agencies, we’re making it easier to identify and mitigate risks, ultimately helping to protect our nation’s critical infrastructure.
What is your best career advice for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
My best advice is to stay passionate about the mission, never stop learning and always be open to new challenges. In cybersecurity, the landscape changes rapidly, and it’s important to stay adaptable while building strong partnerships with both your team and your customers. Success comes from collaboration, dedication and a relentless focus on delivering the best solutions possible.