After leading cybersecurity efforts in New York for nearly a decade, Pelgrin founded the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center, a cybersecurity information sharing and monitoring group that includes all 50 states. He also leads the nonprofit Center for Internet Security, which tracks cybercrime activity and shares threat information and best practices with state and local governments.
NASCIO recognized Pelgrin for his contributions promoting government performance excellence through sound IT solutions, policies and practice during the Midyear Conference in Washington, D.C.
“It feels wonderful. I am very honored,” Pelgrin told Government Technology. “This is an incredible organization and to be recognized by them means so much to me.”
According to NASCIO, the award is presented each spring to an individual who has demonstrated a clear understanding of the role that IT can play in efficient, effective government operations.
“Will Pelgrin is our nation’s cybersecurity pioneer whose vision and energy has created the vital bridge that now strongly connects chief information security officers and other security practitioners working in the public sector,” said Jim Richards, chief information security officer of West Virginia, in a press release.
Pelgrin will continue to promote the sharing of cybersecurity threat information and best practices across government and industry. “I think [cybersecurity] has been at the forefront for state and local governments for a while,” Pelgrin said. “But this is an organization that’s done so much throughout the years in developing not only the infrastructure from a technology perspective but, as cyber challenges start at the basis, to make sure that those technologies are as secure as possible. It’s a great partnership with NASCIO.”
Photo by David Kidd
