The Charlie Allen Achievement Awards, hosted by the Intelligence and National Security Alliance (INSA), once again recognized exemplary individuals who have made significant contributions to the intelligence and national security community. The ceremony celebrated excellence, mentorship, and the enduring legacy of intelligence pioneers.
The evening began with remarks from Juliane Gallina, Deputy Director for the Directorate of Digital Innovation at the CIA. She paid tribute to Charlie Allen, describing him as a man who had an insatiable curiosity and passion for intelligence collection. As the Assistant Director of Central Intelligence for Collection, Allen played a pivotal role in integrating and advancing collection systems. His impact was profound, influencing generations of intelligence professionals.
Gallina shared personal anecdotes about her experiences in the field, highlighting the importance of collaboration in moments of intense pressure. One story recounted an incident involving a multi-billion-dollar space system anomaly, where mentorship played a critical role in troubleshooting and recovering the system. A seasoned mechanical engineer, guiding a young officer through the crisis, exemplified the power of mentorship—a recurring theme throughout the evening.
Throughout the ceremony, speakers emphasized the importance of mentorship in shaping intelligence professionals. Gallina reflected on how Dennis Fitzgerald, a former senior intelligence officer, provided wisdom and guidance that shaped her career.
“We walk among giants,” Gallina remarked, recognizing that intelligence work is built upon the contributions of those who came before.
Recognizing the Awardees
The evening honored six distinguished professionals whose work has had a lasting impact on national security. Each recipient was recognized for their leadership, innovation, and dedication to the intelligence mission:
Kris Sonsteby: One of the youngest Senior Duty Officers at the White House, providing pivotal intelligence during world events and embodying Charlie Allen’s legacy of collection excellence.
Khalilah Montgomery-Sobrowski: Deputy Director of the Analytic Advancement Division, Office of Intelligence and Analysis at DHS, lauded for her leadership and dedication to mentoring future intelligence professionals.
Kelsey Carilli: A transformative leader in complex engineering, growing a program from $50,000 to $4 million in just four years—critical to the nation’s nuclear mission.
Sarah Daly: A key player in DoD and DARPA’s use of advanced technologies, known for balancing demanding research while mentoring junior staff.
Technical Sergeant John Coloso, USAF: A detailed analyst whose work has provided crucial insights into global security threats.
Major Javier Alejandro Noboa, USSF: Recognized for advancing national security through contributions in space systems—a field close to Gallina’s heart.
Each honoree reflected on their journey, emphasizing the collaborative nature of their work and the vital role of mentorship.
A Celebration of Legacy and the Future
The event concluded with a special surprise—a birthday celebration for Charlie Allen, who turned 90. Gallina led the audience in singing “Happy Birthday” to the intelligence community legend.
The night also served as a reminder of the dynamic challenges facing the intelligence field today. Gallina drew parallels between the post-Cold War era and the current landscape, noting that past leaders persevered through adversity and set an example for today’s professionals. Despite shifts in global power, she urged the community to remain steadfast, adaptable, and committed to excellence.
The Charlie Allen Achievement Awards reaffirmed the importance of recognizing and fostering talent within the intelligence community. By celebrating expertise, mentorship, and collaboration, the awards highlighted the individuals who uphold the nation’s security and prepare future generations to do the same.
As the intelligence and national security landscape continues to evolve, one message rang clear throughout the evening: Excellence is not achieved alone—it is built through mentorship, resilience, and a shared commitment to protecting the nation.
