StateRAMP Founders Award
Honoring individuals who exemplify visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to advancing cybersecurity excellence.
About StateRAMP Founders Award
StateRAMP is proud to announce the establishment of the Founders Award, commencing in 2024. This prestigious award is designed to celebrate individuals who exemplify visionary leadership, steadfast dedication, and remarkable contributions to cybersecurity and the advancement of StateRAMP initiatives. The Founders Award recognizes the extraordinary efforts of those who drive progress in cybersecurity across both the public and private sectors.
The Founders Award was established in honor of StateRAMP’s co-founders, Joe Bielawski and J.R. Sloan, whose visionary leadership and unwavering commitment laid the foundation for our organization. Their dedication to advancing cybersecurity and fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors serves as the inspiration for this award.
Recipients of the Founders Award are carefully chosen by StateRAMP’s esteemed Board of Directors. This honor is presented to individuals who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to cybersecurity excellence and who significantly contribute to the mission of StateRAMP. Candidates for this award are leaders who have made a lasting impact through their dedication, innovation, and leadership in cybersecurity.
Winners of the Founders Award will be formally recognized at the inaugural StateRAMP Cyber Summit, highlighting their outstanding achievements in front of their peers and industry leaders. This award serves as a beacon of recognition, celebrating the tireless efforts and achievements of our members. It is our aspiration that this award will continue to inspire and honor the exceptional contributions of cybersecurity leaders within both the public and private sectors for years to come.
2024 StateRAMP Founders Award Recipients
Joe Bielawski
StateRAMP Co-Founder | President, Knowledge Services
Joe Bielawski is the President of Knowledge Services and a founding member of StateRAMP, where he previously served as its President. Joe is also the founder of RAMPxchange, a cyber and risk management marketplace that connects public and private sector customers with vetted cybersecurity suppliers. Joe is dedicated to serving those who serve others. His commitment to helping public and private organizations navigate the evolving cybersecurity landscape was instrumental in establishing StateRAMP. Under his leadership, Knowledge Services functions as the StateRAMP PMO while RAMPxchange addresses supplier’s authorization cost and complexity apprehensions.
J.R. Sloan
StateRAMP Co-Founder & President | Chief Information Officer, State of Arizona
J.R. Sloan is a seasoned leader with over 20 years in technology and 15 years in product and program management. As Arizona’s State CIO, he oversees technology, innovation, and IT policies and chairs the State’s Information Technology Authorization Committee (ITAC).
Before his state role, J.R. held various operational and executive positions in enterprise software, specializing in engineering, product management, and customer service. He excels in leading cross-functional teams, building consensus, and achieving strategic goals.
J.R. holds certifications in Pragmatic Marketing and Product Management and studied Electrical Engineering at the University of Arizona and Architecture at Arizona State University.
In December 2020, J.R. joined the inaugural StateRAMP Board of Directors and now serves as President, helping standardize cybersecurity for state and local governments. In October 2023, he was named Secretary-Treasurer of NASCIO’s Executive Committee and was also recognized as a 2023 StateScoop 50 Golden Gov: State Executive of the Year.
Future StateRAMP Founders Award Recipients
Future recipients of the Founders Award will be individuals who continue to drive excellence in cybersecurity, demonstrating unparalleled leadership and innovative solutions. These honorees will be selected for their significant impact on advancing StateRAMP’s mission and fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors. As we look forward to recognizing these outstanding leaders, we remain committed to celebrating those who exemplify the highest standards of dedication and vision in the field of cybersecurity.