Arlington, VA

Today, CNA recognized Principal Research Scientist Dr. Jeffrey Becker with the Phil E. Depoy Award for Analytical Excellence. In his 13 years at CNA, Becker has made a significant impact on how US leaders view the People's Republic of China (PRC) and worked closely with those leaders in addressing threats, particularly in the realms of technology and the economy. CNA managers praised his contributions, noting, "The work Jeff has produced has enhanced the national security of the United States."

Presenting the award, CNA President and CEO Dr. Katherine McGrady described Becker as a "superb leader, creative thinker, and analyst." She added that he “pioneers new methodologies and has made a profound impact on the government and the military as they try to understand one of the most important issues of our time."

Becker has played a key role in shaping the training and capabilities that the US uses to counter challenges from the PRC. Examples of his impact include his assistance in helping the Department of Defense rethink its training of officers to help them better understand the PRC's pacing challenge. Becker additionally served as a lead analyst in CNA's economic statecraft work to shed light on the ways Beijing uses economic power to achieve its national security objectives at the expense of the US. And he provided the Office of Naval Research with a predictive methodology to protect critical technologies from the PRC. Within CNA, Becker also played an important leadership role as the founding director of the Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Program.

Other award recipients honored at this year's CNA Awards Day are:

CEO Teamwork Award: National Maritime Strategy Team

CNA's National Maritime Strategy Team was selected for its excellence in completing a congressionally mandated study that offers actionable recommendations to reverse the decline in US-flagged shipping, US shipbuilding, and US merchant mariners. The project team, comprised of more than 40 analysts with various areas of expertise, developed novel shipping wargames and engaged with more than 100 maritime organizations and experts. The National Maritime Strategy Team helped enhance CNA's reputation while leading the charge in revitalizing America's maritime industry.

Mary Ann Pianka-Carey Kellam Award: Tanya McCants

Named after revered former CNA employees Mary Ann Pianka and Carey Kellam, this award is presented annually to an employee who demonstrates excellence in the quality and creativity of their work, as well as a commitment to service. These qualities come together in this year's winner, Tanya McCants. CNA’s Assistant Facility Security Officer has steadily risen in responsibility since she started in CNA’s Document Center 14 years ago, before shifting to the Security Office. McCants played a pivotal role in helping CNA earn a "Superior" rating from the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency—a rare level reserved for extraordinary security performance. Tanya develops critical relationships, both internally and externally, which have allowed her to address complex issues and collaborate to find solutions.

Deployer Award: Lauren Claus and Isaac Schmidt

The Deployer Award is given to CNA field analysts who undertake lengthy tours at sea or in combat zones. This year’s recipients are Lauren Claus and Isaac Schmidt.

Dr. Lauren Claus deployed with Carrier Strike Group Three aboard USS Abraham Lincoln from May 2024 until January 2025. While aboard the aircraft carrier, she self-initiated an analysis of the first refueling at sea from a commercial oiler to a Nimitz-class carrier, producing lessons learned for future refuelings of this kind. Additionally, she analyzed the readiness of the carrier's F-35C squadron to provide recommendations that helped improve the availability of the fighter jets.

Isaac Schmidt deployed with Carrier Strike Group One aboard the carrier USS Carl Vinson from November 2024 until May 2025. Schmidt served as the second data scientist from CNA to lead the Data Science @ Sea project. Schmidt led a project to improve tools for the digital debrief process. He also organized a hackathon with French Navy programmers from the Charles de Gaulle strike group.

Earlier this week, Phil DePoy, who is commemorated in the name of the award for analytical excellence, passed away. The organization’s former CEO navigated CNA through a critical period in its history, and he will be deeply missed. Please see the news release to learn more about Phil DePoy and his legacy at CNA.