The Cyber Innovation Center (CIC) has been recognized as the
innovator for workforce development in Louisiana.
The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) named CIC the Workforce
Innovator of the Year as part of its 2024 Louisiana Business Excellence Awards.
The CIC was recognized by LABI as true trailblazer for the state of Louisiana and beyond.
The Workforce Innovator of the Year Award honors individuals or organizations that have
made substantial contributions to workforce development in Louisiana. The award
recognizes those who have excelled in creating, implementing, or supporting a high-caliber
education or workforce development initiative aligned with closing the employment gap.
“It is an incredible honor to be recognized as the top innovator in workforce development
for Louisiana. This award reflects our commitment to transforming the way we approach
education and national defense,” said Kevin Nolten, CIC president. “Every day we strive to
foster growth, enhancement, and inclusivity within northwest Louisiana, and while we
don’t do it for awards, this recognition motivates us to continue pushing the boundaries of
what’s possible in Louisiana that will not only benefit the regional community, but the
entire state.”
As anchor of the 3,000-acre National Cyber Research Park in Bossier City, CIC is a catalyst
for the development and expansion of a knowledge-based workforce. CIC promotes
research, education and technological innovation that supports the growing needs of
government agencies, private industry and academic institutions across the country.
With CYBER.ORG expanding cyber career awareness, resources, and development for K-12
students and STRIKEWERX offering technology transfer, technology transition, and
innovation resources for Air Force Global Strike Command, the CIC is a pioneer in the
workforce development field.
“This honor underscores our dedication to equipping the next generation with the critical
skills needed to navigate an increasingly digital world,” said Dr. Laurie Salvail, executive
director of CYBER.ORG. “However, we’re not in this alone as our partners and educators
are fostering a skilled workforce that can effectively combat cyber threats and ensure a
safer digital future for all.”
STRIKEWERX Partnership Intermediary Agreement Director Jeff Beene added, “Being
recognized as an innovator perfectly aligns with our mission to find new, cutting-edge
technology that can solve challenges for Air Force Global Strike Command. We are thrilled that our work is helping move the needle not only for the command’s modernization efforts, but the region and state as a whole.”
The Louisiana Business Excellence Awards feature nine honors, highlighting both
individuals and companies throughout Louisiana who are making a difference in their
communities.
The winners were acknowledged and celebrated at the Louisiana Business Excellence
Awards luncheon, presented by b1BANK, on Wednesday, Nov. 20, at the Renaissance Hotel
in Baton Rouge.
“The ongoing work to improve the state’s business climate is a collective effort, and the job
creators who are being honored through the Louisiana Business Excellence Awards play a
pivotal role in doing that through investing in the state and providing opportunities for
working families,” said Will Green, LABI president and CEO said in a press release. “These
men and women, and the organizations they lead drive innovation, growth, and
employment, while setting a high standard of excellence in our state.”