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INSA will host the 40th William Oliver Baker Award Dinner on Saturday, July 26, from 6:00-10:00 pm at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington D.C.
Hundreds of intelligence, defense, and national security professionals gather every year to celebrate an individual's extraordinary contributions to U.S. intelligence and national security affairs.
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William Oliver Baker: Scientist, Inventor, Scholar, and Stateman.
For decades, the William Oliver Baker Award has served as a mark of excellence, distinguishing an extraordinary individual for their sustained commitment to excellence in intelligence and national security affairs.
The four words on the medal honor the defining aspects of Dr. Baker’s life – Scientist, Inventor, Scholar, and Statesman.
Dr. Baker was a prominent scientist, former head of Bell Labs, a trusted advisor to five U.S. Presidents, a director and advisor to multiple philanthropic foundations and educational commissions, and a mentor to scores of renowned scientists. During his nearly 25 years with Bell Labs, Dr. Baker and his team made significant discoveries in telecommunications including the laser, satellite systems, and the UNIX computer operating systems, among many others, which set the foundation for the robust technologies and platforms we use today.
In 1959, at President Eisenhower’s request, he developed a plan for the establishment of the Defense Communications Agency, presently the Defense Information Systems Agency. Baker continued to serve his country on the President’s Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board (PFIAB) for multiple presidents beginning in 1956. Dr. Baker also served on the National Security Agency’s Scientific Advisory Board for 20 years. In 1982, Dr. Baker was presented with the National Security Medal by President Ronald Reagan to honor his tremendous contributions.
Dr. William Oliver Baker’s distinguished career is the embodiment of the INSA spirit and mission. By leading the effort to unify the public and private sectors in the name of national security, Dr. Baker effected profound change in national security and intelligence.
INSA established the William Oliver Baker Award Dinner in 1984 to promote excellence in the intelligence and national security activities of the U.S. government and associated endeavors through the private sector. The award annually recognizes outstanding leaders in the field for their exceptional achievements and sustained contributions or single achievements of extraordinary merit. Recent recipients include GEN Paul M. Nakasone, USA, (Retired); LtGen Vincent R. Stewart, USMC; Gov. Tom Ridge; and The Hon. Sue Gordon.
About the Award
For 40 years, the William Oliver Baker Award has served as a mark of excellence, distinguishing an extraordinary individual for their sustained commitment to excellence in intelligence and national security affairs. Eligible candidates include members of the government, private industry, and/or academic communities who have devoted a substantial portion of their professional career to intelligence and national security affairs.
View full list of past awardees.
Award criteria:
Sustained excellence in their contribution to intelligence and national security affairs over a considerable period of time, or a single achievement of extraordinary merit
Contributions essential to the enhancement of U.S. intelligence and national security
Technical enhancement of unusual significance, management proficiency of a high order, or development or application of techniques that permit cost savings of substantial magnitude
Relive the Memories of the 2024 Dinner!
Nearly 700 intelligence, defense, and national security professionals gathered on Saturday, June 1, for the 39th William Oliver Baker Award dinner at the Omni Shoreham in Washington, DC. The evening recognized the extraordinary leadership and lasting impact of General Paul M. Nakasone, USA (Ret.), former Commander, USCYBERCOM and Director, NSA/Chief, CSS.
