2026 Data Center Awards recognize innovation, sustainability, and community impact

MCLEAN, Va., Feb. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- From artificial intelligence to national security, the digital infrastructure powering the global economy runs through Northern Virginia. Last evening, the Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC), the region's leading technology trade association, proudly announced the winners of the 2026 NVTC Data Center Awards. The awards honor the visionary companies and individuals setting the gold standard for excellence in one of the world's most vital and fast-growing industries.

Presented at Stone Tower Winery in Leesburg, the seventh annual NVTC Data Center Awards celebrate the leaders powering Northern Virginia's data center ecosystem — the world's epicenter of digital infrastructure and AI innovation.

"Northern Virginia's data center industry is the backbone of the global digital economy," said Jennifer Taylor, president and CEO of NVTC. "Tonight's honorees are not only powering the technologies shaping our future, but also pioneering sustainable infrastructure, investing in energy alternatives, and proving that innovation and environmental stewardship can advance together."

Northern Virginia is home to the largest concentration of data centers in the world, supporting artificial intelligence, cloud computing, national security, healthcare, and countless digital services relied upon every day. According to NVTC's forthcoming 2026 Data Center Economic Impact Report, the industry generates nearly $40 billion in annual economic output and supports more than 112,000 jobs across the Commonwealth. As the industry continues to evolve, leaders are driving progress in performance and scale, and in environmental stewardship, workforce development, and corporate responsibility.

"As demand for AI and digital infrastructure accelerates, the award winners are raising the bar for what leadership looks like in the industry," said Stan Blackwell, Dominion Energy, and Chairman of the NVTC Data Center and Cloud Community of Interest. "They are innovating with purpose, delivering reliable, sustainable growth reinforcing Virginia's position as a global leader."

Selected by an independent panel of judges, the 2026 award winners reflect excellence across four categories:

2026 NVTC Data Center Award Winners

Community Champion Award
Christopher Lettiere, CoreSite

Data Center Partner of the Year Award
DPR Construction

Rising Star Award
Kelsey McWilliams, HITT Contracting

Sustainable Champion Award
QTS Data Centers

Together, these honorees exemplify how the data center industry drives economic growth while powering the technologies that are shaping the future of work, security, healthcare, and innovation around the world.

The 2026 NVTC Data Center Awards were made possible through the support of Falken Industries, Google, Meta, Endress + Hauser, Securis, DPR Construction, Northern Virginia Community College, HITT Contracting, Equinix, Marsh, Prince William County Department of Economic Development, Vantage Data Centers, CoreSite, QTS Data Centers, Digital Realty, Hub International, Interstate Technology Logistics, Johnson Controls, and C2 Management.

About Northern Virginia Technology Council
NVTC is where the region's tech community comes together. Representing 500 members—from bold startups to Fortune 100 leaders—NVTC drives innovation, fosters connections, and advocates for policies that fuel growth and position Northern Virginia as a global leader in technology. Through initiatives in cybersecurity, generative AI, cloud computing, space, and more, NVTC empowers the tech community to shape the future. Learn more at www.nvtc.org. 

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SOURCE Northern Virginia Technology Council