Award Categories

Throughout 2025, Keely Quinlan produced accountability-driven, authoritative coverage of complex public sector issues: AI regulation, data privacy, broadband programs, digital identity, and public safety technologies. She distinguished herself by translating technical subjects into approachable, succinct reporting. Quinlan filled knowledge gaps by relying on cultivated sources, expert analysis, and public records rather than speculation. Her reporting elevated underrepresented voices like civil liberties advocates and local officials, sparking policymaker conversations about accountability and ethical technology use. What distinguishes her is combining sharp accountability journalism with human-centered storytelling, approaching technology as decisions shaping real outcomes.

As editor of StateScoop.com, the nation's most definitive publication covering state and local government IT news, Colin's work tracks long-term trends and daily events most important to those in SLED technology roles. His coverage spans cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital services, IT management, procurement, and more. His work is lucidly written, carefully researched, and well-reported thanks to expertise and sources developed over 15 years of SLED news reporting. Most importantly, his work has a proven track record of impact, shaping conversations among the nation's policymakers and drawing attention to the day's most pressing issues.

Chris Teale, managing editor for Route Fifty, is nominated for Best SLED Journalist for extensive reporting on state and local government technology. Chris balances many roles — producing deeply researched stories, moderating panels at major summits, and overseeing operations. His coverage elevates state and local stories while localizing national ones to present complex impacts of federal technology policies. He covered President Trump's efforts to stop states from regulating AI, cybersecurity grant reauthorization, Detroit's drone industry growth, and quantum technology's impact on local economies. His expertise makes him an excellent candidate.

Thad Rueter is nominated for his clear, authoritative reporting on business and policy dynamics shaping government technology. As a staff writer for Government Technology, he translates complex developments into practical insights for public-sector leaders. In 2025, Rueter tracked AI in government operations, legacy system modernization, and private investment in gov tech. Despite a shrinking press corps, he maintained steady output of nuanced, well-sourced stories. His disciplined focus on the "business of government technology" examines financial and strategic forces driving public sector change, making his reporting essential for understanding how governments adapt to a fast-evolving digital landscape. Thad Rueter is nominated for his clear, authoritative reporting on business and policy dynamics shaping government technology. As a staff writer for Government Technology, he translates complex developments into practical insights for public-sector leaders. In 2025, Rueter tracked AI in government operations, legacy system modernization, and private investment in gov tech. Despite a shrinking press corps, he maintained steady output of nuanced, well-sourced stories. His disciplined focus on the "business of government technology" examines financial and strategic forces driving public sector change, making his reporting essential for understanding how governments adapt to a fast-evolving digital landscape.

Rae DeShong provides an essential voice for the realities of state and local governance. As a staff writer for Government Technology, she tracks the intersection of policy and innovation across the nation’s municipalities and school districts. This year, Rae’s insightful reporting on the localized impact of digital equity grants and the adoption of AI in municipal services has offered a vital roadmap for local leaders. By humanizing complex funding and tech deployment, Rae ensures that the pulse of SLED innovation is felt through stories that prioritize citizen impact and community-driven progress.