There’s no question that the cybersecurity sector thrives in the DC region, and this past month proved its prominence. The DMV saw several board appointments and a strategic partnership in this sub-industry in September, as well as other tech-related leadership moves in federal contracting and the private sector. Keep reading to get the details on those and more Power Moves in the region. But first, check out our monthly look at which companies are hiring for tech jobs in the area.Raft assembles advisors to help navigate defense contracts The McLean-headquartered defense technology company tapped several retired US Army and Air Force officials to form an advisory board.  The new group will assist in building out partnerships and different services offered by Raft, according to a press release. Raft specializes in artificial intelligence and data solutions for the military and other government agencies. "With the establishment of our new Federal Advisory Board, we are bringing together defense's premier thought leaders and the nation's esteemed military leaders who will play a pivotal role in guiding our efforts,” said CEO and founder Shubhi Mishra. “Together, we will continue to deliver innovative data capabilities for mission-critical operations."Advisory firm forges a new partnershipCybersecurity and risk management advisory company MorganFranklin Consulting is officially teaming up with the simulation company ThreatGEN. ThreatGEN’s founder Clint Bodungen will join McLean-based MorganFranklin Consulting as part of the deal, per a press release. Bodungen will still maintain his role as head of product innovation at ThreatGEN. This agreement allows for the cybersecurity training platforms developed by Houston-based ThreatGEN to be included in MorganFranklin Consulting’s services, per a press release.   “By integrating ThreatGEN’s simulation platforms into our cybersecurity services, we are offering clients an unprecedented opportunity to assess their cyber defenses and engage in real-world, hands-on exercises to prepare their teams for current and future threats,” said Keith Hollender, MorganFranklin Consulting’s partner, managing director and global cybersecurity services practice lead.CACI lands another acquisitionAfter publicly-traded IT company CACI purchased the Fairfax firm Azure Summit Technology for $1.275 billion in mid-September, it announced yet another acquisition. The prominent government contractor acquired the firm Applied Insight, which is also based in Reston. Applied Insight has a history of contracts with the Department of Defense and a strong national security focus, per a press release

Who’s been helping make the DMV tech scene a hot commodity? We aren’t talking about the blistering heat and humidity this summer, but experts in the region with technological acumen who simultaneously make a difference where they live. Technical.ly’s 2024 RealLIST Engineers features savvy leaders who not only have technological prowess, but also make a difference in the DMV scene. Maybe they host a meetup group, dedicate time to educating the next generation, or even help beautify local hiking trails.The list, which we’ve published in the DC region since 2019, is put together with help of reader nominations (you can submit names all year round), and our own research and past reporting. Keep reading to meet the 15 impressive people who made the list this year. Leslie WelchLeslie Welch. ExcellaWhen she’s not working as a principal fellow in AI and analytics at the Arlington software company Excella, Welch is very involved in data community meetups throughout the region, including Data Viz DC and Data Science DC. She’s a co-organizer of Power BI DC, a group focused on bringing together users of Microsoft’s business intelligence data visualization software product. She previously served a team lead for the inclusion, diversity, and equity ambassadors at Excella. David CurryDavid Curry. BarbaricumA senior software engineer and solutions architect at the government relations firm Barbaricum, Curry has more than 25 years of experience in the field. Outside of work, he volunteers at the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, where he helps maintain trails and cabins in the region