SDSU’s Lance Larson Named 2025 Cybersecurity Stewardship Awards Executive of the Year

Lance Larson, co-director of San Diego State University’s Homeland Security Graduate Program, has been named the 2025 Cybersecurity Stewardship Awards Executive of the Year by the Cyber Center of Excellence (CCOE) and the San Diego Business Journal.

The annual awards honor individuals and organizations demonstrating exceptional leadership, innovation and collaboration in advancing cybersecurity across industries and communities. 

Larson was recognized for his leadership in growing SDSU’s cybersecurity programs, his commitment to workforce development and also his many efforts to bridge academia, government and the private sector in protecting digital ecosystems.

“I’m deeply honored to receive this award, but the credit truly belongs to our high-performing teams here at SDSU," Larson said. "Our faculty, staff, and students are driving real impact by advancing cybersecurity readiness, resilience and education throughout California and beyond. I’m proud to be part of such a dedicated community of professionals working to secure our shared future.”

The Cybersecurity Stewardship Awards celebrate leaders who exemplify responsible cyber practices and foster cross-sector partnerships that make the digital world safer. Finalists for the 2025 Executive of the Year award included other industry leaders from Sempra, Sharp Healthcare and the San Diego County Office of Education.