USGIF Announces The Honorable Stacey A. Dixon as 2026 Lundahl-Finnie Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient 

The United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF) is proud to announce The Honorable Stacey A. Dixon as the recipient of the 2026 Arthur C. Lundahl-Thomas C. Finnie Lifetime Achievement Award. This prestigious award recognizes individuals who have made distinguished, long-standing contributions to the geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) tradecraft and community. Dr. Dixon is being honored for her exceptional leadership and decades of service advancing intelligence integration, innovation, and national security. 

“USGIF is honored to recognize The Honorable Stacey Dixon with the Arthur C. Lundahl-Thomas C. Finnie Lifetime Achievement Award,” said Ronda Schrenk, CEO of USGIF.

“Her exceptional leadership and contributions to the GEOINT and Intelligence Communities have strengthened today’s intelligence enterprise, while her commitment to mission, people, and innovation continues to inspire the next generation of professionals. She is a truly deserving recipient of this honor.” 

Dr. Dixon most recently served as the Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence (PDDNI). She was the Intelligence Community’s second-highest ranking official and played a central role in integrating intelligence efforts across 18 elements. In this role, she helped drive enterprise-wide transformation, strengthen partnerships, and ensure the delivery of timely, relevant intelligence to senior policymakers and warfighters. 

Prior to her tenure as PDDNI, Dr. Dixon served as Deputy Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), where she was instrumental in advancing GEOINT capabilities, modernizing analytic tradecraft, and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. Her career spans leadership roles across the Intelligence Community, with a consistent focus on mission impact, workforce development, and technological advancement. 

Dr. Dixon holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University, as well as a Master of Science and Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology. She is widely recognized for her commitment to public service, mentorship, and strengthening the future of the intelligence workforce. She currently serves as a Distinguished Professor of the Practice at Georgia Institute of Technology, sits on several boards, and consults and advises on national security and technology issues. 

The award will be formally presented at the annual GEOGala, which will be held on Thursday, December 3, 2026, at the Ritz-Carlton in Tysons, VA. Visit www.usgif.org for more information.