Alumna Laura Hill Named Among Top 100 Federal Information Technology Leaders

Idaho State University is proud to recognize distinguished alumna, senior executive service member, and philanthropist Laura Hill, who was recently honored as one of the nation’s top federal information technology leaders through the prestigious Federal 100 Award. Hill, assistant chief information officer at the U.S. Forest Service, was celebrated during the Evening of Honors in Washington, D.C., on April 3, 2025.

For over 30 years, the Federal 100 has recognized exceptional public servants and industry professionals whose vision, innovation, and leadership drive transformative IT efforts in the federal government. Laura Hill was selected from hundreds of nominees for her outstanding contributions to cybersecurity, digital modernization, artificial intelligence, and service delivery across the USDA and beyond.

In addition to her distinguished career, Hill has made a profound impact on education at Idaho State University as a student-athlete in cross country, a passionate alumna, and a steadfast champion of student success and scholarly excellence. She currently serves on the ISU Alumni Association Board of Directors and has contributed generously to initiatives supporting ROTC students, the College of Business, and the College of Technology.

Among her many contributions is Hill’s leadership in supporting Ignite Their Future, ISU’s innovative summer STEM camp for high school students. In collaboration with USDA, the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, the Bureau of Land Management, Excel Technologies, and other industry partners, Hill helped design a transformative educational experience focused on cybersecurity, emergency response, artificial intelligence, and drone technologies. The 2024 camp brought students together to explore real-world IT applications, participate in simulations, and build skills for careers in public service.

“Laura Hill embodies the power of public leadership,” said David Doran, ISU director of development for the College of Technology. “She’s igniting the passion of future generations while leading innovation at the highest levels of federal service. Her continued involvement and generosity at ISU reflect her enduring commitment to putting people first and serving with purpose.”

Hill’s professional journey spans more than four decades in military and federal leadership. A retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel and recipient of the Legion of Merit, she has led secure global communications for the White House, modernized IT systems for national security, and driven strategic IT transformation across the USDA. Her many accolades include the White House Presidential Service Badge and the Forest Service Chief’s Honor Award.

Hill’s belief in empowering others is evident not only in her leadership, but in her deep investment in education, workforce development, and innovation. Her motto, “People first, mission always,” is reflected in every step of her career and in her unrelenting support of ISU and its students.

From Pocatello to the Pentagon and beyond, Laura Hill is a living example of ISU’s mission to inspire excellence and transform lives.