Cocktails & Codebreakers is an annual event co-hosted by the National Cryptologic Foundation (NCF) and the Intelligence and National Security Foundation (INSF) to pay tribute to cryptologists and codebreakers - acknowledging our rich cryptologic history and its impact on cybersecurity today.
In 2022, the NCF and INSF co-hosted the inaugural Cocktails & Codebreakers. The event is held each year in Hanover, Maryland.
See below for links to recaps and photos from previous Cocktails & Codebreakers programs.
Next Program - October 2026
Prior Cocktails & Codebreakers Events
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The 4th Annual Cocktails & Codebreakers took place on 22 October 2025 in Hanover, MD. The evening included a keynote presentation from Tom Fanning, Retired Chairman, President & CEO of Southern Company, as well as a Fireside Chat featuring ADM Michael Gilday, USN (Ret.), 32nd Chief of Naval Operations, and Frank Cilluffo, director of Auburn University’s McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security. The NCF also presented the 2025 Teacher of the Year Award and shared news about upcoming changes to the NCF's messaging, logo, and website. Click to learn more & see photos.
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The 3rd Annual Cocktails & Codebreakers event - co-hosted by the National Cryptologic Foundation (NCF) and the Intelligence and National Security Foundation (INSF) celebrated "Men and Women in Cryptology" and featured a Fireside Chat with Mr. Harry Coker Jr., White House National Cyber Director and Gen Timothy D. Haugh, USAF, Commander, U.S. Cyber Command; Director, National Security Agency/Chief, Central Security Service. A second Fireside Chat featured Mr. Montel Williams, military veteran/retired cryptologic officer (US Marines & Navy), actor & motivational speaker. Both Chats were moderated by Mr. Steve Scully, journalist and host & anchor of "The Briefing with Steve Scully" on Sirius XM POTUS 124. The program also included special awards for two NCF Ambassador Program educators and a book signing by National Cryptologic Museum Director Vincent Houghton, PhD. Click on the event title or photo for the Recap Page.
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The 2nd Annual Cocktails & Codebreakers event - co-hosted by the National Cryptologic Foundation (NCF) and the Intelligence and National Security Foundation (INSF) celebrated "Men and Women in Cryptology" and featured a Fireside Chat with guest speakers The Honorable Ronald S. Moultrie, Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence & Security (USDI&S) and GEN Paul M. Nakasone, Commander, U.S. Cyber Command; Director, National Security Agency; Chief, Central Security Service. Our Fireside Chat was moderated by Greg Myre, NPR National Security Correspondent. Author Jason Fagone also joined us and signed copies of his book about Elizebeth Friedman. Click for the Recap & Photos page.
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The 2022 program honored women codebreakers and coincided with the U.S. Postal Service release of a special Women Cryptologists of WWII forever stamp. The event featured special guests Ms. Kemba Walden, the first Principal Deputy National Cyber Director, Office of the National Cyber Director and Mr. Bill Nye, an American science educator and inventor. See a full recap of the 2022 program - including photos and video.
