The Cyber Innovation Center (CIC) has become a cornerstone of technological advancement, national defense, and workforce development in Northwest Louisiana. Founded to support the U.S. Air Force’s emerging cyber mission, the CIC has grown into the anchor of the 3,000-acre National Cyber Research Park, driving innovation and collaboration among government, industry, and academia.
Originally envisioned as the headquarters for the Air Force’s provisional Cyber Command, the CIC quickly adapted when the Department of Defense instead established Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) at Barksdale Air Force Base. Rather than slowing momentum, this shift sparked a new era of innovation. CIC partnered with AFGSC to create STRIKEWERX, a hub for rapid prototyping, market research, and creative problem-solving. Through this collaboration, the program has delivered dozens of innovative solutions projected to save the U.S. Air Force nearly $300 million.
Beyond its defense mission, the CIC recognized the national need for a stronger cyber workforce. In partnership with the Department of Homeland Security, the center launched the National Integrated Cyber Education Research Center, now known as CYBER.ORG. This initiative provides cybersecurity curricula and training to K–12 educators across the country, equipping teachers to inspire the next generation of cyber professionals. CYBER.ORG has since reached more than 45,000 educators and 5 million students in all 50 states.
Under the leadership of President Kevin Nolten, the Cyber Innovation Center continues to expand its reach through technology acceleration, workforce training, and education partnerships. The organization’s collaborative structure allows employees to work across departments — from software engineering and innovation labs to education and defense initiatives — fostering an environment where every team member contributes to national and community impact.
Employees describe CIC as a mission-driven, family-like workplace defined by collaboration, respect, and shared purpose. “What I love most about working at the CIC is how collaborative it is,” said Charlene Cooper, Director of CYBER.ORG. “No matter the project, teams from every unit come together with a shared purpose and make incredible things happen.”
Robin Nichols, Project Manager, said the organization’s leadership plays a major role in its positive culture. “The leadership is supportive, approachable, and genuinely cares about work-life balance, making it easy to thrive both personally and professionally,” she said. “It’s rewarding to know that the work we do not only supports innovation and national defense but also makes a real difference in our local community.”
For Kennedy Ford, a software engineer, the CIC has been the ideal start to a career. “This is my first official career job after graduating college, and overall, it has been phenomenal,” she said. “I really enjoy both the people and the goals we’re all working toward as an organization.”
Employees take pride in their work’s far-reaching impact. “Working at the Cyber Innovation Center is incredibly rewarding because it makes a difference for our nation,” said Sean Green, Facilitation and Outreach Manager. “We deliver innovative solutions to our military and grow our community through new opportunities and economic development.”
From advancing national security to educating the next generation of cyber professionals, the Cyber Innovation Center continues to position Bossier City as a national leader in innovation — proving that when collaboration and purpose intersect, extraordinary things happen.