Alex  is a Cybersecurity Specialist at AetherForge with over 20 years of IT experience across private and federal sectors, including roles in data center operations, compliance, and risk management. A U.S. Naval Reserves alumna, she holds a Bachelor’s in Computer Management Information Systems and Master’s Certificates in Network Security, Project Management, and Disaster & Emergency Management. She supports the ISSO by managing project timelines, documentation tracking, and NIST 800-53 Rev. 5 compliance, contributing to accurate USDA CSAM submissions and streamlined assessments. Known for being adaptable, collaborative, and dependable, Alex brings equal strength to both technical systems and team dynamics. Outside of work, she enjoys camping, traveling, and community involvement.

Alliyah is a cybersecurity professional with over 3 years of experience specializing in vulnerability management, incident response, GRC, and IT audit. With a strong foundation in Computer Science and Marketing, she combines technical expertise and strategic insight to protect digital assets and strengthen security frameworks.

Amy has been supporting government clients for more than 35 years as both an analyst, an expert, a program manager, and a growth leader. As the Chief Growth Officer, Amy matches client needs to the AetherForge capabilities, continually honing solutions that will move our clients, and our partners, forward. She manages our GWAC and contracts shop and is personally involved in each teaming agreement.  Amy’s reputation is for delighting clients, developing partnerships, and sticking to her promises. Amy has a geeky passion for capture and proposals, and has trained hundreds of people in these capabilities over the years.

Angelina is a detail-oriented Cybersecurity Analyst with over 7 years of experience specializing in FISMA and FedRAMP compliance, risk assessments, audits, vulnerability management, and system security monitoring. Throughout her career, she has held diverse roles including Cybersecurity Assurance Analyst, Security Control Assessor, and ISSO Support, providing her with a broad and practical understanding of cybersecurity operations and compliance. She holds CompTIA Security+, CASP, PenTest+, and CySA+ certifications, and is actively pursuing CISSP, CISM, PMP, and CISA to further advance her skills and leadership in the field.  She offers a proactive mindset, strong technical expertise, and a collaborative approach that strengthens security postures and drives team success.  In her free time, she enjoys exploring new places, whether traveling afar or discovering hidden gems in the city, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Bailey is the Executive Assistant and Pack Manager at AetherForge, where she supports the CEO and team however needed—whether that’s coordinating chaos, keeping the gears turning for leadership and the entire team, or wrangling the dogs (yes, that’s part of the job). With a jack-of-all-trades background, she emphasizes adaptability when navigating shifting priorities. Outside of work, Bailey is a certified Pilates Instructor, national park enthusiast, and avid reader. She finds balance in movement, nature, and quiet moments—with one of her cats usually nearby.

Becky blends business savvy, people-first leadership, and safety expertise like a boss-level multitasker. She has built things from the ground up—including a nationally recognized self-defense training company—and stayed hands-on in her community every step of the way. She is an NRA Training Counselor, a former federal firearms license holder, and someone who shows up when it's time to make a difference. In her spare time, she plays with her ginormous Great Dane, Odin, or works on improving her house one ambitious DIY project at a time (results may vary).

Bill’s professional path has led him through more than four decades of strategic communications experience. He brings a background in military public affairs and corporate entities supporting the US Government. That results in a seasoned perspective. He crafts a solid message in an equally solid manner, polishes the organization’s image, and provides useful information to specified audiences. He uses a natural tendency of paying attention to grammatical details to put the AetherForge vision in the clearest light for clients and workforce alike. To facilitate AetherForge’s value as a contractor of choice, Bill helps AetherForge communicate in a manner that is timely, accurate, consistent, and professional. In his off work time, he takes part in a variety of activities to serve the local community and make life a little easier for all.

Brian’s work spans ten contract task areas and combines planning, technical leadership, relationship-building, and the uncanny ability to translate security jargon into plain English. Brian is committed to keeping both the team and the customer supported, informed, and—when possible—smiling. Brian started his career in web design until a friend nudged hm into cybersecurity where he has excelled ever since. As for the friend who first nudged him into the field? He works at AetherForge too. When he’s not working, Brian is under a hood or behind a welding mask. From fabrication to electrical to HVAC and flooring, Brian is the go-to guy for any DIY task, whether it’s restoring a car or renovating a room.

Carlin is a Cybersecurity Audit Specialist at AetherForge with over 27 years of audit and management experience with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General.  As a Certified Public Accountant, he brings a wealth of government audit knowledge and analytical skills coupled with his leadership experiences.  While away from work,  Carlin enjoys playing golf and spending time with family and friends.

Deb leads AetherForge with a mind forged in strategy and a heart wrapped in silver tech fabric. As CEO and Organizational Resilience Specialist, she’s built to withstand earthquakes, nuclear fallout, and that one hire who still doesn’t understand version control. Deb’s background blends systems thinking, operational wizardry, and just a hint of post-apocalyptic planning. Often seen cloaked in her signature  cape and flanked by the shepskies, Deb brings a sense of calm preparedness and low-key enchantment to the unpredictable world of innovation. Her superpower? Turning chaos into continuity—preferably before coffee.

Gwen attended the University of Glasgow, and received a degree in Sociology with Quantitative Methods and a postgraduate certificate in Sociology and Social Research Methods. They focused on studies of migration, public health, and inequality. They have always been an avid supporter of interdisciplinary collaboration, and has long been interested in the ways seemingly disparate systems and phenomena influence each other. After moving to Hawaii they began working as a vet assistant and volunteering in animal rescue. Their experience in vet med has solidified her interest in One Health, as they have seen first-hand how nonhuman and human life are deeply intertwined. It gave them a precious opportunity to see from a less human-centric perspective, instilling in them a strong belief that if humanity is to solve its problems and thrive, we must understand that we need others – human and nonhuman alike.

Janet was born in Peru and came with her family to the U.S. when she was a teenager. She has always been grateful to have made this country her home. As a professional accountant, she has been meeting the accounting needs of diverse corporations in the area for the past fifteen years and handling several financial services. She specializes in government contracting accounting and uses her analytical mind, computer skills, and attention to detail to ensure that financial transactions are accurately represented. When not working, she enjoys spending time with family and friends. One of her favorite activities is doing crafts with her niece and nephew.

Janet comes to AetherForge with 20 years of experience in the USG and nearly 30 in the commercial sector. Her years of work experience go back to before ATMs, when you had to get to the bank while it was open, and before microwaves, cell phones, and Google. She has experience in program management, regulatory compliance, process design/rethinking, and technical training creation and delivery.  She strongly believes there is no problem that a flowchart won’t help solve. Her approach to the workplace is to seek out synergy at every opportunity – how can what I am doing or know how to do interact with and build off what you are doing or know how to do for the betterment of AetherForge and its customers. In her spare time, she walks the dog and teaches yoga.

Jason has more than 20 years of experience in the intelligence, defense and national Security communities.  He has extensive experience in the areas of system and security administration, network security, cybersecurity, and Assessment and Authorization (A&A). He enjoys focusing on process improvement and making operations run more efficiently to save his customers time and money. He has extensive experience in the NIST RMF Process.  In his spare time, Jason enjoys camping and spending time with his family.

Jesse was born and raised in Kentucky where my upbringing around nature and wildlife turned into a passion for painting and making art. He now uses his multidisciplinary background to inform his approach to information security and risk management. He has been supporting multiple federal and private customers for more than six years, specializing in ISSO support. He has a master’s degree in cybersecurity,  and is also CISSP, Security +, and AWS Cloud Practitioner certified. Outside of work, Jessee paints as much as he can. He also loves going on adventures with his wife and son (whether it’s a hiking trip, trying out a new restaurant, or going on a grocery store run). He also loves binge-watching anime and Korean dramas.

Jesslynn, - also known around AetherForge as the Cyber Swiss Army Knife is the go-to utility player when chaos reigns or definitions blur. She  moves seamlessly between scrubbing POA&Ms, quality assurance, ISSO duties, and many tasks that seem to fall through the cracks. With a career that began in human resources and detoured through federal law enforcement, Jesslynn has built a solid foundation in investigation, security, and operational execution. She brings a mission-focused, compliance-savvy mindset to every challenge. Known for her adaptability, calm under pressure, and a rare ability to get it done right and fast, Jesslynn is the person you call when the job doesn’t come with a manual. Off the clock, she can be found behind the wheel of her Dodge Hellcat, on the golf course, or with her husband and four kids.

Kendall segued smoothly from doing cyber security as a federal employee providing cyber security services to the federal government from the outside. AetherForge gives him the opportunity to apply all his skills and make a difference to the customer, including sniffing out questionable computer activity. He is very focused on the people side of client interactions and goes the extra mile to make sure your project runs smoothly and successfully. Kendall is a kid at heart.  He loves riding roller coasters and going to water parks with his family.  He is pretty good at and enjoys bowling and cornhole.   Also, if you challenge him at an old video game you might get beat.

Kenny is AetherForge’s go-to guy, seamlessly blending his official title of Cyber Security Support Specialist with the unofficial roles of Chief of Staff, strategic advisor, policymaker, and cyber miracle worker. After nearly a decade in higher education sharpening his expertise in access control, physical security, help-desk support, and program management, he joined AetherForge to keep clients smiling and systems impenetrable as threats evolve. Armed with a B.A. in International Studies from American University and an M.S. in Information Systems from Johns Hopkins University, Kenny is often dubbed “Superman” by coworkers who’ve seen him broker C-suite introductions, advise senior policymakers, and deliver Authority to Operate packages against all odds. Off duty, he pursues his passions—curating a single malt whisky collection, exploring German and Swiss watchmaking traditions, and scaling the walls of his local climbing gym—all to recharge before the next cyber battle.

Laurie began her career in PC and network installation before moving into network engineering, systems administration, and eventually systems engineering. In 2004, she transitioned into Information Assurance, where she’s continued to grow alongside the evolving cybersecurity landscape. A 40-year veteran of the US Army Reserve, she is committed to mission readiness in many fields and blending military discipline with IT wizardry. Laurie handles the cyber chaos so the engineers can focus on the mission. No IA control too obscure, no policy too dry.  People skills? Locked and loaded. Keeping everyone in line? That’s just another day in the field. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, kayaking, gardening, and spending time outdoors with family.

Luke is a Cybersecurity expert in NIST’s Risk Management Framework. He has a background working in DoD and Intel communities. Luke spent eight years in the US Air Force as a System Administrator and a Police Officer. He has his bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity and maintains a Security+ce certification. He enjoys spending time with his family and friends and also tinkering with electronics and gadgets. Luke enjoys the National Security industry, and is passionate about security in general.

Aka: “The Renaissance Man”

Mark started his career in the hospitality business where he quickly learned the importance of customer service. He was part of a team pioneering Total Quality Management (yes, he is that old!) and led the way to winning a Malcom Baldridge Award. From there he was hooked on solving problems for people. He segued his cusomer service skills into IT by managing a help desk for a large company. Being an extrovert, his focus on people gives him the ability to translate technical jargon into friendly, easy-to-understand terms, a skill which he uses to help clients maintain the security posture and readiness of huge systems. In his off time, he enjoys playing guitar and karaoke! He is a rock star in his own mind!

Matt started his professional life with a passion for cars. He trained with BMW North America and worked with BMW for several years. When he realized how many computers newer cars have, and learned how to work with them, his enthusiasm for technology took over. With the technical experience/aptitude he gained from BMW, he decided to take the next step into the IT world. He is an avid technology enthusiast with a passion for growth and new ideas. He is always looking for new ways to “tinker” and apply his unique background and experience to help AetherForge succeed.

Michelle enjoys being in a position where she gets to roll with the punches and adapt to whatever project comes her way.  Armed with a BS in Communications, she has held many different “Jack of All Trades” type of jobs–Staff Assistant in the US Senate, stay-at-home mom to two awesome kids, Office Manager/Executive Assistant for two cybersecurity companies, HR/Office Manager at a ski resort, and now I'm expanding my wings even more with AetherForge!  When I’m not at work, you can find me hiking, biking, or skiing with my husband on the endless trails in Idaho. I also enjoy a good game of Cribbage and getting to visit my kids!

Misty is a seasoned cybersecurity professional with over a decade of experience spanning private and public sectors, including expertise in digital forensics within litigation and law enforcement contexts. She brings a composed, solution-focused mindset to assessment operations. She excels at developing structured processes and strategic evaluations that drive organizational efficiency and effectiveness. Outside the office, she stays grounded through creative pursuits such as gardening, baking, etching, making cards, and immersing herself in nature. These activities not only fuel her imagination but also give form to her creative vision, enriching both her personal and professional life.

Nick has worked in cyber security for more than seven years, leading RMF and NIST 800-53 Rev 5-based security assessments across federal systems. He specializes in crafting and executing CAPs/formally known as SAPs, validating controls through documentation and stakeholder interviews, and producing detailed SARs that help organizations clearly understand and close security gaps. Known for staying calm under pressure and delivering compliance with precision. He has also supported PCI-DSS audits and collaborated closely with ISSOs and system owners to ensure audit readiness. Outside of work, Nick stays active, travels often, watches hid Philly Eagles dominate, and unwinds with friends and family with good ol' grilling in the backyard (when the weather permits).

Nico recently completed his studies in HR at George Mason University and came to AetherForge to put his knowledge to use as a Human Resources Assistant. A native of Northern Virginia, he loves having AetherForge in his backyard. He intends to expand his HR knowledge at AetherForge and learn more about other facets of the business.  He strongly supports AetherForge’s core value of ensuring the employees are always put first. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, playing PC games, and spending time with his friends, family, fiancé, and cats!

Rachel started her professional career in web and mobile application development focused on user experience and technical implementation. This led her in a roundabout way to her current work in cyber security. Her experience and education have helped her develop a deep understanding how of systems operate from the inside out. She is very detail oriented and always leads with kindness and compassion for others. She lives by the mantra “if you are going to do something, do it well.”  Outside of work, she enjoys being a mom to two young children, doing yoga, exploring nature, learning about animals, and being with family. Her life is the perfect balance of staying active and binge watching everything on Netflix.  

Randy is a seasoned cybersecurity leader with more than 20 years of experience across private, federal, and contractor domains. Known for his solutions-oriented mindset, he thrives on tackling complex challenges by collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to evaluate options and implement effective strategies. Outside the office, he stays grounded through a variety of creative pursuits including photography, painting, woodworking, cooking, gardening, and exploring flea markets—interests that fuel balance and inspiration in both his personal life and his professional life.

Richard provides Information System Security Office (ISSO) support for multiple USDA-FS systems through development/revisions of system control implementation statements. He develops or revises system documentation and performs tasks to assist the system ISSO with continuous monitoring. He strives to promote collaboration and teamwork while ensuring that applicable actions for maintaining system security are a priority.  Previously he was on staff at USDA for 35 years, including 17 years as an auditor for the Office of Inspector General and 18 years as an IT auditor and IT Security Specialist for the Risk Management Agency (now FPAC).  He holds a CISA certification. When not working, he enjoys spending time maintaining his yard, playing golf, watching sporting events, and spending time with family. 

Rick is a Cybersecurity Specialist collaborating with AetherForge clients to bolster their security posture, improve processes, and solve challenging processes. He graduated from the University of Saint Thomas in Minnesota - and started his career as a Communications and Information Officer in the United States Air Force. He found his niche in cybersecurity governance, risk management, and compliance. In 2020, he took a break from the cyber world to live out his dream of going to culinary school and, through that, learned almost any mistake can be fixed. He follows a process of “Read, understand, implement, repeat” and believes in having respect, grace, and a sense of humor to get the job done.  Rick spends most of his off-work time with his wife, their young kids, and a couple of dogs.  He also tames the jungle better known as his yard, watches baseball and hopes to see a game at all of the Major League Baseball parks. He also makes a mean pot of soup.

Throughout his 20 years of experience, Rick has taken on many challenges. He started off as an IT support desk technician and administrator, then moved on to graphic design creating graphics for both print and online. Over the past ten years, he has evolved into a system developer working in JavaScript and Domino Xpages.  (He created this beautiful website you are looking at!) Working on government projects fueled his sense of duty to support efforts that protect this country.  This sense of duty and pride came from his time in the Navy.  Today, as he completes BS in Computer Forensics, he is looking forward to new challenges.

Ron assists the Forest Service in achieving and maintaining NIST 800-53 compliance, as well as supporting any other mission-critical needs. His background in both the military and federal civilian sectors has given him a deep understanding of the Forest Service's culture, enabling him to operate effectively and with purpose. He takes pride not only in fulfilling his core responsibilities, but also in stepping in to provide ISSO support when needed—always ready to contribute, regardless of the role required. Outside of work, he enjoys cycling along the many scenic trails throughout the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Whether riding through the city or teaming up with AetherForge to tackle cybersecurity challenges, he’s always moving forward with focus and determination.

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Steve is a cybersecurity expert with AetherForge and brings more than 15 years of experience in engineering, building, sustaining, and hardening information systems for the US Army. He and his wife, Angie, grew up in the Midwest, and moved to the mountains of Colorado in 2015 to realize their lifelong dream of living amid the beauty and serenity of one of our nation’s incredible forests. Steve is passionate about helping others. He enjoys doing anything creative, from DIY home projects and remodeling, woodworking, and metal fabrication to just about anything technology-related in his spare time.

Tamra is the go-between who keeps projects aligned, stakeholders informed, and roadblocks out of the way before anyone hits them. Tamra brings nearly three decades of federal government experience to AetherForge, where she’s been a steady, solutions-minded presence since 2015 — after a remote move paused her career and left her literally starving for work with purpose. With roots in customer support and a heart for helping people, Tamra’s superpower is being the “people glue” — quietly holding things (and sometimes everyone) together. Off Duty? She’s crocheting comfort, conjuring meals from scratch, doting on her bright-light grandson, dreaming of distant adventures… and volunteering to help bury the bodies (at the local cemetery, that is).

Tori is a senior data scientist at Excel. She has over 30 years of experience in consulting and technology. She has worked for numerous major consulting firms including Booz Allen Hamilton, IBM, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and several startups. She sits on several startup advisory boards, has written numerous articles on AI and blockchain, and has been interviewed by major publications and media on these issues. She has supported numerous Federal Agencies (e.g., DOD, EPA, the Treasury, the Department of Commerce, the IRS) and major Fortune 500 companies. Her expertise is in AI, blockchain, and analytics. When not at work, Tori likes to hike, build Lego sets, and read copious amounts of books on 20th century history. She was born and grew up in the UK before emigrating to the US in the 1980s. She has two children who are all grown up now and spends as much time as she can with them.

Travis is a longstanding, proven leader with over 23 years experience in the National Security/Defense space specializing in Cybersecurity, Intelligence, Investigations, Team/Personnel Management and Project Management fields. He has many years of experience as a federal employee and federal agency contract supervisor and thoroughly enjoys overseeing teams and projects for a wide variety of federal clients.

Travis lives in the Colorado Rocky Mountains with his family, and is an avid explorer and dog lover. He has a passion for live music and the outdoors: camping, hiking, off-roading and exploring National Forests, Parks, and public lands. Travis also has a lifelong interest in mixed martial arts, specifically American/Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and is a Certified Glock Armorer.

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Trisha brings more than 15 years of experience in cybersecurity and privacy, specializing in NIST RMF, FISMA compliance, and security assessments. She has a bachelor's degree in Computer Information Systems and certifications in Security+, CAP, and CISM. Known for bringing structure to chaos, she thrives in high-stakes environments and translates complex risks into clear, actionable strategies. Off duty, she enjoys traveling, spending time with her husband and two sons, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.

Usayd is currently pursuing a computer science degree at George Mason University.  At AetherForge, he is observing how information technology is used in the real world. He looks forward to gaining more experience and knowledge within the IT field, as he takes on increasingly complex tasks for AetherForge and its customers. He enjoys going to the gym, spending time with family and friends, traveling, and learning new things.

Meet Val, AetherForge’s brand-new Chief Delivery Overlord—er, Officer—who treats “unplanned outages” like VIP guest appearances. She doesn’t just have a contingency plan; she brings snacks, solar panels, and matching onesies for the  dogs when she’s storming a week-long “Survivor” off-site in the woods (yep, generators and satellite phones in tow—and yes, clients applauded). When she’s not road-tripping coast to coast in the company RV and van—brewing artisanal tea (or hot chocolate “because life is short,” she quips) while her four-legged squad naps at her feet—she’s architecting backup strategies so flawless, even Murphy’s Law waves a white flag. Fun fact: Val insists every delivery roadmap include a little mud, a whiff of pine, and at least two dog treats—because why deliver business as usual when you can deliver a damn adventure?