Plex Solutions

President

Paul Weidow

Paul is President and co-founder of PLEX. He has served the Intelligence Community and the Aerospace Industry in all facets of engineering and information technology for more than 19 years. Prior to starting PLEX, Paul was a Senior Director of Varen Technologies starting in April of 2006. Preceding his time at Varen, Paul was the Vice President of Intelligence Programs at Pangia Technologies with responsibility for all business activities across the Intelligence Community, and the Business Director for Henggeler Computer Consultants where he was responsible for all program management and business development activities. Paul also worked at Booz Allen Hamilton from 1996-2003, where his career encompassed software engineering, natural language processing, and project and program management. While at Booz Allen, Paul was instrumental in the formation of the Workforce Leadership Council, and served as the President of the Baltimore Chapter for two years. Paul also formed a company chapter of Toastmasters International and served as president of this chapter, the Baltim-Orators, for two years. Paul began his career at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), where he worked as an aerospace engineer in the fields of vibro-acoustics and spacecraft environment simulation.

Paul holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Computer Science and Aerospace Engineering from the University of Maryland. He currently is a member of AFCEA and Toastmasters. In his free time Paul plays soccer, travels as much as possible and tries to keep up with his children.

Executive Vice President

Stan Nolen

Stan Nolen, CISSP, PMP, is Executive Vice President and Co-Founder of PLEX. He began his career in the USAF as an enlisted Intelligence Analyst in 1984, and has served in various roles protecting and serving our country, including being commissioned as a Cryptologic Officer with a focus is on intelligence; cyber; electronic warfare in information operations mission areas, deployment to the Persian Gulf region after 9/11 to provide critical cyber and vulnerability network security support to USCENTCOM, and a year at the White House Communications Agency. Finally, he led the joint NSA/DISA Blue-Team cyber vulnerability assessments in Baghdad, Iraq. Lt Col Nolen’s last assignment was with the 175th USAF Network Warfare Squadron, at Fort Meade MD, where he served as the Director of Operations for an elite offensive cyber warfare unit. His civilian career experiences include security engineering support to UAV Intelligence, ISR platform (MQ-9 Reaper). Additionally, he is currently providing systems security support to cryptologic engineering and development program for Special Operations ISR platforms. Stan was a Director at Varen Technologies from 2010 through 2015.

Stan holds an M.S. in Information and Telecommunications from Johns Hopkins University and a B.A. in Business Management from National-Louis University. Stan is a member of the AFCEA International Cyber Committee. When not at work, Stan enjoys biking and hiking with his family.

Chief Strategy Officer

Linh Nguyen

Linh is the Chief Strategy Officer at PLEX, charged with developing and overseeing the strategy, marketing, and growth of the company.

She returns to PLEX after working at the National Security Agency (NSA), serving in several key positions across the cybersecurity and collection missions. Her NSA career culminated as the first Operations Support to the NSA Senior Advisor to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) where she managed and amplified the NSA’s engagement with, support to, and investment in the ODNI and Interagency by fully leveraging NSA’s cryptologic expertise and capabilities to advance U.S. national security priorities and strategy. Linh started her career in industry, where she held multiple corporate headquarters roles and provided direct support to the USCYBERCOM J2.

Linh holds both a Master of Business Administration and a Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security from Loyola University Maryland. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of Maryland. Additionally, she completed a Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University.

Linh currently resides in Ellicott City with her chocolate lab Cole. She is active in the community and a loyal Maryland Terp, having served on both the University of Maryland Alumni Association Board of Governors, Terrapin Club Board of Directors, and Behavioral and Social Sciences Alumni Chapter Board. She also held multiple leadership roles for the Armed Forces Communications Electronics Association (AFCEA) Central Maryland chapter. She currently serves as the Communications Director for the Defense Intelligence Memorial Foundation and on a board to oversee education and capital improvement projects for St. John’s Evangelist School in Les Gonaives, Haiti.

Capture & Strategy Advisor

Paul Falkler

Paul Falkler is the PLEX Capture and Strategy Advisor, supporting all growth and expansion opportunities. He is a seasoned leader and strategist, with over 35 years of experience in both government and industry.

Paul started his career with the Department of Defense serving in multiple roles including Business Manager, Program Manager, and Human Resources Manager.  He then transitioned to industry and has worked for multiple large and small businesses including: L3Harris, Conquest, Boeing, Leidos, Vistronix and BAE Systems.  Paul’s positions in industry have spanned from Program Manager, Strategic Development Vice President, and Business Unit Vice President and General Manager.   He has led and won over $6B of new business captures throughout his career.  

Paul holds both a Masters and Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.  Paul is also a proud dad of 2 adult sons, and a giant dog named Melbe.

Senior Vice President, Systems & Mission Engineering (S&ME)

Jessica Trombley-Owens

Jessica Trombley-Owens is the Senior Vice President of S&ME (Systems & Mission Engineering). She is an Air Force Veteran with 17 years of experience in the Intelligence Community, Special Operations Command (SOCOM), DARPA and the Air Force.  Jessica began her career as a SIGINT analyst, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and a graduate degree in Intelligence Studies and Foreign Policy. Her background in software development, cyber survivability and resiliency, SIGINT collection systems and special operations tactical cyber support brings a wealth of experience to the PLEX team.  In her spare time she teaches yoga, enjoys running and raising her two tiny humans.

Vice President, Strategic Cyber Operations (SCO)

Dan Bugaj

Dan Bugaj is a retired CIA Officer with an extensive 30-year career in public service, who has demonstrated exemplary leadership in both the military and intelligence sectors of the National Security field. His service is marked by a blend of technical acumen and a dedication to guiding principles of servant leadership.

In his military career as a US Army veteran, Dan’s multiple combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan highlighted his strategic abilities and resilience under pressure. His service in these demanding environments, marked by the award of the Bronze Star for his service in Iraq, reflects his dedication to leading by example. During his tenure at the CIA, Dan’s role expanded beyond operations to include strategic leadership in Human Intelligence operations. Rising to senior positions, he led multidisciplinary teams to success, combining his deep operational knowledge with a keen understanding of technical solutions.

Dan currently lives in Northern Virginia with his wife, twin daughters and his Labrador Bernese Mountain dog.  Dan was born and raised in Buffalo, NY and is a die-hard Buffalo Bills fan and loves chicken wings and pizza.

Vice President, Digital Cyber Solutions

Tony Liberto

Tony is the Vice President of the Digital Cyber Solutions division. He is a Navy veteran who began his career as a Cryptologic Technician, and has over 25 years of experience in SIGINT, Network Engineering, Systems Engineering, Software Engineering and Program Management supporting various agencies across the Intelligence Community.

Associate Vice President (RCC) Rocket City Cyber Portfolio

Adam Perlman

Adam Perlman is the Associate Vice President of PLEX’s Rocket City Cyber (RCC) division and is based out of Huntsville, AL. He is an Air Force Veteran with 19 years of experience in the Intelligence Community and Department of Justice. Adam began his career as an F-16 Aircraft Mechanic switching to SIGINT analysis after 4 years on the flight line. He has a background in SIGINT, cyber threat intelligence, Cyber Defense and SOC Operations to include incident Response. He spent 7 years supporting SIGINT Operations before moving to Cyber Threat intelligence and SOC operations for the last 12. Before joining PLEX Adam worked for Booz Allen Hamilton for almost 13 years.

Adam is an avid sports fan, and despite living in Alabama he remains loyal to his New York teams while also inheriting a University of Maryland allegiance from his wife. Go Giants, Yankees, and Knicks! Adam is a father to 4 kids: 3 girls and 1 boy.

Associate Vice President (RCC) Rocket City Cyber Portfolio

Andy Wilson

Andy Wilson is a retired Army National Guard Warrant Officer with over two decades of experience in Information Technology and Cyber Security. During his military career, he honed his expertise in this field, ultimately leading to a distinguished role at the FBI, where he served for six years. In his final two years at the FBI, he held the position of senior leader, overseeing the Enterprise Engineering Assurance Unit. After his government service, Andy transitioned to the private sector, contributing his skills as a Cloud Cyber Security Engineer for VMWare’s Unified Endpoint Management Business Unit.

Andy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems Security and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Cyber Security, furthering his commitment to excellence in this dynamic field. He is a proud husband and father of three.  He loves hiking, running in the park, playing basketball.

Associate Vice President, Digital Cyber Solutions

Bryan Nolan

Bryan is the Associate Vice President for Digital Cyber Solutions. He brings over 10 years of experience in Government contracting focusing on Program Management and Business Development. Bryan has worked his entire career supporting the Intelligence Community missions in various program management and program support roles overseeing cost, schedule, and performance of Prime and Subcontract programs of various sizes and scope within the Operations, Capabilities and Cybersecurity organizations.

Bryan holds two Bachelor of Science degrees in Accounting and Business Administration and has his MBA with a focus in Project Management. He is certified as a Program Management Professional (PMP) through Program Management Institute (PMI).

In his spare time, Bryan is busy raising his 2 daughters and 2 huskies, juggling house projects and spending time with family.  He is a big sports fan and is a die-hard Atlanta Braves and Baltimore Ravens fan.

Associate Vice President, Systems & Mission Engineering

Manny Collado

Manny joined PLEX in 2022 after retiring from active duty with over 24 years of experience in SIGINT, COMINT, HUMINT, OSINT, Cybersecurity, Systems Engineering, Cryptologic Foreign Languages and Project Management supporting various agencies across the Intelligence Community.

IT Mgr, CISO & Lead Data Eng

Steven Campbell

Steve is the Lead for Data Sciences & Engineering.  He has served in the Intelligence Community for over a decade working projects in the areas of Business Intelligence, Data Analytics and Content Management Systems.

Prior to starting with PLEX, Steve was the Senior Corporate IT Manager for Varen Technologies and a Senior Consultant in the area of Business Intelligence, Data Analytics and Content Management Systems starting in October of 2006. Preceding his time at Varen Steve worked for Data Management Group as a Business Intelligence & Data Analytics Consultant/Teacher, providing services and instruction to variety of public and private organizations.

Steve has also worked and traveled as a Technical Sales Engineer providing Financial Management and Business Intelligence solutions to the insurance industry.  Steve performed all manners of Information Technology assignments from System Administration to Technical Support to Website Design to Social Media management for several private companies.

Steve holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology from The Catholic University of America. He also holds a Master’s of Science in Information Assurance from Iowa State University and has continued his graduate studies in Systems Engineering and Human Computer Interface Design. He currently is a member of AFCEA – Central Maryland Chapter.  In his free time Steve enjoy traveling with his family to historical items and roadside oddities.

Director of Contracts

Deirdre Johnson, Esq.

Deirdre joined PLEX in 2023 as the Director of Contracts.   She comes with over 25 years’ experience in government contracting, having worked in small, medium, and large businesses.  Deirdre is a Maryland attorney, and also holds a bachelor’s degree in business management.  In her spare time, Deirdre enjoys watching movies, engaging in community service projects, and spending time with her family.

Director of Finance

Lark Ryan

Lark Ryan is the Director of Finance for PLEX, providing financial, accounting and budgeting oversight. Lark has supported the Intelligence Community for over 20 years in a variety of roles including project control and business operations/management support. Lark possesses a strong background working with multiple contract types including Firm Fixed Price (FFP), Fixed Price Level of Effort (FPLOE), Time and Materials (T&M), Cost Plus Award Fee, Fixed Fee, and Incentive Fee (CPAF, CPFF, CPIF).

In her spare time, Lark likes to spend time at the beach, travel, and watch sporting events that her children participate in.

Director of People & Culture

Tammy Sidey

At PLEX, Director of People and Culture is more than just a title! It is the person who is devoted to both candidates and employees, taking care of everything from hello to hire to happy anniversary! With over 15 years of experience in Human Resources and Personnel Security, Tammy supports PLEX by helping to create and maintain a corporate culture that is employee focused.

Tammy is a graduate of Catholic University of America where she received a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theater. After a career in the performing arts, she then received her HR Certification through Cornell University. She has since been dedicated to working for DoD companies as an FSO and HR Generalist. She is an active member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the Industrial Security Awareness Council (ISAC).

Tammy still loves to sing and act (around the house) with her husband and two kids, and her two dogs, Flip and Bean.

Director of PLEXWorx

Casey Raiford

Casey is the Director of PLEXWorx, PLEX’s internal R&D shop. He has over 30 years of experience in SIGINT, ISR, Special Operations, Operational Test and Evaluation, System Engineering, and organizational leadership experience. He specializes in identifying good and bad ideas at a distance.

Casey is a retired US Navy Master Chief Petty Officer who began his career as a Persian Farsi operator deploying aboard surface combatants during the Iran/Iraq war. Following Desert Storm he became a Naval Air crewman, and when not flying naturally spent a lot of time aboard submarines. He subsequently served as an Operational Test Director at the Naval Information Warfare Activity developing and fielding prototype IO and EA systems. Upon graduating the Special Warfare Combatant Crewman he spent six years as a tactical Cryptologic operator. He served an administrative tour back at the Defense Language Institute where he was responsible for 200+ future linguists on a daily basis. Casey finished his Naval career as a Senior Enlisted Leader.

He has been in the private sector since retiring in 2011 as a Subject Matter Expert, instructor, Capture/Proposal Manager, Program Manager, PMO Director, and Vice President of Customer success. In his spare time Casey enjoys precision long range rifle, dynamic pistol shooting, amateur radio and reads extensively across a broad range of topics.

Lead, Systems & Mission Engineering

Kris Balcom

Kris Balcom joined PLEX in 2018. Prior to joining PLEX, he spent over 20 years in the U.S. Navy retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer. His experience includes military operations, intelligence analysis focusing on signals intelligence, and Surface and Subsurface operations.

Kris began his career as an enlisted Sailor in 1998, he attended Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced Signals Analysis Courses, and deployed onboard USS Shoup (DDG 86) as well as multiple Atlantic and Pacific Fleet SubSurface Combatants.

Kris holds a B.S in Criminal Justice from the Columbia College. As a father of five wonderful kids (3 Stepchildren and 2 from his previous marriage), Kris spends his free time traveling and spending time with his family, watching sports and playing golf.

Lead, Digital & Cyber Solutions (DCS)

Patrick Brindle

Patrick is the Lead for USCC J3. Pat Brindle is a consummate professional that has a well-established record in program, portfolio, and project management as well as extensive planning experience spanning more than 30 years. This includes an extensive background in formal resource management, Department of Defense budgeting, fiduciary oversight, long range budgets, coordinated resource acquisition, resource execution and oversight, requirements validation / life-cycle upgrades in disciplines of Operations, Intelligence, Cyber, Exercises, Training, Readiness and Assessments supporting service, joint, coalition and enabler organizations.

In Pat’s spare time he enjoys destination and adventure traveling with his family. Pat’s other hobbies include boating, carpentry, golf, and supports various charities.

Lead, Cyber Warfare Special Projects

Chris Graves

Chris “Gump” Graves is the Lead of Cyber Warfare Special Projects at PLEX, bringing a wealth of experience from his distinguished career supporting DoD, IC, and USG. Retiring from the Army after serving as a Special Operations Intelligence operative, Gump specializes in cyber and RF technologies. He is also a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Mobile, Wireless, and Push to Talk communications, with over 32 years of expertise spanning both communications and exploitation sides of RF technology.

Gump holds a BS degree in Computer Science and is fluent in Levantine Arabic dialect as a former Arabic Linguist. He is also a Certified NSA TAO/ROC Master CNO Remote Operations Operator. Beyond his professional achievements, Gump is an FCC licensed Amateur Radio operator, and an avid camper and outdoorsman.

Lead, Systems & Mission Engineering

Ken Honecker

Ken Honecker is a Senior Consultant with over 20 years of experience in security; global IT planning, operations and management; and business operations. Ken has strong technical leadership as well as operations expertise. Ken began his career in the intelligence community as a language analyst in the U.S. Army and transitioned into the technology consulting industry where he developed hands-on technical skills in systems engineering; computer and network security; and IT architecture. He has been a Senior Consultant in the intelligence community for the past 15 years.

Ken completed his undergraduate degree from Illinois State University and also holds an MBA from John Carroll University as well as an MS in Technical Management and Innovation from Johns Hopkins University. He maintains numerous professional certifications including CISSP, CISM, CGEIT, CRISC, CISA, and PMP. Ken enjoys spending time with his family and loves to be outdoors hiking, biking and exercising.

Lead, (RCC) Rocket City Cyber Portfolio

Bradly Irish

Bradly Irish joined PLEX in October 2023 as an Information System Security Manager Team Lead at Army Materiel Command’s (AMC) Cybersecurity Division in Huntsville, Alabama.  There he led a geographically dispersed team of Analysts and assisted the Division Chief with Operations Orders, White Papers, and the development of processes and procedures.  Prior to that, he held positions at multiple cybersecurity firms supporting Missile Defense and the Defense Industrial Base.  He retired in 2023 as a Sergeant Major after 34 years in the United States Army and Army Reserves.

Bradly holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Accounting from the HBCU, Bowie State University, is a CISSP and recently obtained his PMP.  

His household is a multi-ringed circus consisting of four children and their friends, two dogs, two hermit crabs, an endless series of foster animals, a rotation of visiting relatives, and the occasional brood of chickens. 

When not delivering children to sports fields across the Southeastern United States, he maintains his sanity by taking mini-vacations with his lovely wife, keeping fit, building (or breaking) things, and enjoying cigars and whiskey with his friends.

Lead, People & Operations

Jade Kish

Jade Kish is the People & Operations Lead at PLEX, where she strives each day to ensure that things are running smoothly behind the scenes. At PLEX, “People” isn’t just the first letter in our name, it’s the foundation of our culture, and Jade takes pride in making sure the employee experience is as exceptional as the people on our team.

Jade joined PLEX with over a decade of operations and Human Resource experience across a broad spectrum of industries including public health, hospitality, political polling, and DoD contracting. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and Public Health from the University of South Florida and is a SHRM Certified Professional. She also holds a Certificate in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace from the University of South Florida.

Jade is an active member of the SHRM Howard County Chapter, as well as the Fort Meade Alliance Rising Stars Network. She is the proud wife of an Army Veteran and mom to two wild little boys. In her spare time, you can find Jade catching up on shows, or building LEGO sets and PC gaming with her boys.

Lead, Digital Cyber Solutions

Kevin Leihy

Kevin Leihy is a Software Systems Engineer/Developer with over seven (7) years of experience in DoD cyber systems and Medicare/Medicaid fraud prevention applications. He is proficient in frontend and backend software development, testing, and deployment using primarily Java, Spring Boot, Angular, NodeJS, and standard DoD test, deployment, and ticketing applications.

Kevin has an MS degree in Applied Information Technology with a Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Internet Application Development and earned his BS degree in Computer Information Systems with a Minor in Health Care Management. He has also been trained and performed in full lifecycle development programs using the Agile methodology.

Outside of work, Kevin enjoys spending time with his wife Michelle and their two dogs, Loba and Daenerys, traveling, and playing video games.

Lead, Bus. & Analytic Apps

William Phillips

Will Phillips is the Lead for Business & Analytic Applications for PLEX. He has over 15 years experience in information technology supporting government customers. He began his career supporting the Department of Defense as an IT consultant. He implemented and supported a content management system for the Navy. For the past 12 years, he has been supporting several different intelligence community customers. He is a Subject Matter Expert in Business Intelligence and Enterprise Content Management software.  Will has led several efforts for the migration of IBM Cognos for user communities of several thousand.

Will graduated from the College of Southern Maryland with a degree in Business Administration. In his spare time (which pretty much does not exist with 3 children in elementary school, sports and activities), he likes to golf, watch sports, and travel to local beaches. Will and his wife Jessica live in Southern Maryland and are raising 2 girls and a boy.

Lead, Mission Engineering

Kris Powell

Kristopher Powell joined PLEX in 2020 as a Lead in our Mission Engineering division after spending over 22 years in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a Master Sergeant. His military experience includes military operations, intelligence analysis, and training. 

Upon joining PLEX, Kris conducted defensive cybersecurity operations as a Vulnerability Manager and Vulnerability Assessment Analysis analyst. Kristopher is currently providing special operations support as part of the ISR Special Operations Cybersecurity team. 

Kris holds a B.A in Intelligence Studies from American Military University. He enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling to see his kids and new destinations, watching sports, and hiking great locations in Maryland with his dogs. 

Lead, Cyber Operations Training

Curtis Smith

Curtis joined PLEX with over 34 years of managerial and technical experience in both DoD and private sector companies.  He is a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, where he continued a rich family history of military service.  Curtis has a strong background in network engineering, operations and security across various DoD agencies and commercial communications organizations. Curtis is driven by faith, family, and his love of country. 

Lead, Technical Collections and Operations

Joe Smith

Joe Smith is the Lead for Technical Collections and Operations at PLEX. He has over 20 years of experience in Signals Intelligence collections, analysis, and operational support. He served in the United States Marine Corps for 13 years having supported both small unit special operations and national level strategic objectives. Joe has earned commercial certifications from CompTIA and CWNP as well as a BS in Information Technology from Kaplan University. He is always trying to learn something. He enjoys traveling and spending time with family.

Lead, Digital & Cyber Solutions (DCS)

Briana Watson

Briana Watson is a Lead for Digital & Cyber Solutions (DCS) at PLEX. She started her career in the cyber intelligence community with Northrop Grumman in 2016 providing technological insights for their Strategy Business Unit. She continued propelling forward by gaining hands-on software experience with feature driven development and leading teams in the full-stack development of data analytics. Bri’s strong technical background encompasses software development, data science and machine learning in the signals intelligence domain.
Bri holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science with a concentration in Data Science from the University of Maryland. She currently volunteers with a local Maryland school system to help educate children of all ages about having a career in Tech and programming. In her spare time, Bri enjoys spending time with her loved ones, traveling, basketball, and reading a good book.

Lead, Digital Cyber Solutions

Matt Aust

Matt Aust is the Lead of KESSEL RUN within Digital Cyber Solutions. The KESSEL RUN team are trail blazers, who are helping to redefine penetration testing, data integration, and infrastructure development.

Matt joined PLEX in 2021 after serving 6 years on active duty in the U.S. Air Force. Matt received his Bachelors of Science in Computer Science from the United States Air Force Academy in 2015 and his Masters of Science in Computer Science from the Air Force Institute of Technology in 2017, both with an emphasis in cyber warfare. After technical school, Matt spent 4 years at the Air Force Operational Test Center, Detachment 2, where he planned and led numerous advanced cyber operational tests against high equity systems. 

When not spending time with his wife and son, Matt is avid woodworker who is remodeling his kitchen using almost exclusively hand tools.