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 and their two dogs Shelby and Boss.

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

Jessica Trombley-Owens

Jessica Trombley-Owens is the 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 of the 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.

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 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.

People Enthusiast

Tammy Sidey

What is a People Enthusiast? At PLEX, it is the person who is devoted to both candidates and employees, taking care of everything from hello to hire to happy anniversary! With 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 dog, Buzz.

Director, PLEXWorx

Casey Raidford

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.

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.

Lead, SETA (Systems Engineering and Technical Advisor) Portfolio

Kelly Snow

Kelly joined PLEX as a Lead for our SETA portfolio under the S&ME (Systems and Mission Engineering) business unit in 2023. She is bringing 20 years of combined experience in both the commercial and government contracting industries, Kelly has worked for the last 14 years in direct support of the Intelligence Community missions in various program management and program support roles. Throughout her career, she has forged great customer relationships and helped previous companies in winning and managing multiple prime $50M+ contracts.
She is trained and has experience in client relationship management, proposal writing/capture efforts, reporting as well as oversight and management. Kelly holds a Bachelor of Science from Frostburg University and is certified as a Program Management Professional (PMP) through Program Management Institute (PMI).
In her spare time Kelly is chasing around her 2 boys, juggling all the sporting events.  She also plays tennis and is an avid crime drama connoisseur and loves a good podcast.

Lead, Digital Cyber Solutions and Integrated Cyber Operations

Bryan Nolan

Bryan joined PLEX in 2023 as the Lead for Digital Cyber Solutions and Integrated Cyber Operations. He brings 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.

Lead, Systems & Mission Engineering

Nicole Arnett

Nicole joined PLEX in 2019 after spending the beginning of her career in commercial industry. Before working in the defense space, she worked for several Healthcare IT companies, with specialties spanning telehealth and medical software platforms. Nicole has significant experience working on complex problems centered around large amounts of data with a focus on interoperability. She is currently focused on data architecture initiatives and enjoys the challenge each day brings. 

Nicole is originally from West Virginia and attended West Virginia University, where she obtained her BFA.  After graduating in 2013, she moved to Maryland for work and has enjoyed getting to know the area. In her spare time, Nicole loves to cook, bake, and explore while traveling. She enjoys being active, especially walking with her husband. During the 2020 pandemic, she got up to walking around 7 miles per day.

Lead, 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.

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, 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.

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, 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, 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 for 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 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. 

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.