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 Operating Officer

Linh Nguyen

Linh is the Chief Operating 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.

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, Cyber Mission Solutions (CMS)

Molly Moore

Molly joins PLEX as the Vice President of Cyber Mission Solutions, charged with growing and expanding our U.S. Cyber Command portfolio.

Molly joins us after a 38-year career at the NSA. She started her career as a language analyst before becoming the Chief of the target office, coordinating critical NSA support across the Intelligence Community (IC). From there, she took on a series of increasingly complex leadership roles in Computer Network Operations and Cybersecurity, before becoming Deputy Director of Workforce Support Activities Directorate and a member of NSA’s Board of Directors. She is the recipient of two Presidential Rank Awards and the Distinguished Civilian Service Award. She not only left an indelible mark on the NSA and its workforce, but on partners across the IC and DoD. Her passion for the people, leadership style, and commitment to excellence align perfectly with our PLEX culture.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Loyola University of Maryland, and two Master of Science degrees, one in Strategic Intelligence from NIU, and the other in National Security Strategy from the National Defense University. When not at work, you can find Molly spending time with her husband and two children in Cooksville, MD.

Vice President, Digital Cyber Solutions (DCS)

Bryan Nolan

Bryan is the 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 (S&ME)

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.

CISO, IT Manager & Lead Data Eng.

Steven Campbell

Steve is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and Manager of the PLEX IT Team.  Responsible for corporate information security compliance efforts and the internal information technology infrastructure programs. He has served in the Intelligence Community for nearly two decades working projects in the areas of Cybersecurity, System Engineering, Business Intelligence, Data Analytics and Content Management Systems.

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 & a Master’s of Human Computer Interface Design from Iowa State University and has continued his graduate studies in Systems Engineering. He currently is a member of AFCEA – Central Maryland Chapter.  In his free time Steve enjoys 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.

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.

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.

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, Systems & Mission Engineering (S&ME)

Eric Downs

Eric Downs is a Lead in our Systems & Mission Engineering (S&ME) Business Unit.  Eric joined PLEX after retiring from the Navy in April of 2021, and his ability to manage large teams and support the mission as an active-duty military member transitioned well to our PLEX company culture and the work we do for our clients.

In his spare time Eric enjoys fishing, spending time with his family and enjoying long, centering walks in nature.

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, 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, ACE Tools

Jonathan Quigg

Jonathan Quigg is the Adroit CNO Engineering (ACE) Lead for PLEX. He has over 20 years of software engineering and industry experience. He began his career at EMC Corporation where he developed global storage area networks and data migration software for the Department of Defense. After his time at EMC, Jonathan developed a cyber defense application to protect agencies and critical infrastructure. Now, Jonathan develops mission critical tools to further our nation’s cyber strategy.

Jonathan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from The University of Maryland, College Park, and a Master’s degree from Stanford University. In his spare time, he enjoys reading science fiction, making software do things that it shouldn’t, and hiking with his wife and two dogs.

Lead, Strategic Cyber Operations Portfolio (SCO)

Melisa Ramsey

Melisa Ramsey brings over 22 years of unwavering dedication and excellence serving the Intelligence Community to her role as Lead, Strategic Cyber Operations Portfolio. She served seven years with the Arlington County, VA Police Department and was a first responder to the Pentagon on September 11th, 2001. That tragic event catapulted her desire to join the fight in the global war on terrorism.  Melisa has the proven ability to manage complex, multi-phase projects. She is known for leadership acumen and commitment to delivering results. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for strategic planning, analytical problem-solving, and consistently aligning goals with efficient execution in support of national security and technologically sophisticated operations.

Melisa has a master’s degree in psychology, and earned her PMP certification in 2021.  She is a passionate advocate for continuous improvement and mentorship.  

When not working diligently supporting SCO, you can likely find her in a hockey rink somewhere across the U.S. or Canada cheering on her sons who both play high level travel ice hockey.

Lead, PLEXWorx

John Weise

John Weise is the PLEXWorx Lead currently working on projects to automate complex cybersecurity tasks from Huntsville, AL. With five years of service in the Air Force followed by eight years at the Smithsonian Institution as Lead IT Support Engineer, John has built a career around automation and IT cyber defense.

At PLEX, he continues solving complex customer problems with innovative automation solutions. His focus spans the intersection of cybersecurity, and automation. He has a bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity and holds a CISSP certification.

Beyond his professional pursuits, John is an avid amateur radio operator. He enjoys these interests alongside his wife and four children, three boys and one girl.