Chief Executive Samurai & President

Founding Samurais

Bhanu Jagasia and Kris Martel are the dynamic co-founders of bladestack.io, a cutting-edge technology company that provides unparalleled services and products in the cybersecurity, governance, risk, and compliance industry. With over a decade of experience working together and more than 40 years of combined cybersecurity experience, Bhanu and Kris are visionaries who have established themselves as leaders in the world of technology and cybersecurity.

Bhanu serves as the Chief Executive Samurai and Technologist of bladestack.io , always ready to strike with precision and accuracy in the world of cybersecurity. His expertise in managing large-scale technology projects is akin to the katana, a weapon of unparalleled sharpness and strength. Bhanu’s unwavering commitment to delivering the highest quality products and services to the company’s clients has made him a true samurai of the industry. His dedication to maintaining bladestack.io’s reputation as a leader in the technology industry is akin to a shogun’s strategy, always looking for new and innovative ways to stay ahead of the game. With his deep understanding of the technical landscape and his vision for the future, Bhanu is a true thought leader in the industry, always pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

Kris, as the President of bladestack.io, is an ambitious leader who brings the code of Bushido to the world of technology and business. His expertise in business strategy, combined with his technical background, is reminiscent of a true cyber samurai, a master swordsman who always stays one step ahead of the competition. Kris is passionate about creating a company culture that prioritizes employee satisfaction and growth while becoming the industry leader in cybersecurity advisory services. He understands the importance of cultivating a positive work environment and has instilled a culture of innovation, teamwork, and excellence at bladestack.io , like a wise shogun who inspires loyalty, respect, admiration and devotion in his troops.

Together, Bhanu and Kris often refer to themselves as “brothers from another mother” and who are dedicated to creating a company that values the principles of Bushido. Both Bhanu and Kris have an unwavering commitment to their code of honor and bladestack.io . Their passion for technology and their dedication to their employees and clients make them a formidable duo that is destined to change the face of the cybersecurity world.

At bladestack.io, the employees are like the shinsengumi, a group of samurai who work together to protect their customers, partners and companies interests. The company’s culture is one of innovation, teamwork, and excellence, where the employees are encouraged to sharpen their skills like a battle-worn katana and become true cyber samurai warriors of the industry.

In conclusion, Bhanu and Kris are true cybersecurity samurais who have established themselves as leaders in the cybersecurity world of technology and business. Their vision, expertise, and commitment to their code of honor have made bladestack.io a formidable force in the industry. The company’s mission is to become the seii taishogun, the ultimate shogun and commanders of chief of the cybersecurity industry, a leader who is respected and respected by its competitors.

Chief Technology Samurai

Bhanu Jagasia

Founding Samurai

Bhanu Jagasia’s obsession and fascination with technology came at an early age when his parents bought him a Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Bhanu started picking the game cartridges and console apart, tinkering with the actual internals to the point he broke the system and was able to re-assemble it once his parents got him some soldering tools. This obsession continued in all types of electronics until the obsession hit critical mass when Bhanu was introduced to the computers in general in elementary.

By middle school, in the time and age where technology wasn’t much understood, Bhanu felt as he had the upper hand. Bhanu was making more than his parents by designing websites, selling modded Xboxs, along with unknowingly getting involved into the deeper areas of the dark web by making a small fortune from Diablo 2 Stone of Jordans (SoJs, raise your hand if you remember those days!), World-of-Warcraft gear, server-breaking exploits and a lot of other things which would now be heavily frowned upon. Thankfully Bhanu managed to stay away from anything which would have landed him in jail!

Bhanu continued by managing his own newsgroups, ran early-day “script-kiddie” exploits to until finally getting to more types of exploits which were considered sophisticated during those times. Regardless Bhanu was involved in all thing’s technology, to the point he dry-ice cooled his personal computer and ran the energy bill to the point where his parents almost got evicted. It didn’t matter to Bhanu, because he was able to get the highest 3DMark leaderboard score and overclock his CPU to the point where his classmates made a bet to Bhanu that he would not be able to overclock his CPU to 4GHZ.  Little did his class know he had one of the most overclockable CPU’s during that era, the Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 – Bhanu was able to hit 4GHZ on air, no problem. His classmate never ended up paying for losing the bet, and to this day, Bhanu retells this story in a light-hearted manner. However, Bhanu is still waiting for his payment – you know who you are!

Fast forward to age 16 and Bhanu began his “first” job – which lasted approximately 4 hours at Bob Evans. Bhanu promptly told his manager that this was not for him. Bhanu instead ran home, asked to borrow his father’s credit card, and ran his father’s credit-card up by purchasing tons of books and learning materials to earn certifications. In a few months, Bhanu at the age of 17 was more certified than any other individual at his age, or older. The entire certifications market was still coming into shape however once again, Bhanu had a leg-up and was able to land his first job, loaded with certifications, and no experience or college degree at ManTech international.

Bhanu continued his climb from systems engineer, enterprise architect, developer, software engineer, and so on so forth until finally when the advent of cloud computing came into the picture, Bhanu, once again, was unknowingly already years into cloud technology. When cloud computing finally “emerged”, Bhanu realized what he had been doing this entire time has involved some form of cloud-computing, and thus the rest is history. Still, an obsessive tech-geek and Chief Technology Samurai of his own Cybersecurity Cloud Advisory Firm in McLean, VA, Bhanu leads his army of absurdly technical cyber-samurais in all things cyber from complex automated cloud solutions to the most stringent cybersecurity frameworks in the world, such as FedRAMP.

In addition to all thing’s cybersecurity, Bhanu is infatuated about giving back to the community and helping everyone understand technology at level where it’s absolutely absurd. One of Bhanu’s greatest driving forces is to help others understand that technology is a tool to be used and to accelerate and supplement the human factor. From helping his team implement frictionless second-brain process workflows, to being able to reverse-engineer code and develop processes and systems which work in your favor, ultimately at the end of the day – ensuring you’re providing value back to the community and service to your fellow humans. Bhanu currently serves as a Subject Matter Expert and Exam Writer for ISC2 and Amazon Web Services. Bhanu is also a member of the Penn State Technology Council.

Omoshiro jōhō (Fun Facts) about Bhanu:

1. What do you do when you’re not at bladestack.io?
   1. When I’m not working, my favorite thing to do is race cars and motorcycles. I’m a major gearhead and captivated by all things mechanical. I’ve earned some trophies in the past at the Mid-Atlantic Ducati track days. However, when I’m not being a gearhead, I default back into immersing myself into even more technology, and occasionally gaming. I have a very bad habit from my early years where I have at this point, most likely poured thousands into my computer setup. I’m always pretty proud of my computer, and I like to keep my PC’s specs top-of-the-line at all times. That said, I’m making a deliberate effort to a little more traveling and getting back into photography.
2. What did you want to do when you were a child?
   1. Truthfully…. A fighter jet pilot. I found that to be one of the most bad-ass things ever. I always wanted a bright-red fighter jet, and yes, I know how illogical that would be, but you’ve got to admit, if you were in a dog fight and you saw a bright red fighter jet headed your way you would be thinking “Wow, what an idiot…” but also, “Wow… this guy has some guts!”.
3. Do you have a favorite quote?
   1. “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit” – Aristotle
4. If you could use a time machine, would you rather have one that only goes back in time or only goes forward?
   1. Definitely forward. I want to see the andromeda galaxy and milky way galaxy collide, and all the new technology. That’s my biggest FOMO, is the future. Hopefully I can cryogenically freeze myself until those great things happen.
5. What’s your definition of success?
   1. I’d like to quote my father here… “Success is when you make more than your wife can spend!” [laughs]

Chief Security Samurai

Kris Martel

Co-founding Samurai

Kris Martel didn’t start out with an interest in computers and cybersecurity. In fact, Kris was the typical kid who played every sport and enjoyed spending all his free time outdoors until he was called in for dinner and bedtime. He enjoyed some video games, and his first computer was the vaunted Apple II when it first came out but Kris really remained a standard “user” until he was in college.

While attending Emory University, Kris was focused on what he thought was going to be his future, being pre-med and earning a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and Human Biology. It wasn’t until his Senior year that when he took a random computer programming class as an elective just for fun. It was at this point that Kris decided to change his career path, and put the medical field behind him and focus on computers.

After graduating, Kris took some computer networking and administration classes at a local school in Tallahassee and quickly landed his first job as an assistant network administrator. Kris was a quick study and couldn’t get enough of technology while he learned the ins and outs of building custom desktop computers, creating CAT5 patch cables, building servers, configuring and managing firewalls and routers, and becoming a subject matter expert in Microsoft Office applications and dozens of other project management, accounting, and productivity software.

In 1998 Kris earned his first of many certifications, the MCSE 4.0. He leveraged that certification to migrate his first network from Novel Netware 3.2 to Windows 4.0, and later upgrade to Windows 2000! Kris leveraged his technical prowess to assist companies avoid the Y2K crises that threatened to shut down the world and send everyone everywhere back to the stone age (obviously that never happened)! Kris never looked back once the 21^st century hit and he racked up dozens of new certifications supporting products like Cisco to eventually focusing in on cybersecurity as his area of specialty.

After realizing that he was never going to be the head coach of Florida State Seminoles Football (or even being any part of the program), Kris decided to sell his first company in 2003. Kris moved to the Washington DC area to better support Government agencies as a consultant and cybersecurity SME. Over 2 decades later and supporting the Intelligence Community, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and dozens of Federal Civilian agencies, Kris started up bladestack.io with his partner and co-founder Bhanu Jagasia.

Omoshiro jōhō (Fun Facts) about Kris:

1. What do you do when you’re not at bladestack.io?
   1. I am a college football fanatic. Year round I am talking and following college football (Go Seminoles!). However, when I am not talking about or watching football, I like to travel and visit new places that I have on my bucket list.
2. Who has had the most positive impact on your life?
   1. This may sound cheesy, but my parents have had the most positive impact on my life. They have been the flawless example of respect, kindness, how to love, work ethic, and how to enjoy life.
3. If you could be any mythical creature, what would you be and why?
   1. Without a doubt, a dragon. Dragons are badass, wise, live forever, and powerful.
4. What single event or decision do you think most affected the rest of your life? Was there a turning point in your life?
   1. There are many significant events that have happened in my life but the decision that most affected my life was choosing to not attend medical school my senior year of college and get into the computers and technology industry instead. The rest is history as my whole professional life has led me to where I am today!
5. What is your definition of success?
   1. Success to me isn’t about status, accomplishments, standing in your community or profession, or how much wealth you can accumulate. Success to me is when you have a good balance of loving what you do and enjoying every day of your life. If you love what you do and live the life you want, you are successful.

Chief Operations Rōnin

Vincent Tham

Vinnie’s start in technology is uncommon and not traditional. If you were to ask his closest friends if they ever thought he would have a successful career in cybersecurity, they would absolutely state something along the lines of “Vinnie was the type of person who could not turn on a computer let alone be considered a trusted advisor in a cybersecurity space” and Vinnie 100% agrees. Prior to fully going all in on cybersecurity and compliance, he spent years pursuing completely unrelated aspirations, including becoming a strongman/power lifter, local fish store owner, firefighter, and physical therapist.

Fortunately, those aspirations were never realized. In the wise words of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson: “Sometimes the goal we’ve worked our a** off for years is never achieved. Then years later, we look back and realize, it’s the best thing that never happened.”

This is exactly what happened to Vinnie. He landed a position as an office administrator/local support desk position at a defense contractor instead of becoming a firefighter. This decision blossomed into his obsession of technology and security, stemming from troubleshooting printers, office networking, and company laptops. What was a port or protocol? What is ring zero? How do I tun on a computer? Questions that needed answers!

To learn those answers, Vinnie obtained his first of many cybersecurity certifications, the CompTIA Security+ and started his cybersecurity career as a security analyst! Instead of returning to college for formal cybersecurity education, he chose to learn as much as possible with hands on experience and more obtaining industry certifications. This path enabled Vinnie to join multiple teams and learn multiple security disciplines, ranging from security analyst systems, security engineering, and auditing.

Prior to joining bladetack.io, Vinnie held positions ranging from Senior Security Consulting to Director where he managed multiple successful FedRAMP, FISMA, and NIST Advisory and Assessment client engagements from inception to closure. His experience has successfully enabled his clients on achieving FedRAMP Authorizations while prioritizing mission and business requirements with the lowest acceptable risk.

Outside of his professional career, Vinnie enjoys entertaining loved ones through grilling, seafood boils, researching new home improvement projects to implement, and looking at his garage gym equipment while having a few stiff drinks instead of working out.

Omoshiro jōhō (Fun Facts) about Vinnie:

1. What do you do when you’re not at bladestack.io?
   1. Entertaining and spending time with loved ones! I love hosting firepit gatherings, seafood boils, and grilling.
2. Do you have a favorite quote?
   1. I have plenty, but one there are specifically two I enjoy. The first is from one of my favorite shows, Parks & Recreation. Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman) says to his trusted friend: “Never half-ass two things, whole-ass one thing” which resonates with me and reminds me to focus on one thing, go all in, and give it your all to succeed! The second quote is from Dwayne Johnson: “Sometimes the goal we’ve worked our ass off for years is never achieved. Then years later, we look back and realize, it’s the best thing that never happened”.
3. What is your favorite hobby?
   1. Halloween! My wife and I love celebrating Halloween. In fact, our engagement party was a massive Halloween party!
4. What is one thing you’ve learned that you wish you could tell your younger self?
   1. Time is finite, please spend it wisely. If you do not know how to spend it wisely, learn how to.
5. What was your first job?
   1. I was the mouse at Chuck E. Cheese and quickly had a new respect for individuals who wear full costumes. They get extremely hot.

Cyber-Hatamoto

Bradley Taylor

Bradley Taylor stands as a key Cyber Hatamoto, blending traditional samurai discipline with modern cybersecurity acumen. Applying his deep knowledge and experience to deliver outstanding outcomes in areas like FedRAMP/CMMC/StateRAMP/DoD SRG. His commitment to continuous learning and excellence enables him to provide adaptable solutions to complex and nuanced problems.

Bradley has always been fascinated with technology, while also having an aptitude for anything technical that he set his mind to. He was building computers, engineering private game servers, and developing computer game mods when he was only a young lad. Bradley found his passion in cybersecurity as he delved into hosting game servers on his family’s home network as a kid; ensuring that his home “datacenter” (and Dogecoin mining farm) was secure. 

As Bradley researched cybersecurity and cybercrime through a year-long research project and presentation on the topic in high school for his honors diploma program, it solidified the dedication of his future career in the field. Throughout his college years working towards graduating Cum Laude with a bachelor’s in Computer Science with an emphasis on Information Security and Assurance and a minor in Political Science; Bradley dedicated himself to the pursuit of learning all he could, as he still does today.

While in college, getting practical, hands-on experience as a Teaching Assistant for cybersecurity courses, serving as the president of the Cyber Defense Club his University Team was 9^th in the nation in their inaugural year participating in a national competition, all while interning at an investment management firm in their information security team leading the cloud security engineering push for the firm. He stops short of nothing but excellence, and perfection in whatever he sets his mind to. Challenging the status quo by providing a fresh and unparalleled level of service to clients, while also maintaining the highest degree of quality through delivering superior results.

Bradley’s career has been marked by his ability to rethink conventional cybersecurity practices. He brings a unique perspective to client service, ensuring quality and superior results that resonate in the fast-paced digital age. His contributions have been instrumental in guiding Cloud Service Providers (CSPs) through FedRAMP/StateRAMP and DoD CC SRG Authorizations, adapting to the rigorous demands of high-impact levels across major cloud infrastructures. Leading by example, Bradley works closely with engineers, architects, and analysts, demonstrating a proven ability to meet complex compliance requirements. His track record reflects a blend of strategic thinking and practical action, essential qualities in the cyber dojo of bladestack.io. When not solving the world’s cybersecurity problems, Bradley can be found cherishing time with his wife, son, and their two dogs and participating in a myriad of various hobbies and activities. He also enjoys cooking, playing video games with friends, and delving into learning all he can about everything.

Omoshiro jōhō (Fun Facts) about Bradley:

1. Do you have a favorite quote?
   • After watching “The Office” in it’s entirety from start to finish about 15 times with my wife, there are so many inspirational and hilarious quotes it’s hard to choose. Though, I feel like this quote from Michael Scott (Steve Carell) epitomizes the way my brain functions, “Oh God, my mind is going a mile an hour.”. I tend to think out loud, and am a visual learner, and often can go down a couple routes at the same time!
2. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?
   • Funnily enough, for my 10^th wedding anniversary my wife and I are planning to go to Japan, which is where I’d go anywhere in the world if I could! And it just so happens that bladestack.io derives influences from samurai culture as a part of our company culture, which is a match made in heaven!
3. What motivates you in your professional life?
   • My family is my motivation in all that I do. I am dedicated to providing the best possible life I can for my family – and will do anything I can to make that happen for them! Giving my toddler son opportunities that I didn’t have, and being a role model to him drives me to ensure I only provide the highest-quality outcomes, all while being the best person I can be.
4. What job did you want as a kid?
   • As a young child I wanted to be an architect. Though, that quickly shifted to wanting to work for a three-letter agency to help combat cybercrime which continued into my junior year of college when I was convinced, I was going to go into the military. However, I quickly realized that I was in no shape to be in the military after exploring a National Guard program at my university and doing morning PT with them for a couple of days!
5. What are you proud of, but never have an excuse to talk about?
   • I’m proud to be able to say that I am an Eagle Scout, after being in Boy Scouts from the time I was 5/6 and working my way through the ranks over the years. I think that this had a profound impact on me and who I am today and am so thankful for all of those who helped me along the way to achieve this accomplishment.

Enjinia Daimyo

Keifer Blandon

Keifer was born at a young age to his mother in California. Though fascinated by the emerging technologies around him, his father was certain at the time that “personal computers were a fad” and would amount to little more than blocky heaps in the local landfill. Undeterred, Keifer would find opportunities to scratch that technology itch, eventually leading to owning a small mobile computer service business that served the local town.

Unfortunately, growing up in the dusty small town in the Mojave Desert provided little in the way of career opportunities, so Keifer enlisted in the US Navy as a Nuclear Machinist’s Mate. The Naval Nuclear program, renowned for its exceptionally difficult training program and arduous service, served as a springboard to an adventure of a lifetime. The Frogman’s Ballad starts with, “I’ve been around the world twice, and talked to everyone once” and, while the rest may be impolite, that charisma has served as the cornerstone for Keifer’s positive, yet hard-charging, attitude. After a long and storied career, including proud service aboard the USS Nimitz, port calls, war zones, a whole lot of quality assurance, and, eventually, becoming a master training specialist at the schoolhouse that started it all, Keifer shifted his efforts to IT.

Keifer had planned on a new career in application development, achieving his bachelor’s in software engineering and graduating Summa Cum Laude from Southern New Hampshire University. However, he quickly discovered a deep interest and aptitude for cloud engineering and decided to shift his focus to cloud architecture and cybersecurity. Since then, Keifer has become an industry heavyweight with his focus on architecting and building compliance-based cloud solutions which focus on accelerating FedRAMP authorizations.

Outside of work, you can typically find Keifer, well, outside. His boundless love of the Pacific Northwest provides him with no shortage of activities from hiking to biking, floating a river, or running a trail. If the weather won’t cooperate, then you might see him in the woodshop, or as he calls it “The Empire of Dust,” or taking a break and playing a video game.

Omoshiro jōhō (Fun Facts) about Keifer:

1. Do you have a favorite quote?
   1. “If you set your goals ridiculously high and it’s a failure, you will fail above everyone else’s success.” -James Cameron
2. If seasons never changed, which would you most like to live in eternally?
   1. The early fall in the Pacific Northwest. It’s crisp and cool in the evening, and warm and sunny during the day, with occasional rainy days. The perfect weather.
3. Do you have a personal mantra? If so, what is it?
   1. If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.
4. What do you think “success” means? How do you define it in your own life?
   1. This is one of my favorite questions. Success to me means not having to do anything I don’t want to do.  It is tangible. You can point at something unpleasant you once had to do and happily say “I don’t have to do that anymore.”
5. What job would you choose to have if money were no object?
   1. Radio/talk show/podcast host. I grew up on radio and have always loved the general vibe of audio-based entertainment.

Enjinia-Elite

Matt Powell

Samurai Supottoraito

Matt, originally from a small town in Central North Carolina, developed a passion for technology early on. As a child, he loved taking things apart just to understand how they worked, which naturally led him to become an avid Lego enthusiast. This curiosity and hands-on approach to learning became the foundation for his lifelong interest in all things tech-related.

Growing up, Matt was drawn to subjects like Math, History, Science, and Technology, always seeking to learn more. His quest for knowledge eventually led him to the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, an affordable college where he encountered people from different walks of life. His time at UNC Pembroke broadened his worldview, helping him break free from the small-town mindset he had grown up with. During his time there, Matt also began his professional journey in IT by working in the university’s IT department, where he gained invaluable hands-on experience.

After graduating, Matt’s career began in earnest when he took a support role at a company specializing in security equipment like cameras and servers. This position not only sharpened his networking and troubleshooting skills but also helped him develop critical thinking, under the guidance of his first manager, Phil, who left a lasting impression on him.

As Matt’s career progressed, he moved on to work for a Cloud MSP, where his expertise grew rapidly, allowing him to rise through the ranks and establish himself in the industry. It was also during this time that he met Elizabeth, the woman who would become his wife, and she helped him see the importance of balance between work and life.

Following several successful roles, Matt eventually found his home at bladestack, where he now applies his Automation and Infrastructure skills as an Engineering Manager. His journey through various tech environments has shaped him into a versatile professional with deep knowledge in infrastructure, automation, and cloud technology.

Outside of work, Matt enjoys spending quality time with his wife and daughter. He’s passionate about food, frequently experimenting with new recipes and smoking different meats. Matt also has a strong interest in tinkering with FPV drones and 3D printers, always eager to dive into a new tech project. A true home theatre enthusiast, he loves creating the perfect environment for watching movies or playing video games. When he’s not immersed in technology or cooking, Matt is caring for his four pets: Athena, Rhea, Hades, and Hermes, who bring an extra dose of joy to his life.

Omoshiro jōhō (Fun Facts) about Matt:

1. Do you have a favorite quote?
   1. “Don’t judge, just help” – unknown
2. Whats your favorite time of year?
   1. Without a doubt Fall. Between the temperatures and overarching weather, holidays, and quality family time – by far the best time of year. Not to mention the food. Nothing like smoking some good meat to have for a cookout with family and friends.
3. Favorite place to visit?
   1. So far? Philadelphia. Its a very rich place historically between locations and museums to go and see (big history nerd here). I think my favorite place to visit was the American History Museum. Philly also has a hugely culturally diverse array of restaurants and cuisines that are world class. My wife and I plan to go back just to tour the city and try more of what they have to offer!
4. Favorite game franchise?
   1. I’d have to say the Halo universe. First real foray into gaming as a child was Halo CE, and that helped build my passion for all things space and technology related.
5. What do you do outside of work?
   1. Outside of family time, I have a fair number of hobbies that keeps evolving over time – but the mainstays always return to Smoking the meats, tech/computer hardware tinkering, Lego (big kid over here), and video games when time allows.

Enjinia-Elite of SecOps

Alyssa Stackpole

Alyssa discovered her passion for cybersecurity while taking electives in college that introduced her to the field. She gained hands-on experience through a cybersecurity club and an internship as a penetration tester with Veris Group (now Coalfire Systems), which led to a full-time role. After realizing her interests extended beyond penetration testing, she transitioned into vulnerability management, specializing in FedRAMP assessments and SIEM tools. Over time, she became a Splunk Architect and later served as the first SecOps engineer in Coalfire’s Managed Services department. She eventually advanced into a senior management role, focusing on team development and cybersecurity operations. Alyssa holds a Master’s in Cybersecurity Technology from UMGC. Outside of work, she enjoys home renovations, cooking, baking, painting, and spending time with her dogs, family, and friends.

Alyssa began college undecided on a major, exploring a variety of electives in search of the right fit. During her sophomore year, she enrolled in a Symbolic Logic course designed for pre-law students. While many of her classmates found the material challenging, she thoroughly enjoyed it and excelled in the course. Curious about career paths that aligned with this analytical way of thinking, she sought guidance from her professor, who introduced her to the field of Information Science and Technology (IST). Inspired by this recommendation, she began taking IT and cybersecurity courses the following semester and quickly realized she had found her passion.

Eager to gain practical experience, she joined a cybersecurity club that provided opportunities to compete in various security competitions. She became particularly interested in scripting, automation, and the complexities of both offensive and defensive security, solidifying her decision to pursue a career in cybersecurity. Before her senior year, she secured an internship as a penetration tester with Veris Group LLC (now Coalfire Systems), which led to a full-time position following her graduation from Penn State with a degree in Security and Risk Analysis.

She began her professional career as a penetration tester but soon realized her interests lay elsewhere. When an opportunity arose on Coalfire’s Cyber Defense team, she transitioned into vulnerability management, focusing on FedRAMP assessments and 3PAO work for AWS. After refining her expertise in this area for several years and earning a Master’s in Cybersecurity Technology at UMGC, she expanded her skill set by specializing in Splunk and other SIEM tools, ultimately stepping into a role as a Splunk Architect on Coalfire’s build team.

As Coalfire established a new Managed Services department a couple of years later, she embraced the opportunity to become the first SecOps engineer on the team. In this role, she managed SIEM environments, leveraged her background in vulnerability management, and developed ConMon reports to ensure clients remained FedRAMP compliant. Over the years, she played an integral role in growing the team, and in her final year at Coalfire, she transitioned into a leadership role as a senior manager, gaining valuable experience in team development, mentorship, and strategic operations.

Outside of work, Alyssa loves tackling home renovation projects, cooking, baking, and painting. When she’s not doing that, she’s likely spending time with her dogs, Lenny and Cali, or enjoying time with family and friends.

Omoshiro jōhō (Fun Facts) about Alyssa:

1. Fun Fact #1
   1. She types over 110wpm
2. Fun Fact #2
   1. She has an extra bone in both feet
3. Fun Fact #3
   1. She has the same birthday as her sister, who is 8 years younger than her
4. Fun Fact #4
   1. She enjoys home design and has been flipping a 1959 home for the last couple years
5. Fun Fact #5
   1. She attended Dave Chapelle’s Netflix special in DC

Cyber Netrunner

David Csonka

David’s professional background in the FedRAMP and cybersecurity space includes operating in customer success and consulting roles since 2022. During that time, David helped my customers realize their strategic goals by ensuring their FedRAMP Authorization programs make steady progress, remain adherent to FedRAMP compliance requirements, and complete critical assessment and PMO Review milestones.

David got his start in professional technology-related work as he was finishing his undergraduate program at The Florida State University. Through his network connections at the school, David was fortunate to be able to secure an opportunity to work on a small consulting job to develop a data collection web application that supported the University’s employee position reclassification initiative. David later parlayed that short-term project into a full-time role at the University in IT and then further on as an application developer.

David always seeked to cultivate knowledge related to critically important topics to apply to his work. As David progressed into account management roles, David leveraged that passion for learning and shaped it into his approach to consulting.

For the majority of the last decade, David worked in the information technology space providing consultative guidance to my customers in a diverse range of technical areas. But ultimately, David made his home in cybersecurity as this field will undoubtedly continue to be one of the most vital areas of information technology for the foreseeable future. David sincerely believes that facilitating cybersecurity initiatives is the most direct way he can utilize his talents to help make the world a better place, even in a small way.

On an individual level though, David’s family is the center of his universe. David’s wife and two daughters are the source of David’s inspiration, purpose, and joy as they explore the world together.  In David’s free time David enjoys dancing and sailing, and just hanging out with friends and family.

Omoshiro jōhō (Fun Facts) about David:

1. David is related to NFL Hall of Fame football player Larry Csonka. The Csonka side of my family immigrated to America from Austria-Hungary in the early 1900s.
2. David’s personal philosophy is “Fortune Favors the Bold. David firmly believe that to get where you are trying to go in life, you must be willing to be bold sometimes.
3. When David was 7 years old, all the mothers in town dragged their kids to audition for a locally filmed episode of the television show, “Matlock”, and David managed to get a callback. David didn’t do very well in the script read though and there ended David’s short-lived foray into professional acting.
4. When David was 12 years old, David managed to rack up a bill of almost $150 one month while using the internet over AOL. Considering inflation, that felt like a whole lot more money at that time.
5. David has lived in North Carolina, Florida, and Colorado, driven across the country several times, and traveled to Europe and New Zealand.

Cyber Warrior

Nick Gray

From a young age, Nick developed a passion for both sports and gaming. Growing up in an ‘old-fashioned’ household, Nick spent afternoons playing football and basketball with friends, while evenings were often dedicated to exploring virtual worlds in video games. This blend of physical activity and digital escapism shaped Nick’s understanding of teamwork, strategy, and problem-solving.

While sports fostered a competitive spirit, gaming opened up a world of logical puzzles and immersive storytelling. Nick quickly fell in love with role-playing games (RPGs) and strategy games, drawn to the intricate worlds and problem-solving challenges they presented. This duality of interests fueled a desire to explore the connections between physical sports and gaming mechanics, sparking curiosity about how both realms engage the mind and body.

After leaving high school, Nick dove straight into the world of construction, working as a laborer and quickly moving up to a Journeyman. While enjoying the hands-on nature of the job, Nick often found himself fascinated by the technology used on-site, particularly in how they expedited projects and ensured safety. His hands-on experience in the field instilled a strong work ethic and a keen eye for detail.

Leveraging problem-solving abilities honed in construction, Nick approaches cybersecurity challenges with a practical mindset, focusing on effective solutions and innovative strategies. Eager to contribute to a fast-paced environment, Nick is committed to staying ahead of industry trends and making a meaningful impact in protecting digital assets. With an unwavering determination to excel, Nick embodies the spirit of adaptability and growth in their new career path.

When he’s not working, or studying for his next certification, you will find him researching the newest PC hardware, perusing new Indie games or simply spending some time walking the trails with Max, his rambunctious beagle pup. Still with a great love for the outdoors, Nick makes a concerted effort to find balance between ‘the grind’ and ‘touching grass’. Which, usually, is an activity that Max has decided for the both of them.

Omoshiro jōhō (Fun Facts) about Nick:

1. Do you have a favorite quote?
   1. “Real knowledge is to know the extent of one’s ignorance.” – Confucius
2. What’s your favorite song?
   1. My absolute favorite song is ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow’ by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole.
3. What season would you want to stay in forever?
   1. Spring and it isn’t up for debate. The spring rains, the return of wildlife, the growth of new and old plants alike. There really is nothing like the beauty of nature waking up.
4. Favorite game franchise?
   1. The day to day feels tedious but the years seem to disappear. ‘Carpe Diem’.
5. Favorite place to visit?
   1. Thus far it would have to be southern Italy. Rich with history, architecture and breath-taking scenery. There really aren’t any shortcomings here, fantastic food and drink, amazing music and fabulous dance moves. I would like to make it a yearly destination.

Cyber Warrior

Wesley Walker

Wesley Walker’s journey into technology is anything but conventional. Born with a passion for learning and teaching, he pursued a degree in education from Southern Methodist University, where he honed his ability to communicate complex concepts in an engaging way. His career began in music education, where he spent over a decade building successful programs, leveraging data to drive student success, and leading transformative initiatives in underprivileged schools.

Despite his accomplishments in education, Wesley felt drawn to the world of cybersecurity. His analytical mindset, problem-solving skills, and deep curiosity about technology led him to pursue certifications in cloud security and risk management, including CompTIA Security+, Cloud+, AWS Cloud Practitioner, and the Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK). These credentials marked the start of his transition into the field of cybersecurity, specifically focusing on FedRAMP compliance and cloud security risk management. Eager to bridge his expertise in education with his new technical skill set, Wesley immersed himself in self-study, online courses, and hands-on security assessments.

Beyond his professional aspirations, Wesley is a well-rounded individual with a love for adventure and creativity. An avid rock climber, saxophonist, and golfer, he thrives on challenges both mentally and physically. Whether analyzing risk in cloud environments or scaling a difficult rock face, he embraces the thrill of problem-solving and strategic thinking. He also enjoys running and cooking, finding both activities to be excellent ways to unwind and stay sharp.

Wesley’s unique background—blending education, analytics, and cybersecurity—positions him as a forward-thinking security professional who brings a fresh perspective to risk management. His journey proves that skills like leadership, collaboration, and analytical thinking are universally valuable, whether in a classroom or securing cloud environments.

Omoshiro jōhō (Fun Facts) about Wesley:

1. What was your first job?
   1. Middle school band director. I built a competitive middle school concert band from scratch, growing it to 120 students. The Dallas Morning News featured Wesley for revitalizing a struggling school music program.
2. What do you do when you’re not at bladestack.io?
   1. My favorite pass time is grilling/smoking burger’s, fajitas or brisket for family and friends.
3. What season would you want to stay in forever?
   1. Summer time! Just like the song. I have always vibed with summer time, being able to chill at the pool is my natural existence
4. What fictional family would you be a member of?
   1. It’s a children’s show, but after watching several different shows with my two children I’ve come to the conclusion that Bluey would be an amazing family to be apart of. A great balance of family time, fun and lessons learned.
5. What is my favorite instrument to play?
   1. BASS Saxophone! This instrument can play every part of the music spectrum. You can honk out a sick bass line or produce the most delicate of melodies.