WINCHESTER, VA, September 21, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Leslie W. Hicks has been recognized for his outstanding achievements in cybersecurity, network engineering, and managed technology services leadership.
Mr. Hicks serves as President, Chief Executive Officer, and Founder of Cardinal Technology Solutions, Inc., a veteran-owned cybersecurity and managed services company headquartered in Winchester, Virginia. Since founding the company in 2014, he has led its growth through a steadfast commitment to four core principles: communication, responsiveness, resolution, and follow-through. Drawing on more than three decades of experience in information technology, Mr. Hicks has positioned Cardinal Technology Solutions as a leading cybersecurity, compliance, and managed IT services provider serving organizations throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond.
Under his leadership, Cardinal Technology Solutions was recognized as one of the Best Cybersecurity Consulting Services in the United States for two consecutive years. The company delivers managed IT services, cybersecurity consulting, managed detection and response (MDR), Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) services, vulnerability management, Microsoft cloud solutions, Voice over IP Solutions, compliance consulting, and Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) support for government contractors and organizations entrusted with sensitive information.
Cardinal Technology Solutions achieved Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2 certification and is among a limited number of managed service providers nationwide to earn this distinction. This achievement demonstrates the company's commitment to implementing and maintaining the rigorous cybersecurity controls required within the Defense Industrial Base and federal contracting community. The company currently supports multiple organizations operating within the Defense Industrial Base and has assisted numerous contractors with cybersecurity compliance initiatives.
Today, Cardinal Technology Solutions supports more than 1,500 managed endpoints, serves approximately 272 organizations, and maintains more than 115 recurring managed service agreements. The company serves organizations throughout Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Florida, Montana, Idaho, and Louisiana, with the majority of its client base located within a 75-mile radius of Winchester, Virginia. Cardinal's clients represent a diverse range of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, dental practices, law firms, accounting firms, physical therapy providers, construction companies, government contractors, and professional service organizations.
Mr. Hicks attributes much of the company's success to a disciplined and sustainable growth strategy focused on delivering exceptional customer experiences. He remains personally involved in understanding prospective clients' technology, cybersecurity, and compliance challenges, developing customized solutions that align with their operational and business goals. His ability to translate complex technical concepts into practical business outcomes has become a hallmark of his leadership style.
Cardinal Technology Solutions distinguishes itself through a guaranteed 15-minute response time for help desk requests and an average resolution time of approximately 30 minutes. Through strategic partnerships with industry-leading technology providers, including Dell Technologies, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Microsoft, Pax8, CrowdStrike, Huntress, and other leading technology and cybersecurity vendors, the company delivers innovative and scalable solutions that help organizations remain secure, compliant, and productive.
In addition to its cybersecurity and compliance offerings, Cardinal Technology Solutions has developed a reputation for delivering personalized service at a level often unavailable from larger providers. The company emphasizes long-term client relationships, proactive technology management, and rapid response times, helping organizations use technology as a strategic business advantage rather than simply an operational necessity.
Prior to establishing Cardinal Technology Solutions, Mr. Hicks served as a Senior Network Engineer and Team Lead with JTC from 2010 to 2014, where he further developed his expertise in enterprise networking, managed services, and infrastructure operations. From 2007 to 2010, he worked as a Network Administrator with Yount, Hyde & Barbour, PC, supporting CPA professionals and contributing to the firm's technology infrastructure.
From 2006 to 2007, Mr. Hicks was employed as a Network Administrator with Susquehanna Technologies, now known as Protiviti, where he managed complex server and network environments. Earlier in 2006, he served as Network Administrator for the Reston Campus of Northern Virginia Community College, supporting the institution's technology operations and academic computing environment. He was instrumental in getting the new campus up and running during the winter and spring of its opening year.
From 2003 to 2006, Mr. Hicks served as Technology Coordinator for Orange County Public Schools, overseeing technology integration and support across multiple campuses. Earlier in his career, he spent nearly a decade with D.C. Jaeger Corporation, where he progressed through a series of technical and administrative positions after joining the company in 1994. His leadership abilities and business acumen led to his promotion to Assistant Business Manager in 1996, where he helped oversee both technology systems and business operations.
Before entering the private sector, Mr. Hicks honorably served in the United States Marine Corps from 1988 to 1994 as an Aircraft Systems Analyst. During his military service, he gained extensive experience in computer systems, networking, communications, and operational support. He credits the Marine Corps with developing the discipline, leadership, resiliency, and commitment to excellence that have guided him throughout his career and entrepreneurial journey.
Mr. Hicks earned an Associate of Science degree in Computer Engineering Technology from Valencia College in Orlando, Florida. He has further strengthened his technical expertise through numerous professional certifications, including CMMI Certified Associate (ATM) through ISACA, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), CompTIA Network+, CompTIA A+, Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS), Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), and other industry-recognized credentials.
Throughout his career, Mr. Hicks has developed expertise spanning managed services operations, cybersecurity, network engineering, compliance consulting, SIEM services, vulnerability management, incident response, and CMMC implementation. He is particularly recognized for his deep understanding of Microsoft and Cisco technologies, cybersecurity best practices, and business-focused technology strategy.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Hicks remains committed to education, mentorship, and service. He is an active member of the Marine Corps Association and the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber of Commerce, and frequently shares his entrepreneurial experiences with students and aspiring business leaders through speaking engagements and guest lectures. He is also a recognized advocate for cybersecurity awareness, cyber hygiene, and organizational resilience, regularly educating business leaders on emerging cybersecurity threats and compliance requirements.
Community service has been a consistent theme throughout Mr. Hicks's career. He served as Assistant Scoutmaster with Scouting America for more than a decade, mentoring young people in leadership development, character building, and community service. He has supported numerous charitable initiatives and community organizations, including sponsorships through the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber, local charity golf tournaments, veterans' organizations, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, and various Bank of Clarke community initiatives. He currently serves on the Shenandoah University School of Business Advisory Board. Through Cardinal Technology Solutions, he has consistently encouraged employees and business partners to support charitable organizations and community-focused initiatives throughout the Shenandoah Valley.
Recognition for Mr. Hicks's achievements includes leading Cardinal Technology Solutions to national recognition as one of the Best Cybersecurity Consulting Services in the United States for two consecutive years, as well as being named runner-up for Veteran Small Business of the Year. His military decorations include the Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), and Kuwait Liberation Medal (Government of Kuwait).
Born in Quantico, Virginia, Mr. Hicks enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, hiking, golfing, exercising, and pursuing creative interests such as drawing and painting. Married for more than three decades, he is the proud father of two grown sons.
Looking toward the future, Mr. Hicks remains focused on expanding Cardinal Technology Solutions while preserving the client-centered approach that has fueled its success. Through leadership grounded in integrity, accountability, service, and continuous improvement, he continues to guide the company's mission of helping organizations leverage technology securely, efficiently, and strategically while fostering professional growth among the next generation of technology professionals.
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