Member Type: Leadership

Mike is a results‑driven leader with over 15 years in the DoD, Defense Industrial Base, and emerging tech. As Chief Security Officer, he shapes enterprise security strategy, integrating personnel, physical, information, and industrial security with insider‑threat programs to protect mission‑critical technologies for DoD and Intelligence Community partners. He treats security as a competitive advantage, ensuring compliance and accelerating contract wins. In his first year at CV, he modernized the security program and cleared five regulatory inspections across four agencies.

Before joining CV, Mike served as a U.S. Navy Chief and held senior director roles supporting national and global security programs. He positions organizations as security‑forward partners by aligning strategic vision with tactical execution, staying ahead of emerging threats in high‑risk, highly regulated sectors.

Mike holds a Ph.D. in Intelligence and Global Security and four master’s degrees in specialized security disciplines. This intelligence‑driven foundation informs his approach: effective security programs must continuously adapt, as yesterday’s assessment is irrelevant against tomorrow’s threats.

David Washburn is a cyber leader with over 10 years of experience delivering offensive cyber capabilities and driving strategic growth in complex mission environments. As OCO Division Director, he leads teams responsible for developing and executing high-impact cyber operations while aligning technical execution with long-term organizational objectives.

Prior to Cryptic Vector, David held leadership roles supporting several cyber missions across a variety of government partners where he built and scaled teams operating at the intersection of cyber operations, engineering, and strategy. With his foundation in computer science and time in the private sector prior to Cryptic Vector, David brings an expansive perspective to the role of Division Director. He is known for a people-first leadership style grounded in trust, accountability, and a relentless focus on mission success—captured by his guiding principle: People First, Mission Always.

David studied at the University of Cincinnati and is passionate about building resilient teams that thrive in customer collaboration and deliver outcomes that matter.

Jeff Sagel is an accomplished leader with more than 25 years of experience driving technical programs through periods of growth, transformation, and increasing complexity. As Director of Mission Enablement, Jeff oversees the execution of all Mission Enablement programs, shapes the strategic vision for the division, and positions the organization to anticipate and adapt to industry advancements.

Prior to joining Cryptic Vector, Jeff held senior leadership roles at a major defense contractor, where he spearheaded initiatives across operations (hiring and training), technology, and organizational development. He is recognized for his disciplined approach to program execution, unwavering commitment to mission success, and ability to unite teams around a shared strategic vision.

Jeff earned a Bachelor’s degree in computer science from the College of Mount Saint Joseph and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. He passionately builds mission-driven teams that combine technical excellence with a deep sense of purpose.

John Fant is a results-oriented business leader with more than 30 years of combined military and private-sector experience driving growth and operational performance in the aerospace and defense sector. As Chief Growth Officer, John leads Cryptic Vector’s enterprise growth strategy, business development, and market expansion efforts, aligning advanced capabilities to national security missions.

Prior to Cryptic Vector, John served in executive leadership roles at other leading defense firms where he led complex programs, built high-performing teams, and drove sustained growth for Department of War and Intelligence Community portfolios. His career foundation includes service as a U.S. Naval Officer, with operational experience in both aviation and intelligence disciplines.

John holds an MBA in International Business and a Master of Arts in Executive Leadership from Georgetown University, and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from The Citadel.

Brian Deep is a seasoned engineering leader with over 28 years of experience driving engineering and R&D success in complex technical environments. As Director of Engineering at Cryptic Vector, Brian leads engineering and research initiatives focused on advancing technology growth, execution excellence, and long-term capability development in support of customer and mission needs.

Prior to joining Cryptic Vector, Brian held senior technical and leadership roles in both startup and defense organizations, including Caesar Creek Software. He is known for a technical hands-on leadership style and for bridging deep architectural understanding with practical delivery. Brian excels at scaling engineering teams, tackling ambiguous problems, and translating complex technical challenges into reliable, high-impact solutions.

Brian holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science from The Ohio State University, with a background in electrical engineering and computer science. He is passionate about advancing innovation in defense and national security through disciplined engineering and empowered teams.

Cory Fowler is a versatile leader dedicated to the execution of high-impact strategic objectives at Cryptic Vector. As Director of Corporate Initiatives, Cory serves as an organizational “Swiss Army knife”, working across departments to drive initiatives that strengthen the company’s brand and culture both internally and externally. Whether streamlining internal operations or managing projects with significant external impact, his focus is on delivering results that further the CV mission.

Having previously served as the company’s Operations Manager, Cory brings a practical, ground-level understanding of the business to his executive role. He is known for his ability to bridge gaps between technical requirements and organizational goals, ensuring that every initiative aligns with a commitment to excellence and professional grace.

Cory holds a Master of Science in Cyber Informatics from the University of Cincinnati, along with Bachelor of Science degrees in both Computer Science and Computer Engineering from the University of Kentucky. Outside of his professional life, he is a dedicated wine enthusiast and WSET student.

Justin Blank is an accomplished leader with nearly 20 years of experience supporting the Intelligence Community and Department of Defense. As Director of Integration, Justin leads and coordinates cross-functional post-merger integration efforts to align people, processes, systems, and culture, ensuring a seamless transition that supports operational continuity, regulatory compliance, and long-term business performance.

Early in his career, Justin spent several years in roles of increasing responsibility supporting the global IC mission as a civilian staff officer. After transitioning to GovCon, he has been successful leading high-performing teams and complex programs that deliver high-quality, mission-critical solutions, foster trusted customer relationships, and consistently exceed program and performance objectives.

Justin holds a Bachelor of Science from Brigham Young University-Idaho, and a Master of Business Administration from University of Massachusetts Amherst. He is deeply committed to servant leadership and to cultivating a world-class company culture.

Mary Howbert is a seasoned HR leader with more than 20 years of experience helping organizations grow while fostering cultures where individuals genuinely thrive. She is known for building scalable systems and aligning workforce strategy, ensuring business success is rooted in trust, purpose, and connection.

Throughout her career, she has led transformative initiatives across organizational development, talent strategy and culture, creating environments where teams feel supported and empowered to do their best work.

Mary holds a degree in Human Resources Management from the University of Cincinnati and is certified by both the Society for Human Resource Management and WorldatWork, forming the foundation of a career dedicated to building organizations where people and performance grow together.

Allen Martirossian is a seasoned finance executive with over 30 years of experience spanning financial auditing, complex financial reporting for a variety of organizations, advisory consulting, and leading teams through transformation and rapid growth. As Chief Financial Officer, Allen is responsible for leading the finance and accounting organization, ensuring compliance with cost accounting and generally accepted accounting standards, providing financial direction for the organization as it grows organically and inorganically.

Before joining Cryptic Vector, Allen held senior roles at both small organizations in a growth mode, and large organizations looking to integrate multiple acquisitions. He led initiatives spanning strategic pricing, newly acquired entity integrations, and organizational development. Allen is known for his transparent management style, extreme work ethic, an ability to build true partnerships with operations, and build high functioning teams. Allen previously spent six years as the CFO of System High Corporation, and six years in various finance leadership roles at OMNIPLEX and Constellis. Prior to that, Allen spent eight years as a consultant in MorganFranklin’s financial advisory practice.

Allen holds a degree in Accounting from George Mason University and is passionate about building long-lasting personal and professional relationships.

Kevin Hoffer is a seasoned leader with over 40 years of experience in software development and executive management. As CAO, Kevin is responsible for overseeing facilities, IT, security, contracts, corporate initiatives, and compliance.

Before joining Cryptic Vector, Kevin was the President and Founder of Caesar Creek Software, which Cryptic Vector acquired in August 2025. As President of CC-SW, Kevin took pride in his honesty, integrity, ethics, and drive. He valued his employees and endeavored to provide them with the best projects, working environment, and benefits. Prior to founding CC-SW, Kevin worked at Lockheed in Sunnyvale, California and Northrop Grumman in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Kevin has a BS in Computer Science from The Ohio State University and an MS in Computer Science from the University of Cincinnati. He is an avid cyclist and has completed over 15 bicycle tours in the United States and Europe.

Sean Olding is an accomplished executive with more than 15 years of experience leading organizations through growth, transformation, and operational complexity. As Founder and CEO of Cryptic Vector, he sets strategic direction, builds high-performing teams, and ensures the company delivers meaningful, mission-focused results for customers and partners.

With a background that spans engineering, program execution, and business development, Sean has led diverse, cross-functional teams in fast-paced, highly technical environments. He is known for thoughtful decision-making, steady leadership, and the ability to align people around clear, shared goals. By combining high standards with a people-first mindset, Sean fosters cultures rooted in accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Sean holds an MBA from Xavier University and a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from The Ohio State University. He is passionate about developing leaders and building resilient organizations where talented people can do their best work and turn ambitious goals into impactful outcomes.