Laurie Villano, COO
Laurie’s background is rooted in software and system delivery. She began her career developing collection systems for the Intelligence Community. She moved into technical leadership and then people leadership and account leadership. She was promoted to Vice President at BDM International in 1995 where she led the service delivery for software, information assurance, and linguistic support to a local Intelligence Community account. With the acquisition by TRW, Laurie moved to Booz Allen and Hamilton where she was responsible for strategic market development for an Intelligence Community client. As a co-leader in the business, she helped to grow the services business from 250 to more than 1800 engineers and analysts. She was promoted to Partner and Senior Vice President and was responsible for a team of 600 software and system engineers delivering services and solutions for complex mission problems. In 2011, she left Booz Allen and joined Sotera Defense Solutions to lead their Cyber Systems Solutions organization. She also served as co- CEO as the company restructured for future growth. In 2014, she joined MasterPeace Solutions as the Chief Operating Officer and leader of the Service business.
Laurie is also actively engaged in community activities to support the development of STEM in our local schools and communities. She supported the Central Maryland AFCEA organization and served in various leadership roles before serving as President from 2005-2006, Chairman of the Board 2006-2007, and Board member from 2007-2010. She served as the Vice President of Strategy for the Fort Meade Alliance from 2012-2014. She has also been supporting higher education as an active member of the University of Maryland’s College Park Electric and Computer Engineering Advisory Board from 2008-2011.