WELCOME TO

Cornerstone

About Us

Cornerstone Defense LLC is a Small Business servicing the Intelligence, Defense, and Space communities of the U.S. Government. Cornerstone Defense specializes in cloud architecture, enterprise engineering, systems and network engineering, systems and network security, and application and software development. We use these foundational technology areas to deliver solutions for data analytics, cyber, and space/mission operations, customized to meet mission requirements. We are headquartered in Herndon, VA, with employees working across the U.S including DC, MD, CO, UT, NM, HI, and CA. At Cornerstone Defense, you’ll find a partner that values strong relationships, excellence, and teamwork. Our team is a network of professionals who are dedicated to providing agile, secure, and efficient solutions to support mission success. With Cornerstone Defense, you’re not just choosing a service provider, but a committed, steadfast team with a culture designed to excel.

Vision & Mission

Meet The Team

Reilly Leonard

Chief Operating Officer

Reilly Leonard

Chief Operating Officer

Patrick Palmer

Chief Executive Officer

Patrick Palmer

Chief Executive Officer

Brian Sammons

Chief Financial Officer

Brian Sammons

Chief Financial Officer

Darcelle Wilson

VP of Human Resources

Darcelle Wilson

VP of Human Resources

Brandon Altmann

Chief Growth Officer

Brandon Altmann

Chief Growth Officer

Michelle Allen

Director of Systems and Security, FSO

Michelle Allen

Director of Systems and Security, FSO

Virginia Blair

Director of Marketing & Operations

Virginia Blair

Director of Marketing & Operations

Kaitlin Krywy

Managing Director, Aerospace & Defense

Kaitlin Krywy

Managing Director, Aerospace & Defense

Matthew Monroe

Recruiting Manager

Matthew Monroe

Recruiting Manager

WHERE CAN WE HELP?

To find out more information on where we can help you, services we provide,

joining or partnering with our team, please select one of the links below!

WHAT WE DO

We bring together a unique blend of cutting-edge capabilities, specialized expertise, and a remarkable company culture that focuses on the recruitment and retention of highly-sought-after employees.

Learn More

WORK WITH US

Search through all of our open positions.

Learn More

GET IN TOUCH

Contact Us
  • Virginia
    13454 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 100
    Herndon, VA 20171
    Maryland
    2288 Blue Water Blvd, Suite 330
    Odenton, MD 21113
  • eFAX
    443.769.1559
  • Phone
    703.691.5100
Globe
Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

📸 Throwback to our old conference room — look closely at the whiteboard in the top right corner. 👀 See it?
 
“It has to make sense!”
 
That’s a phrase our COO wrote down one day, one of his favorites, and it just... stuck. For years, it lived on that whiteboard. Over time, it became more than a sticky note of wisdom — it became part of how we work, how we make decisions, and how we collaborate.
 
Whether it’s a big strategic move or a day-to-day workflow, we’ve learned: clarity matters, alignment matters — and yes, it has to make sense.
 
🧠💬 We’re curious: What does “it has to make sense” mean to YOU in your work life? When do you use this phrase, or when do you wish others would? Share your take in the comments 👇
... See MoreSee Less

📸 Throwback to our old conference room — look closely at the whiteboard in the top right corner. 👀 See it?
 
“It has to make sense!”
 
That’s a phrase our COO wrote down one day, one of his favorites, and it just... stuck. For years, it lived on that whiteboard. Over time, it became more than a sticky note of wisdom — it became part of how we work, how we make decisions, and how we collaborate.
 
Whether it’s a big strategic move or a day-to-day workflow, we’ve learned: clarity matters, alignment matters — and yes, it has to make sense.
 
🧠💬 We’re curious: What does “it has to make sense” mean to YOU in your work life? When do you use this phrase, or when do you wish others would? Share your take in the comments 👇

🎉 GIVEAWAY TIME! 🎉
Cornerstone Defense is leveling up your summer ☀️

Whether you’re chillin’ lakeside, fireside, or curbside—we’ve got the ultimate cooler slash backpack slash sit-upon chair ready for the ride. 🍻🎒🪑

We’re giving away 5 of these Cornerstone coolers and it’s easy to enter:
👇👇👇
✅ Comment below
✅ Tag a friend who would love our vibe (or our jobs 👀)
🕒 We’ll randomly select 5 winners 24 hours from now—and slide into your DMs to coordinate delivery!

This is your sign to sit back, sip cold, and rep a company where people actually matter. 💬
... See MoreSee Less

🎉 GIVEAWAY TIME! 🎉
Cornerstone Defense is leveling up your summer ☀️

 Whether you’re chillin’ lakeside, fireside, or curbside—we’ve got the ultimate cooler slash backpack slash sit-upon chair ready for the ride. 🍻🎒🪑

We’re giving away 5 of these Cornerstone coolers and it’s easy to enter:
 👇👇👇
 ✅ Comment below
 ✅ Tag a friend who would love our vibe (or our jobs 👀)
🕒 We’ll randomly select 5 winners 24 hours from now—and slide into your DMs to coordinate delivery!

This is your sign to sit back, sip cold, and rep a company where people actually matter. 💬

🚨 INTERN SPOTLIGHT TIME 🚨Meet Ryan!

Next up in our summer intern series: Meet one of our standout interns who’s bringing Eric Clapton vibes 🎸 and some seriously cool career goals to the table.

From mastering golf to aspiring to earn a security clearance and dive deeper into the world of government programs—we love seeing our interns dreaming big and getting curious.

Swipe through to see his answers to some fun Q&As, including:
🏌️The skill he wishes he could master overnight
🍬 The snack he’d stock our breakroom with forever
🍸 Which fictional icon he’d trade lives with (shaken, not stirred...)

➡️ Check out the full spotlight in the carousel!
... See MoreSee Less

🚨 INTERN SPOTLIGHT TIME 🚨Meet Ryan!

Next up in our summer intern series: Meet one of our standout interns who’s bringing Eric Clapton vibes 🎸 and some seriously cool career goals to the table.

From mastering golf to aspiring to earn a security clearance and dive deeper into the world of government programs—we love seeing our interns dreaming big and getting curious.

Swipe through to see his answers to some fun Q&As, including:
🏌️The skill he wishes he could master overnight
🍬 The snack he’d stock our breakroom with forever
🍸 Which fictional icon he’d trade lives with (shaken, not stirred...)

➡️ Check out the full spotlight in the carousel!Image attachmentImage attachment+2Image attachment

We know we’re a day early but since we’re all going to be out of the office tomorrow, we wanted to start some 4th of July fun today! It’s time for a little stars & stripes, this or that showdown! Cast your votes in the comments or share your own hot takes on your Independence Day favorites and play along!

From all of us at Cornerstone Defense — Happy 4th of July 🎆
... See MoreSee Less

We know we’re a day early but since we’re all going to be out of the office tomorrow, we wanted to start some 4th of July fun today! It’s time for a little stars & stripes, this or that showdown! Cast your votes in the comments or share your own hot takes on your Independence Day favorites and play along!
 
From all of us at Cornerstone Defense — Happy 4th of July 🎆Image attachmentImage attachment+4Image attachment
3 weeks ago

Our Cornerstone Defense crew hit the trails at Balls Bluff Battlefield Regional Park for a company hike 🚶🏻🥾—and it was more than just fresh air and fitness. We shared laughs, made memories, and built stronger bonds with teammates (and their families!) along the way.
 
From exploring the beautiful, shaded paths to learning about the park’s Civil War history, it was a day of connection, community, and even a little cannon action! 💥 That’s right—we caught a behind-the-scenes look at reenactors prepping for their annual Fourth of July demonstration!
 
At Cornerstone, we believe in showing up for each other—in work and in life. Thanks to everyone who joined us for this awesome day outdoors. 💚🧡
... See MoreSee Less

Our Cornerstone Defense crew hit the trails at Balls Bluff Battlefield Regional Park for a company hike 🚶🏻🥾—and it was more than just fresh air and fitness. We shared laughs, made memories, and built stronger bonds with teammates (and their families!) along the way.
 
From exploring the beautiful, shaded paths to learning about the park’s Civil War history, it was a day of connection, community, and even a little cannon action! 💥 That’s right—we caught a behind-the-scenes look at reenactors prepping for their annual Fourth of July demonstration!
 
At Cornerstone, we believe in showing up for each other—in work and in life. Thanks to everyone who joined us for this awesome day outdoors. 💚🧡Image attachmentImage attachment+Image attachment
Load more