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
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🌟 Employee Spotlight: Nikki Hutchens 🌟
 
Meet Nikki Hutchens, one of our talented Systems Administrators! Nikki discovered us through ClearanceJobs and has had a unique journey into the IT world. With a degree in biochemistry, she started her career in the dairy and nonprofit industries before making a bold pivot into IT. After earning certifications in help desk work, Nikki landed her first Systems Administrator role — and quickly realized not only was she good at it, but she loved it. She’s embraced the fast-paced nature of tech, always pushing herself to learn, grow and continue adding certifications and more experience to her resume.
 
Nikki’s career advice? “Keep an open mind and be open to new and different opportunities. Don’t be discouraged by an end — it can be a new beginning!” Outside of work, Nikki enjoys knitting and diving into sci-fi and fantasy books. Regarding Cornerstone Defense, she especially appreciates that our company invests in its people, noting this is the first place she’s worked with a dedicated training budget to help employees grow. Nikki’s go-to motto is something they’ve always said in her family: “It’s always better to know” — because knowing the truth, even when it’s tough, allows you to take action and make positive change. We agree, and we’re so lucky to have Nikki and her positive outlook on our team!
... See MoreSee Less

🌟 Employee Spotlight: Nikki Hutchens 🌟
 
Meet Nikki Hutchens, one of our talented Systems Administrators! Nikki discovered us through ClearanceJobs and has had a unique journey into the IT world. With a degree in biochemistry, she started her career in the dairy and nonprofit industries before making a bold pivot into IT. After earning certifications in help desk work, Nikki landed her first Systems Administrator role — and quickly realized not only was she good at it, but she loved it. She’s embraced the fast-paced nature of tech, always pushing herself to learn, grow and continue adding certifications and more experience to her resume.
 
Nikki’s career advice? “Keep an open mind and be open to new and different opportunities. Don’t be discouraged by an end — it can be a new beginning!” Outside of work, Nikki enjoys knitting and diving into sci-fi and fantasy books. Regarding Cornerstone Defense, she especially appreciates that our company invests in its people, noting this is the first place she’s worked with a dedicated training budget to help employees grow. Nikki’s go-to motto is something they’ve always said in her family: “It’s always better to know” — because knowing the truth, even when it’s tough, allows you to take action and make positive change. We agree, and we’re so lucky to have Nikki and her positive outlook on our team!

🧊 Ice, Ice, Baby... 🎶 When the heat index hits triple digits and the sidewalk feels like lava, there’s only one move: ICE CREAM. 🍦🔥

Big thanks to our building managers for treating us to a frozen moment of bliss with scoops from Paradise Ice Cream — talk about a sweet way to beat the heat! ☀️❄️

If you’re looking for a workplace that knows how to stay cool (literally and culturally), we’re hiring! Come for the mission, stay for the popsicles. 😎👇(Link to our website in Comments!)
... See MoreSee Less

🧊 Ice, Ice, Baby... 🎶 When the heat index hits triple digits and the sidewalk feels like lava, there’s only one move: ICE CREAM. 🍦🔥
 
Big thanks to our building managers for treating us to a frozen moment of bliss with scoops from Paradise Ice Cream — talk about a sweet way to beat the heat! ☀️❄️
 
If you’re looking for a workplace that knows how to stay cool (literally and culturally), we’re hiring! Come for the mission, stay for the popsicles. 😎👇(Link to our website in Comments!)Image attachmentImage attachment+1Image attachment

Matching polos, in-office hangs, and a special visit from our CFO, Brian Sammons !👕💼The Accounting team was repping Cornerstone blue today and making the most of some real face time!
 
We believe in the power of in-person connection—collaborating, problem-solving, and having a little fun while we’re at it. 🎉🎈😁
 
It’s not just about crunching numbers — it’s about showing up for each other and building a great community and culture, too. 👏 Want to learn more about what it’s like working for us? Check out our Culture page on our website today (link in comments!)
... See MoreSee Less

Matching polos, in-office hangs, and a special visit from our CFO, Brian Sammons !👕💼The Accounting team was repping Cornerstone blue today and making the most of some real face time!
 
We believe in the power of in-person connection—collaborating, problem-solving, and having a little fun while we’re at it. 🎉🎈😁
 
It’s not just about crunching numbers — it’s about showing up for each other and building a great community and culture, too. 👏 Want to learn more about what it’s like working for us? Check out our Culture page on our website today (link in comments!)Image attachmentImage attachment

Today, we honor Juneteenth—commemorating the end of slavery in the United States and recognizing the importance of freedom, justice, and equity for all.
 
At Cornerstone Defense, we believe our strength lies in our people. We’re proud to foster a culture that values inclusion, dignity, and respect—today and every day.
 
Let’s continue learning from the past and shaping a stronger, more united future—together.
... See MoreSee Less

Today, we honor Juneteenth—commemorating the end of slavery in the United States and recognizing the importance of freedom, justice, and equity for all.
 
At Cornerstone Defense, we believe our strength lies in our people. We’re proud to foster a culture that values inclusion, dignity, and respect—today and every day.
 
Let’s continue learning from the past and shaping a stronger, more united future—together.

🚨 INTERN SPOTLIGHT ALERT 🚨

Meet Nico — one of our summer interns! Nico’s a rising senior at Virginia Tech, majoring in Business, and he’s already bringing the energy, curiosity, and snack suggestions (hello, hummus & crackers 🧆) we didn’t know we needed.

👀 Want to know:
✨ What skill he wishes he could master instantly?
📺 Which fictional character he’d swap lives with for a day?
💼 What he’s most excited to learn at Cornerstone?
➡️ Swipe through to see all of Nico’s answers!

Let’s give a big Hokie welcome to one of the coolest interns around!
... See MoreSee Less

🚨 INTERN SPOTLIGHT ALERT 🚨
 
Meet Nico — one of our summer interns! Nico’s a rising senior at Virginia Tech, majoring in Business, and he’s already bringing the energy, curiosity, and snack suggestions (hello, hummus & crackers 🧆) we didn’t know we needed.
 
👀 Want to know:
✨ What skill he wishes he could master instantly?
📺 Which fictional character he’d swap lives with for a day?
💼 What he’s most excited to learn at Cornerstone?
➡️ Swipe through to see all of Nico’s answers!
 
Let’s give a big Hokie welcome to one of the coolest interns around!Image attachmentImage attachment+2Image attachment
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