Our Story

CyberProtex LLC was founded in 2012 with the vision to bring world class cybersecurity services and risk management mitigation to organizations around the United States. CyberProtex niche is delivering high-end security consulting services to Fortune 500 companies and we assist in securing the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) by provide guidance for CMMC, DFARS, and the RMF. CyberProtex provides managed security services, secure software and application development, and advanced hands-on cybersecurity training for many companies across the nation.

Meet Our Team

​Ben McGee
​​President and CEO
MS-Cyber, CISSP, CEH-Master Instructor, CNDA, MCTS

Benjamin McGee, is a leader in cybersecurity software and systems engineer arena. Ben began slinging code on an Atari 800XL computer at 10 years old and hasn't looked back since. He has spoken at over 100 cybersecurity events across the United States and is an educator, cyber innovator, and a dedicated cyber mentor to the next generation of Cyber Warriors.
Mr. McGee holds a Masters of Science in Cybersecurity from New York University (NYU) Polytechnic School of Engineering and attended the University of Florida for his Undergraduate Degree. Prior to founding CyberProtex, Ben was a Chief Scientist for SAIC where he was decorated with many awards including the "Trailblazer" award for cybersecurity. Mr. McGee was also Chief Scientist at Aleta Technologies and helped significantly grow that business before branching off on his own. Ben has also worked with the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), the U.S. Army Software Engineering Directorate, NASA at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), Raymond James Financial Headquarters, and BenefitOne of America.

Mr. McGee has helped certify over 2,500 Cyber Security professionals all over the United States. 

Meet our team members

Melissa Bowen,
Training and Solutions Manager

Ms. Bowen  is our Office Manager and Customer Service expert. She has a Bachelor's degree from Florida Atlantic University. Ms Bowen has a background in Human Resources, Bookkeeping, and Inventory Management/Logistics. 

Andrew Staton, Security+
Cyber Security Analyst

Andrew Staton works at CyberProtex as an analyst working hard to meet the needs of our customers. He holds a Security+ certification and recently obtained his Associates of Applied Science in Computer Information Systems. Andrew outside of work is an Illusionist and utilizes his skillset as an illusionist to amaze and entertain all over the Tennessee valley.

Hugh Saylor, Security+, CEH
Cyber Security Senior Advisor

Mr. Saylor brings years of experience in Information Assurance, Systems Administration and Systems Configuration. Mr. Saylor holds a Security+ certification and has the Certified Ethical Hacker (EC Council CEH) designation as well. Mr. Saylor is an expert tester and can hack into systems to exploit the vulnerabilities. Mr. Saylor is semi-retired but is continually studying and earning new certifications in cyber security. He also tests most of our software, games and apps.

Teresa Chalkley,
Director of Training
​and Development

Ms. Chalkley has a Master's degree in Adult Education, Leadership Training from the University of South Florida and works with CyberProtex to make sure our curriculum and training align with industry standards and certifications. Ms. Chalkley has trained various software and security courses over her extensive career.
Additionally, Ms. Chalkley has worked as a technical writer and is experienced in writing proposals, policy and procedures, white papers, and training manuals. She is an expert in business administration from development and contracts to accounting and human resources. "My passion is to help train and motivate people to reach their highest potential," she says. 

Rita Edwards, Security+, CEH
Cyber Security Instructor

Ms. Rita Edwards, CEH, Security+, has over 30 years of experience in the field of software engineering and security. Ms. Rita Edwards is our lead instructor and expert in  Security+ courses. Ms. Edwards earned her BS with a Math Minor in 1988, a BA in Communications in 1990, and her Master’s in Cyber Security in 2017.  "Continuous education is a key cornerstone in combating the bad guys." She has experience working with several standards including DOD Information Assurance Certification and Accreditation Process (DIACAP), Risk Management Framework (RMF), National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).  Her current tasking is with NASA’s CIO is focused on NIST compliance, vulnerability management, and incident response.

Pierce Gibbs, CISSP
Cyber Security Instructor

Mr. Gibbs has an M.S. in Computer Science and an M.S. in Information Assurance and Cyber Security from UAH. Mr Gibbs holds 14 of the leading software and cyber security certifications including CSDP, CISSP, CSSLP, CEH, GSEC, GREM, and GPEN. ​He worked for Boeing from 1997 to 2019 as a Lead Software and Cyber Security Engineer on various Space, Missile Defense, and Avionics programs. Before this Mr. Gibbs worked at Lockheed Martin as a Software Engineer. He is highly skilled, knowledgeable and wants to share his enthusiasm for the subject of cyber security. Mr. Gibbs is currently working on his Ph.D. in Computer Engineering. 

LeAnne Letize McGee, JD
Risk, Compliance & Communications Specialist

Mrs. Letize McGee holds her Bachelor's degree in Mass Communications from the University of South Florida, as well as her  Juris Doctor (JD) degree from Stetson University College of Law. She previously practiced law in the State of Florida, where she is still licensed. 
Ms. Letize McGee brings her sharp eye, legal experience and excellent writing and communication skills to CyberProtex. She is responsible for risk management, ensuring that risk is avoided, controlled, accepted, or transferred and that opportunities are not missed. Ms. McGee is also in charge of industry compliance. 

Alesia Kaigler, Security+
Cyber Security Instructor

Alesia joins the CyberProtex team as an instructor. Ms. Kaigler graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a Master of Science in Computer Forensics and Security Management. She also has a Bachelors of Science in Mathematics, with a minor in Computer Science, from Alabama A&M University where she graduated Cum Laude. She has over 5 years of experience in education and is currently pursuing certifications.

Jeremy Pacillo
Cyber Security Instructor

Jeremy Pacillo joins CyberProtex as a Cyber Security instructor at Mae Jemison High School in Huntsville. Mr. Pacillo received his Bachelor's degree from the University of South Alabama in 2011 where he played fullback for their inaugural football team. 

Tim Roe, MCTS
Director of Managed Services

Tim Roe joins CyberProtex as the Director of Managed Services. As a a Certified Microsoft Professional, Mr. Roe teaches many of our in person and online instructor led Microsoft Curriculum. Mr. Roe studied statistics at Florida State University (FSU).
As an Microsoft SME, Mr. Roe has extensive experience training people. Prior to joining CyberProtex, Tim was previously an Investment Advisor Representative at T Rowe Price where he held several finance certifications. 
In his free time, he enjoys sports, volunteering for Special Olympics, coaching Little League, and coaching Youth Basketball. 

Wendy Johnson,
Director of Marketing and Business Development

Ms. Johnson brings expertise in Business Development, Marketing and Event Planning to CyberProtex. A graduate of University of Alabama Huntsville. Ms. Johnson was the Exhibit/Sponsor Chairman of the 2013 and 2014 North Alabama Cyber Security Summit. She is also a certified test proctor. Besides event and conference planning, Ms. Johnson has experience in finance and the insurance industry.

Lacey Formby 
Creative Media Manager

Ms. Lacey Formby holds her Bachelors degree in Mass Communications from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Ms. Formby has aspirations of getting certified in Security + and the CEH. In her free time she enjoys reading, hiking, and photography.

Stefanie Smith, Security+, CEH
Senior Cyber Security Engineer

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Mrs. Smith is certified in Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and Windows 7, Configuring (70-680). From UAH, Ms. Smith holds a Masters Certificate in Information Assurance & Security and a BA in Foreign Language (Spanish) & International Trade. 
Ms. Smith brings her extensive experience as a Computer Network Defense Analyst, Vulnerability Management/Information Assurance Engineer, and Information Assurance Technical Lead to the team at CyberProtex. 
​Ms. Smith is also an active volunteer for many charitable causes in the Madison/Huntsville community. 

Michael Sorrell, Security+, CEH
Cyber Security Associate and Game Developer

Michael Sorrell is currently attending the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH). Mr. Sorrell has earned the IT Fundamentals, Network+, and Security+ Certifications. Currently, he is focusing on earning the CEH. Michael is working with CyberProtex on mobile app development. Outside of school and work, he is an Eagle Scout and participates in his church’s youth group. 

Lance Chaffin
Software / Game Developer

Lance is a graduate of James Clemens High School and is currently a student at UAH. Mr. Chaffin works at CyberProtex on researching, implementing and presenting different web services tools and systems. He is eager to advance in the computer science field with interests in software development, web design, and penetration testing tools. 

Trenton Sharp
Cyber Security Specialist 

Trenton is currently a student at the University of Alabama in Huntsville studying for my Bachelors degree in Information Systems with a concentration in cyber security. He graduated from Snead State community College with a Associates degree in Science in 2019 and also graduated from Lauderdale County High School in 2017. He has experience in Python and C++. In his spare time he enjoys playing paintball and basketball.