AnaVation is excited to feature one of our AnaVators, Kevin, in the spotlight. Kevin has been an essential part of the AnaVation team for eight years as an Information Systems Security Engineer (ISSE) supporting the FBI account and Corporate IT Manager at our headquarters. Kevin brings multifaceted experience in technology to his dual roles.
Kevin’s work with the FBI has honed his cybersecurity expertise. Kevin explains, “Our customer’s mission systems are very different from mainstream enterprise systems. They require special handling and a different approach to secure and accredit those systems.” He recently authored a whitepaper detailing the proper methods for these systems, which was adopted across the bureau. As the Corporate IT Manager, Kevin relies on AnaVation’s proprietary communication platform, AnaVation Computing Environment (ACE), to stay connected with his teams across multiple roles. Whether managing IT infrastructure or tackling cybersecurity issues, Kevin ensures productivity stays high and seamless, even when off-site. His ability to stay involved, accessible, and efficient has made him a vital part of the company’s operations.
For Kevin, what has kept him at AnaVation for over eight years is simple: the people, the culture, and the mission. “I work with great people, in a great environment, on important and meaningful work where I can make a difference,” he emphasizes. Kevin has been fortunate to have multiple mentors throughout his career at AnaVation. He shares that AnaVators collaborate across programs, share knowledge, and help each other succeed. This collective mentorship has been a “force multiplier” helping him navigate issues, understand customer dynamics, and sharpen his skills. “A rising tide lifts all ships,” he adds, reflecting the company’s culture of shared success and support. Leadership has provided him with opportunities to grow his career through new and interesting work, fostering his development. A prime example came when his supervisor, Todd G., heard about a staffing challenge and immediately recommended Kevin for the role. Todd said, “I’ve got someone for that!” and what started as part-time work for Kevin turned into a team of five AnaVators supporting a critical mission. The project’s organic growth came from the team’s collaborative spirit, with colleagues stepping up and expanding the program. This teamwork paid off—three years later, the prime and AnaVation won the recompete of the task order.
Kevin describes our company culture as employee-focused and family-friendly. “AnaVation is a place where you can develop a fulfilling career” he explains. Our company fosters a supportive community of talented professionals, offering both career advancement and a sense of belonging. He appreciates the time that AnaVation puts into organizing fun activities and social events, often welcoming employees’ families to join in and feel included. “When you are excited about a company and invite your friends to come join you, that says a lot about the company,” he says.
Kevin shares that the best part of his job is the technology he gets to work with every day. “I like to build things and figure out how to make them work. I’m a nerd, always have been, always will be,” he says. He enjoys working alongside like-minded colleagues who share the same enthusiasm for technology. As a mentor once told him, “If you want to be successful, surround yourself with successful people.” At AnaVation, Kevin has found that community—where innovation and collaboration thrive.
Fun fact – prior to AnaVation, Kevin owned a business that offered commercial network cabling, access control systems, surveillance cameras, alarm systems, designing e-commerce websites, producing print ads, technical photography, and more. Some of his print ads and graphic design work have been internationally published in trade and hobby magazines across the U.S., Germany, and Asia. His artistic talents are just another facet of his diverse skill set.
Kevin has many interests, each with its own story. His hobbies range from electronics, home automation, building and flying model airplanes, and beekeeping. Kevin’s passion for model airplanes began in middle school when his father gifted him a control-line airplane kit. Over the years, this hobby evolved from flying tethered planes to building sophisticated radio-controlled aircraft. “Seeing something you built take to the air and fly… it’s an awesome feeling,” Kevin shares. In the spring of last year, Kevin and his wife embarked on a beekeeping journey as part of their mini farm in Nokesville, VA. Starting with three hives, they’ve since expanded to seven, with plans to harvest honey and produce beeswax products. In addition, his love for building extends to woodworking and metal machining projects, influenced by his father, a former cabinet maker. Whether it’s constructing furniture or beekeeping equipment, Kevin finds joy in designing and building projects in his workshop, often accompanied by heavy metal music in the background.
On a free weekend, Kevin enjoys heading into the great outdoors. Hiking, camping, and bushcraft activities offer him a chance to recharge and reconnect with nature. He also enjoys sci-fi watch parties with his wife and friends. Every year, Kevin looks forward to traditions such as hiking to admire fall foliage, checking out holiday light displays, and attending the annual Manassas Bee Festival in the summer. These moments of joy and connection with nature, family, and community are some of the highlights of his year.
Kevin’s journey at AnaVation highlights the importance of fostering growth, collaboration, and a supportive culture. The balance and flexibility that our company allows him to embrace his professional and personal pursuits. As he continues to innovate and display service excellence, Kevin remains an example of the unique spirit of what it means to be an AnaVator.
