Darren Hlava

Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

Darren combines a distinguished military background with extensive expertise in technology and leadership. Holding a Master of Science in Business Communications and a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems, Darren's professional journey is underpinned by a robust educational foundation and a distinguished tenure in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he specialized in Signals Intelligence within Special Operations. His early exposure to cutting-edge technology dates back to the mid-1980s, involving secure satellite network setups within Marine Corps Intelligence teams prior to mainstream adoptions.

Transitioning from military to civilian life, Darren has excelled in various technology and leadership roles. Over the past 35 years, his focus has primarily been on Windows and web application development, B2B interactions, and web service design. The last 15 years have seen him architecturally design and oversee web service integration and delivery. He has a broad understanding of Cloud Services and required security protocols for integration with onsite systems.

Darren's leadership skills, developed in Marine Recon teams and continually applied in professional settings, are characterized by calm optimism and a determined problem-solving approach when facing challenging scenarios. He is a capable collaborator who effectively engages with multiple organizational areas to achieve common goals. His commitment to leadership extends beyond his professional duties, manifesting in significant roles within veteran's organizations, including local and state offices in the Marine Corps League and the VFW.

His approach to leadership is comprehensive, emphasizing listening, mentoring, inspiring, motivating, and effectively conveying commanders' intent. Darren’s career is a testament to his ability to integrate tactical and strategic insights to drive technological innovation and team success.