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With new leadership, TAC has a fresh direction — and an ambitious mission.
By Kate Lawless
In an era when cybersecurity threats continue to grow in scale and complexity, the Technology Advancement Center (TAC), located in Columbia, is establishing itself as a vital player in protecting the nation’s critical infrastructure. Formerly known as the Maryland Innovation and Security Institute (MISI), TAC has undergone a significant transformation in recent years — fueled by new leadership, fresh branding and an ambitious mission.
Under the guidance of CEO Gregg Smith and COO Alexis Davis, TAC has sharpened its focus on innovation, workforce development and collaboration with small businesses, all while providing critical support in addressing the U.S. government’s most pressing cybersecurity defense challenges.
A Vision for the Future
When Gregg Smith became TAC’s CEO 15 months ago, he brought with him decades of experience in cybersecurity, technology and business leadership. His decision to lead TAC was driven by a deep commitment to solving the nation’s critical cybersecurity dilemmas.
“Cybersecurity, workforce development and creating bleeding-edge products have always been passions of mine,” Smith says. “I came out of retirement to take on this challenge because it’s focused on the mission of protecting our country and assisting the government in doing so.”
Smith has guided companies through growth and transformation, and his leadership at TAC reflects that. Working alongside him is Alexis Davis, who took on the role of COO after working closely with Smith earlier in their careers. With more than 25 years of experience in operations and program management, small business ownership and large-scale government contracting, Davis has a talent for leading teams in fast-paced environments. She says her “unique ‘owner mindset’ has been essential in shaping our operations and ensuring that both our business and, more importantly, our mission are successful.”
The duo’s long-standing professional relationship has proven invaluable as they steer TAC in its new direction. Smith notes their complementary strengths — his visionary leadership and her operational expertise — create a dynamic that fosters TAC’s ability to thrive. “We laugh every day, which makes it fun to come to work,” Smith says.
“We are both willing to wear whatever hat is necessary to get the job done,” Davis adds. “The synergy we have makes the work enjoyable, and I think the positive energy spreads to our whole TAC team.” This strong working relationship has reenergized the organization, helping TAC expand its external reach in meaningful ways.
A New Focus: Three Pillars of Innovation
Central to TAC’s transformation is its sharpened focus on three strategic pillars: small business and academic engagement, STEM and workforce development and proof of concept innovation. Together, these areas address the most important cybersecurity challenges by fostering collaboration and innovation across sectors.
TAC partners with small businesses and academic researchers to bring their cybersecurity and defense solutions and services to the federal marketplace. More than 80 percent of the organization’s ecosystem is made up of small businesses, and the organization has successfully channeled $115 million in funding to these entities.
One of TAC’s most notable successes came when the organization was asked to build a zero-trust network for a senior Pentagon official in just 90 days. “We were given the task on a Thursday, and by the following Monday, we had 30 companies in our facility for a speed dating event with the government,” Smith recalls. TAC was able to contract eight companies by the end of the week and deliver the solution in just 68 days — a testament to the organization’s ability to mobilize rapidly and bring together diverse stakeholders.
Hack the Building 2.0 Hospital Edition Cyber Competition and Conference held in September 2023.
Certificates and recognition presented by USAF Brig General Vic Macias.
STEM and Workforce Development
Addressing the cybersecurity workforce shortage is a critical aspect of TAC’s mission, and the organization offers career development programming for all levels. Through partnerships with organizations like Junior Achievement, TAC engages students as early as fifth grade, offering immersive and interactive programs such as Cyber Quest to educate and inspire the next generation of cyber professionals.
These are some of Smith’s favorite events to attend. “Seeing the kids light up when one of our staff or interns is teaching them something is really intriguing,” he says. “It’s great to see them really get into the exercises. Seeing a smile on their faces when they leave is rewarding. Some kids even return multiple times.”
For high school students, TAC offers more advanced classes like ethical hacking, while college students participate in large-scale events such as Hack the Hospital, featuring hacking competitions in which students defend or attack real-world IT and OT (operational technology) systems in simulated environments. The outcomes of these events often lead to direct recruitment opportunities. After last year’s Hack the Hospital event, nearly 50 percent of the participating students applied for internships with the U.S. government.
TAC’s own internship program is another key part of its workforce development efforts. Last summer, the organization hosted 12 interns overseen by the organization’s CIO, Monty Mills. Technical interns worked on projects like building an AI-powered virtual assistant and developing a radar system for a simulated airport. Non-technical interns took on projects such as developing a cybersecurity exercise for students, producing technical articles and conducting marketing analysis. This fall, TAC is continuing its internship program, with interns assisting in product evaluation work and further developing the projects started over the summer.
Proof of Concept Innovation
TAC’s third pillar focuses on bringing innovative technology solutions to the forefront through proof of concept innovation. The organization works with non-traditional companies to develop prototypes that demonstrate how their technology can be adopted by the government to address significant cybersecurity matters.
One of its standout projects was a simulated airport, designed to demonstrate how a cyberattack could disrupt air operations and affect air superiority — a concern raised by military leaders who wanted to show the simulation to pilots in leadership roles around the country. These prototypes serve as training tools while also facilitating collaboration between government agencies and private sector companies so great ideas can be tested to see if they are practical, scalable and worthy of further development.
Expanding the Ecosystem
To support its ambitious goals this past year, TAC expanded its leadership team and created a world-class advisory board. Comprising experts from both the public and private sectors, the advisory board is an essential element of TAC’s strategy to broaden its influence and extend its work in national security and innovation.
The organization’s commitment to the cybersecurity and technology community is also essential to its success. “We’re always looking for small business service providers, product companies, academic researchers and systems integrators to partner with us on projects, as well as education groups to engage with on hosting STEM events for kids,” Davis explains. These partnerships are a driving force behind TAC’s ability to create value for all stakeholders and support the nation’s evolving cybersecurity needs.
TAC’s two main facilities, TheLink in Columbia and DiscoveryX in Elkridge, also play a central role in this ecosystem. At TheLink, TAC facilitates collaboration and prototyping sessions with small businesses working on cybersecurity defense projects. It’s also where the organization hosts many of its public-facing events like Cyber Quest, Hack the Building and other professional networking events.
DiscoveryX provides meeting rooms, labs and maker spaces for government and industry leaders to develop solutions and prototypes for top-secret projects. Located across from FANX3, one of NSA’s Friendship Annex buildings near BWI Airport, the secure facility makes for a convenient setting for collaboration between the government and industry.
TAC’s Enduring Mission
Smith and Davis have brought new energy to TAC, helping small businesses secure contracts, inspiring students of all ages and expanding TAC’s government work. Looking ahead, they are committed to fostering growth in all areas within its ecosystem.
“Growth is our number one focus area,” says Smith. “That can mean new programs, more training or expanding our geographic footprint.” In the near future, TAC will hold its next hack event, Hack the Rail, a two-day conference featuring presentations on cyber threats facing railway operations, plus networking sessions and a sponsor expo. Events like this are certain to enhance TAC’s growth efforts.
For both Gregg Smith and Alexis Davis, their work at TAC is more than just a job—it’s a mission. The organization’s new direction is grounded in a commitment to protecting the nation’s security, but it’s also about fostering innovation and nurturing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
As TAC continues to evolve, its leadership is focused on playing the long game, adapting to the ever-changing landscape of cybersecurity while remaining true to its core mission. With a strong team, a collaborative ecosystem and a dedication to innovation, the future of the Technology Advancement Center looks bright — and more secure than ever. I95 Cyber