Our Team

The DEFCERT team discovers and delivers new ways for the defense industrial base (DIB) and government contractors to meet their contractual and regulatory obligations for data protection. These efforts include compliance with DFARS safeguarding clauses, implementation of NIST special publications, and future assessment under the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).

DEFCERT primarily works with defense contractors, manufacturers, economic development organizations, managed IT service providers, and technology companies offering solutions to the DIB.

CEO

Ryan Bonner

Ryan Bonner is the founder and CEO of DEFCERT and a recognized authority on Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) identification, handling, and CMMC assessment scoping. He contributed to the development of the CMMC Assessment Guides through his work with the Cyber‑AB Industry Standards Working Group and collaborates with the NIST MEP National Network to deliver DFARS and CMMC training nationwide. Ryan is also a frequent industry speaker on practical, non‑technical aspects of CMMC and managing compliance responsibilities across organizations and service providers.

Joe Scholefield

Joe has over 20 years of IT and cybersecurity experience, helping organizations turn complex compliance requirements into practical solutions. He has led successful efforts across NIST SP 800‑171, DFARS, and CMMC for both mid‑sized and global enterprises. As a CMMC Certified Professional, he helps organizations securely protect CUI in real‑world environments.

Director of Compliance

Emily Jobe

Emily brings a breadth of administrative experience and strong organizational expertise to her role at DEFCERT. She leads Business Operations, overseeing proposals and contracts, finance, office administration, and partner relationships to keep the organization running smoothly.

Director of Business Operations

Michelle Andersen

Michelle specializes in identifying Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and sensitive data within U.S. government contract data flows and translating contractual and technical requirements into practical safeguarding obligations. She brings a systems engineering perspective informed by experience in aerospace engineering, international trade compliance, and data protection within the aerospace and defense sector.

Director of Quality

Al Lauzon

Al brings over 20 years of operational leadership experience and a strong background in building disciplined, people‑focused organizations. At DEFCERT, he applies this expertise to help clients establish the structure, accountability, and processes needed for CMMC compliance and long‑term operational resilience.

Director of Internal Operations

  • Rachel Bassford

    CUI Consultant

  • Cort Hanlon

    Consultant

  • Michael Misson

    Analyst

  • Josh Jacobs

    Consultant

  • Jake Loria

    IT Specialist

  • Beth Sheridan

    Analyst

  • Matthew Spaniol

    Consultant

  • Andrew Staton

    Consultant