Partnering with Veterans: A Q&A with the Founder and CEO of ACE

In the spirit of Veterans Day, I recently had the chance to sit down with Matt Lionheart, founder and CEO of Advanced Cybersecurity Experts (ACE), to talk about Ordr’s partnership with them and the story behind ACE. 

Our conversation touched on Matt’s journey to founding ACE, the unique strengths veterans bring to cybersecurity, and the incredible impact programs like SkillBridge and Instant Teams are having on both veterans and military spouses. 

I’m excited to share this Q&A as a tribute to veterans and as a way to spotlight the difference this partnership is making. 

In conversation with Matt Lionheart, Founder and CEO of ACE

Bryan: Matt, it’s great to have the chance to talk with you about ACE and the work you’re doing. Let’s start with a little background. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what led you to found ACE? 

Matt:  Thank you, Bryan. It’s a pleasure to be here. I’ve been immersed in the networking and cybersecurity field for over 20 years. Throughout my career, I’ve specialized in network security, focusing on building resilient systems and ensuring data protection across various platforms. My journey to founding Advanced Cybersecurity Experts (ACE) was fueled by my experience in both military and civilian sectors. I partnered with Sylvester Price, a retired Chief Warrant Officer 4th Class, who was one of my mentors during my time in the military. We worked together at multiple companies after our military service and noticed a recurring issue: the “support” provided by vendors was often outsourced overseas or challenging to access when needed most. 

We believed that our background in military discipline and commitment to operational excellence set us apart from others in the managed services industry. This motivated us to create ACE, where we could provide top-tier, reliable support and expertise tailored to client needs without the common delays or complications of outsourced services. Our shared vision was to build a company that embodies both technical proficiency and the dedication we honed during our military careers. 

Bryan: So, what got you interested in cybersecurity in particular? 

Matt: I found my way into cybersecurity somewhat unexpectedly. When I joined the Army in 2003 as a 25N, I had little understanding of networking or security. Fortunately, I had the privilege of learning from some of the most knowledgeable leaders in the field while serving in the First Cavalry Division. Chief Scott Roselle was my first mentor and laid the groundwork for my networking skills. Later, Chief Keith Hudson further advanced my understanding, helping me build a strong foundation in both network and security operations as part of the First Cavalry 3rd Brigade Network Operations. 

During my last two deployments as a network and security engineer, I worked alongside CW4 Retired Sylvester Price, whom I now call my business partner. Sly and I recognized an opportunity to create a company rooted in the same values and rigorous training that had shaped us into dependable engineers. This vision led to the founding of ACE, where we could bring our shared expertise and commitment to reliability into the cybersecurity space. 

Bryan: Can you tell us a bit more about ACE’s mission? What are you hoping to accomplish through the programs you offer? 

Matt:  ACE’s mission is to provide an expert layer of security to organizations. Through our programs, we aim to leverage the dedication and analytical mindset of our team—instilled with a Department of Defense level of commitment — to deliver exceptional cybersecurity solutions. Our goal is to build trusted partnerships with our clients, ensuring their infrastructure is secured by specialists who truly understand the stakes and nuances of modern cybersecurity challenges. 

Bryan: Two of the programs that I know we love here at Ordr is SkillBridge and Instant Teams, could you walk us through these programs? How do they work, and what kind of impact have you seen? 

Matt: Absolutely. The Department of Defense SkillBridge program is designed to transition active-duty service members into the cybersecurity field. We create a customized training plan that includes industry-recognized certifications and real-world experience working with leading cybersecurity platforms like Ordr. This hands-on training is paired with the “left-seat, right-seat” methodology, where participants shadow experienced cybersecurity engineers to build practical skills. 

The Instant Teams program, on the other hand, was developed in partnership with the Instant Teams company. This program focuses on hiring and training active-duty military spouses, a group that experiences higher-than-average unemployment rates due to frequent relocations. Through this initiative, we offer cybersecurity analyst training and stable career opportunities that can move with them wherever they are stationed. 

Both programs have been impactful in fostering a pipeline of motivated and skilled individuals who bring fresh perspectives and unwavering dedication to the field. While initially aimed at entry-level roles, we’ve been pleased to see interest from mid and senior-level cybersecurity specialists as well. These initiatives allow us to extend our mission by continuing to serve the country through strengthening America’s cybersecurity infrastructure. 

Bryan: It’s fantastic to see how these programs are supporting veterans and their families. From your perspective, what unique strengths do veterans and military spouses bring to the cybersecurity field? 

Matt: Veterans and military spouses possess a unique discipline and resilience that stems from their experiences in the military. There’s an ingrained principle: “always take care of the soldier, and the soldier will always take care of the mission.” This sense of duty translates seamlessly into cybersecurity, where consistency and reliability are key. Military spouses, in particular, have a firsthand understanding of flexibility and perseverance — they manage deployments, early mornings, late nights, and intense training cycles alongside their service member partners. This ability to handle high-pressure situations and adapt to new challenges makes them exceptional in this field. 

Bryan: What inspired you to partner with us at Ordr? How does this partnership fit into ACE’s mission? 

Matt: I first encountered Ordr in 2017 during a proof-of-concept comparison with other products. I was immediately struck by its ability to provide comprehensive visibility across the cybersecurity landscape. Just as in military operations where you need to assess the entire battlefield to make informed decisions, Ordr’s platform offers the clarity needed to prioritize actions based on risk and mission objectives. This alignment with ACE’s approach to cybersecurity — making strategic, informed decisions — made partnering with Ordr a natural fit. 

Bryan: And we’re thrilled to be part of it, Matt. I think this partnership has made a real difference already. Thanks for sharing more about your journey and ACE’s mission — it’s inspiring to see the impact. 

Matt: Thank you! 

Honoring Veterans and Building Lasting Impact in Cybersecurity

Reflecting on this conversation with Matt, I’m reminded of the valuable contributions veterans and military families make to our field.  

Partnering with ACE to support their mission of building cybersecurity careers for veterans has been truly rewarding. Through this Q&A, we hope to show why we’re so proud to work alongside ACE in honoring veterans and their service — not just on Veterans Day, but every day. 

To learn more about ACE and the work Matt and his team is doing, visit https://www.advancedcybersecurityllc.com to learn more.