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About Us

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Sarn Bien-Aime

Founder & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Sarn Bien-Aime is the Founder and CEO of Ascend Technologies Group.  He’s been in the IT space for 20+ years and has worked in the industry from SI/DIB, OEM/ISV, VAD/VAR, and MSSP perspectives leading in aspects of management, strategic planning & execution, sales, go-to-market, business development, and operations.  Sarn is deeply passionate about building a customer first organization that is committed to delivering outcomes aligned to missions.

Our Mission

To deliver innovative, secure, and mission-aligned solutions that empower our customers to focus on their missions and goals with confidence.

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Our Core Values

Integrity

Innovation

Accountability

Inclusion

Service

Our Team

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Karla Arana

Staff Accounting & Business Operations

Karla brings structure and efficiency to Asc3nd's day-to-day operations. With a background in psychology and a sharp eye for detail, she supports financial administration, executive coordination, and business operations across the company. Whether preparing reports, streamlining schedules, or supporting leadership, Karla keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes.
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Christopher Beckham

Solutions Architect

With over 20 years in cybersecurity and a strong background in federal programs, Chris supports Asc3nd's technical partnerships and customer solutions. A former Marine Corps Non-Commissioned Officer, he has led major initiatives for the Army and Department of Veterans Affairs. Christopher's expertise in information assurance and program delivery makes him a trusted partner in strengthening national security through innovation and collaboration.
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Marco Bien-Aime

Chief of Staff

As Chief of Staff at Asc3nd Technologies Group, Marco plays a key role in driving strategic initiatives and ensuring alignment across teams. He manages high-level priorities, handles sensitive matters with discretion, and keeps communication flowing seamlessly between leadership, employees, and partners. With a strong background in project management and organizational operations, Marco brings focus, adaptability, and a steady hand to every challenge.
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Cherrelle Green

Marketing Lead

Cherrelle leads marketing at Asc3nd Technologies Group, where she drives brand strategy and event marketing for key government initiatives. She is the CEO of CMG Consulting LLC, leveraging her deep expertise in strategic communications and business growth to support clients across the public and private sectors.
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Mo Hassan

Account Manager

Mo brings strong technical know-how and a customer-first mindset to his role as Account Manager. With a background in cybersecurity sales and experience supporting federal missions, he focuses on delivering thoughtful, tailored solutions. Mo thrives on building meaningful relationships and ensuring that customers feel supported every step of the way.
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Ryan Hauptman

Director- Civilian Sales Mission Support

With years of experience managing federal accounts, Ryan specializes in helping civilian agencies adopt emerging technologies that solve real problems. He brings a track record of success in the Intelligence Community and OEM space, known for closing large-scale deals and driving mission alignment. At Asc3nd, Ryan leads with a customer-first mindset and a deep understanding of the federal procurement landscape.
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Michael Lewis

Strategic Operations Manager

Michael L. Lewis is joining Ascend Technologies Group as the Strategic Operations Manager and former Army Senior Cyber Warfare Officer with over 29 years of experience leading defense and cybersecurity initiatives across the Department of Defense and international coalitions. With a proven track record in managing programs, directing cyber operations, and designing next-generation cyber defense systems, he brings a unique blend of strategic leadership, technical expertise, and mission-driven execution. Michael has led transformational projects integrating cyber capabilities, advanced training programs, and secure communications infrastructure across global military networks. He holds a Master of Science in Telecommunications & Network Management, Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, a CISSP certification, and an active TS-SCI clearance.
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Kelly McCormick:

Director of DoD Sales

As Director of DoD Sales at Asc3nd Technologies Group, Kelly brings both operational insight and mission familiarity to every engagement. A former U.S. Air Force officer and Watch Officer at the White House, he transitioned into defense technology sales in 2018 and has held roles at CheckPoint Software, BlueCat, and Zoom. At Asc3nd, Kelly focuses on building strong relationships with Department of Defense partners and aligning innovative solutions to support their most critical missions. Based in Northern Virginia, he balances his professional drive with family life and a love for powerlifting and sports.
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Kelly Saling

Account Manager

With nearly 30 years in the cybersecurity industry, Kelly brings deep experience and a steady presence to the team. She focuses on supporting customer needs, optimizing processes, and building strong working relationships. Kelly is known for her reliability, collaborative spirit, and commitment to delivering results for both clients and internal teams.
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Jessie Smallwood

Vice President - Open Source Intelligence

Jessie leads Asc3nd's Open Source Intelligence strategy with a clear mission: help government and defense partners turn public data into actionable insight. With a background in threat intelligence and deep expertise in the OSINT space, she's known for building scalable programs and empowering teams to navigate complex information environments. Jessie combines technical depth with real-world understanding to keep customers mission-ready.
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Brandon Strathy

Intelligence Subject Matter Expert

A U.S. Navy veteran, he has deep expertise in HUMINT, Protective Operations, and Executive Protection. Brandon is passionate about equipping defense partners with the intelligence tools they need to stay mission-ready and secure. His work is rooted in experience, precision, and a commitment to supporting those on the front lines.
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