Leadership

Edwin Peña

Chief Executive Officer

Edwin “Eddie” Peña is the CEO of Linchpin Solutions, Inc. He is responsible for the company's vision, strategy, and culture; engaging directly with clients, partners, and employees to ensure that Linchpin Solutions continues to provide exceptional support for organizations with can’t fail missions. Eddie started Linchpin Solutions with the goal of creating a company that could identify progressive technology solutions that advance the objectives of the tactical warfighting community. By connecting select industry players with empowered government stakeholders, Linchpin Solutions creates the strong partnerships required to deliver sophisticated, reliable solutions in smart, affordable ways. 

Eddie entered the commercial sector after serving a 20-year military career in the United States Marine Corps, which included more than 10 years of project officer and top-level executive management. 

He is a graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder and the Naval Postgraduate School.

Amy R.B. Gwinn

Chief Revenue Officer

Amy Gwinn, Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) of Linchpin Solutions, leads the Sales and Marketing teams and is responsible for the company’s revenue-generation strategy and execution as well as the company’s go-to-market approach and customer success. Amy joined Linchpin Solutions in 2017 and served as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for five years before transitioning to the role of CRO. She continues to advise on the operational aspects of the business to achieve substantial and enduring growth.

Before joining Linchpin, Amy held senior positions at TeleCommunications Systems, Inc., Gilat Satellite Networks, and Ultisat Inc., and has amassed nearly 25 years of industry experience in DoD Markets and commercial satellite communication solutions. Her expertise includes sales strategies, strategic partnerships, technology decisions, P&L management, and revenue generation.

Amy is a proud graduate of the United States Naval Academy and served on active duty as a Navy Cryptologist and tactical communicator.

Paul Frese

President

As the President of Linchpin Solutions, Inc. Paul is responsible for the company’s revenue growth and execution, partnerships, and most importantly customer satisfaction. Prior to Linchpin Solutions, Paul spent 27 years in sales management and account management positions leading sales and business development teams across the United States. In these roles, he launched new product offerings and implemented strategic sales initiatives to consistently exceed corporate quota and revenue objectives. He is accomplished in technology firms ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies in both commercial and public sectors selling software, hardware, and services. He has a strong track record of helping enterprises grow successfully while delivering the highest levels of service and value to their customers. He is a graduate of Georgia State University.

Cindy Thierry

VP, Sales Operations

Cynthia “Cindy” L. Thierry is the Vice President of Sales Operations at Linchpin Solutions, Inc. She leads every aspect of Linchpin’s sales operations and business development pursuits in all major markets, especially C5ISR. Since joining Linchpin in 2021, Cindy has been an integral part of the company’s growth in developing and implementing our strategic direction. Prior to her role at Linchpin, Cindy held several leadership roles at prominent government system integrators and Fortune 100 commercial companies. Cindy founded and was President of Chesapeake Consulting and Sales, Inc. for over 15 years, successfully supporting the federal and commercial industries, to include developing and training for companies and associate teaching at the college level. She holds a computer information degree from the University of Florida and continues her educational interests in leadership studies and artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML).

Kathryn Cox

VP, Learning Solutions

Kathryn is the Vice President of Learning Solutions at Linchpin Solutions, Inc., where she plays a pivotal role in shaping and implementing cutting-edge learning solutions tailored to the distinct challenges faced by federal and defense government clients. Her responsibilities span the oversight of design and development processes, ensuring the delivery of top-notch training programs, courses, and learning services. With a wealth of expertise in training and education programs, program management, contract management, and business strategy, Kathryn has proven herself to be successful in developing programs across the Department of Defense (DoD) and various federal agencies. She has been a key driver in supporting organizations through transformative learning projects. Before making her mark in the commercial sector, Kathryn dedicated over 25 years to academia, where she served in various capacities, such as administrator, instructor, and instructional designer. Her academic background includes graduation from the University of South Alabama and Oklahoma City University.

Timothy Wilson

Director of Logistics Engineering

Tim “Willy” Wilson is the Director of Logistics Engineering at Linchpin Solutions. He is responsible for requirements analyses, logistics and specialty disciplined engineering analyses including products development, knowledge sharing and mentoring, covering the complete lifecycle of systems acquisition and sustainment leading to disposal for a wide variety of technologies. Beginning his career as a Machinist’s Mate aboard the USS Midway, Willy ventured into logistics in 1982 at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. Over the years, he ascended through various roles, including Logistics Analyst, Logistics Manager, Director of Logistics and Specialty Disciplines, and Program Manager. Eventually, he became Director of Operations of the Electronic Warfare Group within an Original Equipment Manufacturer. Before joining Linchpin Solutions in 2019, Willy had over eight years devoted to DoD 5000 Acquisition Logistics supporting Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC), a three-year tenure providing reliability and maintainability analyses and support to the Missile Defense Agency covering the AEGIS platform and all antiballistic missile versions. He is a graduate of National Louis University. Willy is actively supporting the Council of Logistics Engineering Professionals (CLEP) serving as the Vice President of Operations for the organization.

William Leizear

Director of Finance, Controller

William is the Controller for Linchpin Solutions. He is responsible for overseeing all accounting functions and supervising accounting staff. William joined Linchpin Solutions in 2021, bringing with him over 35 years of experience in financial management and accounting operations across diverse industries, where he has held key roles including Controller, Director of Finance and Accounting, and Internal Auditor. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Baltimore and is an active Certified Public Accountant licensed in Maryland.

Tom Kivlen

Director of Program Management Office (PMO)

Tom Kivlen is the Director of the Program Management Office (PMO) at Linchpin Solutions, Inc., where he leads the Program Management Team overseeing all current and future programs at Linchpin. His responsibilities include the execution of program management and contract activities for Linchpin’s government and commercial clients. He is adept at driving strategic initiatives to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of program execution and business growth. Prior to his role at Linchpin, Tom served in Program and Project Management roles in both government and commercial settings, managing and leading programs ranging from Engineering Development to Operations and Life Cycle Logistics.

Tom is also an active member of the Maryland Army National Guard, serving as the Chief of Staff (XO) and Director of Operations (S3) for the 29th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade, and is a current Aviator. He has previously served in both Aviation and Special Operations roles on multiple domestic and international deployments. He is a graduate of Rutgers University and Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering, and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).