Meet Captain Zachary Coles, a steadfast military leader and innovative technologist with a distinguished 12-year career spanning both construction engineering and cyber warfare. Initially enlisting as a horizontal Construction Engineer (12N) in the US Army, Captain Coles realized that he could make a bigger impact as an officer and thus pursued the officer route to become a Combat Engineer Officer (12A). After serving as a Combat Engineer, he soon realized that his skill set was better utilized in another military occupation specialty, thus facilitating his transition to become a Cyber Officer (17A). His seamless integration of engineering expertise with cutting-edge cyber capabilities has been pivotal in defending critical networks and ensuring mission success.
 
 
In his current role as a Brigade Plans Division Chief with the Virginia Army National Guard's 91st Cyber Brigade, Captain Coles exemplifies the military's core values: integrity, loyalty, and selfless service. His leadership extends beyond tactical operations to enhancing the operational readiness and welfare of his subordinates, fostering a culture of excellence and camaraderie. This commitment is paralleled in his civilian career, where he serves as an Information Technology Manager at Peraton, overseeing critical cyber systems and leading high-performing teams to excellence in service delivery.
 
 
Captain Coles' professional journey is marked by key positions that have honed his leadership and technical skills, making him a valuable member of the Maryland Veterans Chamber of Commerce (MDVCC). His dedication to advancing veteran-owned businesses and leveraging his military and technological expertise reflects his unwavering resolve to support and uplift the veteran community in Maryland. As Captain Coles continues to serve with distinction, he remains a shining example of resilience and professionalism, upholding the highest standards of the armed forces and the technology sector.