top of page

Meet the Team

Our team unites decades of experience supporting commercial, federal, defense, intelligence, and scientific organizations with enterprise-grade IT and professional services. We bring together senior technologists, program leaders, cybersecurity experts, and solution architects who have delivered high-impact outcomes across some of the nation’s most visible missions. Our culture prioritizes innovation, accountability, accessibility, and operational excellence—ensuring every project delivers measurable results and enduring value.

Thomas Duffy - Advocate IT LLC

Founder & CEO

Thomas Duffy

Mr. Duffy is the Founder and CEO, leading enterprise IT, digital transformation, and mission-critical solutions for federal agencies and Fortune 500 partners. With nearly 20 years of experience in government operations, emerging technologies, and national security programs, he has driven the capture of over $2.2 billion in federal contracts supporting defense, civilian, intelligence, and healthcare missions. Mr. Duffy empowers clients to modernize legacy systems, enhance cybersecurity, and deliver measurable mission outcomes. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Security Studies from East Carolina University and a graduate degree in Cybersecurity Risk Management from Georgetown University. His professional credentials include UiPath Advanced RPA Developer, ITIL® 4, and PMP® certifications, and he maintains an active DoD Top Secret clearance.​

Laura Benkovich - Advocate IT LLC

Director of Operations

Laura Benkovich

Mrs. Benkovich serves as Director of Operations, overseeing human resources, accounting, client relations, organizational strategy, and internal business governance to ensure operational efficiency, regulatory alignment, and superior service delivery across all programs. With over 15 years of experience leading cross-functional teams, modernizing business operations, and implementing enterprise-level process improvements, she brings a strategic, people-first approach that drives organizational performance, innovation, and sustained client satisfaction. Mrs. Benkovich holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Towson University and is recognized for transforming complexity into actionable, outcome-driven solutions.

Dr. David Esh - Advocate IT LLC

Director of Scientific and Engineering Services

Dr. David Esh

Dr. David Esh serves as Director of Scientific & Engineering Services, leading enterprise application development, Agile transformation, and complex data and computational modeling initiatives for government and commercial clients. With over 30 years of experience, including 26 years as a Senior Nuclear Regulator at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, he is nationally recognized for leadership in risk modeling, performance assessment, and regulatory strategy. Dr. Esh holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering along with three additional advanced degrees, and maintains an active Top Secret Clearance, bringing deep expertise in engineering, scientific program management, and mission-critical technical advisory services.

best of bob.png

Director of Data and Digital Transformation

Robert Brusco

Mr. Brusco is Director of Data and Digital Transformation, leading initiatives in cloud migration, intelligent automation, data architecture, and Agile application development. With more than 35 years of experience modernizing IT systems across defense, intelligence, and federal civilian sectors, he has successfully integrated C5ISR systems, cybersecurity frameworks, and enterprise logistics platforms to enhance mission-critical operations. Mr. Brusco holds a bachelor’s degree from Glassboro State College. He is a Six Sigma Green Belt, a graduate of the Executive Leadership Program at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, and holds six additional professional certifications.

Lesa Jansen

Director of Strategic Communications

Lesa Jansen

Mrs. Lesa Jansen serves as Director of Strategic Communications, leading stakeholder engagement, federal IT alignment, and public sector modernization initiatives. She brings more than 35 years of experience across national security, government, and media environments, including senior roles at the National Security Agency and in direct support of U.S. Cyber Command at Fort Meade. Earlier in her career, Mrs. Jansen served as a White House and Capitol Hill Producer for CNN’s Washington Bureau and Fox News, providing her with a unique perspective at the intersection of policy, communications, and mission execution. She completed a postgraduate professional seminar at Columbia University and holds an active Top Secret security clearance.

Ken Sanger.png

Director of Law Enforcement and Public Safety

Ken Sanger

Mr. Ken Sanger serves as Director of Law Enforcement and Public Safety, bringing more than 31 years of experience with the Montgomery County Police Department, including service as a Lieutenant and Deputy District Commander. He has led officers, supervised field operations, managed workforce deployment, and supported complex public safety missions across a large jurisdiction. His experience gives Advocate IT practical insight into patrol operations, staffing, command structures, community engagement, and law enforcement technology. Mr. Sanger brings a mission-focused perspective that helps clients turn operational data, policy, and workforce needs into practical recommendations that strengthen policing effectiveness and public safety outcomes.

Alex.png

Cybersecurity Team Lead​

Alexander Norman

Mr. Norman is a Sr. Cybersecurity Specialist, where he supports enterprise security operations through real-time network monitoring, firewall administration, and incident response across complex IT environments. With hands-on expertise in packet analysis, Microsoft 365 security, and vulnerability remediation, he plays a key role in safeguarding infrastructure and maintaining compliance with frameworks like ISO 27001. Mr. Norman holds a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity from Wilmington University and applies a methodical, security-first approach to managing risk and protecting mission-critical systems across government and commercial networks

Advocate IT - Luca_edited.jpg

Enterprise Service Desk Team Lead

Luca Lostao

Mr. Luca Lostao serves as Enterprise Service Desk Team Lead, where he supports enterprise IT operations through service desk coordination, incident response support, and end-user technical assistance across complex IT environments. With hands-on experience in security operations, vulnerability awareness, and operational support processes, he plays a key role in maintaining service continuity and supporting secure, reliable technology operations. Mr. Lostao holds a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations from Pennsylvania State University.

bottom of page