Mr. Adams holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Maryland and a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from West Chester University, where he attended on a music scholarship. This unique combination of technical expertise and creative talent has been a hallmark of his leadership and innovation.
In 1983, Charles followed in his father’s footsteps of service by enlisting in the U.S. Army. He completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, attended intelligence school at Goodfellow Air Force Base, and served as a 98C Senior Signals Intelligence Analyst at Field Station Berlin in Germany during the height of the Cold War. His time in Berlin shaped his dedication to national security and honed his ability to thrive in high-stakes environments.
After his military service, Charles relocated to the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area in 1987 and began his civilian career as a Software Engineer with TRW, working on cutting-edge projects for the Naval Space Command Center. His career trajectory quickly accelerated, reflecting his talent for solving complex problems and delivering results. By 1990, he joined Lockheed Martin (formerly GE Aerospace) as a Senior Software Engineer and Principal Systems Engineer, earning certification as a Satellite Engineer. From 1994 to 1997, Charles served as a Senior Test Engineer and Project Manager for BAE Systems before advancing to the role of Director with CTX (now part of ManTech International) from 1997 to 1999.
In 1999, Mr. Adams founded ACET, starting with a single employee. Under his leadership, the company has grown to over 450 employees, serving Federal Agencies across the Intelligence Community, Department of Defense, and Veterans Affairs. His visionary leadership has resulted in several multi-billion-dollar IDIQ contract wins, including $500 million in Task Order awards in 2012 alone.
With more than 25 years of experience in the Intelligence Community, Charles has supported critical missions involving SIGINT, ELINT, COMINT, Space Agencies, Orbital Science, Software Development, and Systems Engineering. His contributions have left an indelible mark on national security and technological advancement.
Mr. Adams lives in the D.C. Metropolitan Area with his wife and children. In his free time, he enjoys playing the piano, golfing, and spending quality time with family and friends. A lover of life’s finer things, he also appreciates a good cigar—an emblem of his philosophy of savoring success while staying grounded in humility and gratitude.