Technology company Leidos had its grand opening at the Georgia Cyber Center on Wednesday, Feb. 1.
Several local business and city leaders, including Mayor Garnett Johnson, Augusta Metro Chamber president Sue Parr and North Augusta Mayor Briton Williams gathered in an invitation-only ribbon-cutting ceremony of the company’s new suite inside the Shaffer McCartney Building, where Leidos has established its second Augusta location.
“We thank you for your investment in this city,” Johnson said. “You have over 44,000 jobs worldwide, and that you’ve committed 300 to this community means a lot.”
Steve Hull, the executive vice president and operations manager with Leidos, mentioned that some 19% of its employees are military veterans with more than 40% holding security clearances. Last year, the U.S. Department of Defense awarded the Reston, Virginia-based company a $1.5 billion contract to help the government enhance its cyber intelligence capabilities.
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Leidos also provides cyber defense solutions to the Defense Information Systems Agency Joint Service Provider, which provides IT services to the Pentagon and protects the Department of Defense’s cyber terrain; a contract worth some $138 million.
“We recognize the amazing ecosystem that is developing here,” Hull said. “We’re excited to partner with the government, industry and academia to develop the workforce, support the community and help solve the complex cybersecurity challenges our nation’s face.”
Michael Shaffer, the executive Vice President of strategic partnerships and economic development at the Cyber Center, named the company as an early partner in the development of Augusta University’s cybersecurity program, as Leidos coordinated the Capture the Flag competition for its Cyber @ Augusta University event in 2017.
“While they may be our newest resident partner, they are certainly not new to us,” said Shaffer.
Before its installation at the Cyber Center, Leidos had offices in the Atrium Building at 3633 Wheeler Road.
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter covering business for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
