SOFtact Solutions (STS) Founder and CEO Mary Allison Brinker, known to most as MA, launched in 2017 with a sufficient and pithy motto: “We are problem solvers,” shared MA. “Our goal is to tackle complex challenges in today’s warfighting environment through the products and services we provide.”

Today, that clear and concise mission is carried forward by the 80+ STS employees and contractors who embody that message. Headquartered in Fayetteville, STS specializes in strategic advisory and consulting services, providing expertise in design, procurement, integration, execution, and program management. By delivering both subject matter experts and the necessary hardware and software, STS implements tailored solutions for its clients in the U.S. Department of Defense, multiple Federal Agencies, and other government agencies.

STS plays a critical role in supporting the greater United States Special Operations Command community providing capabilities across the Command, Control, Communication, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C5ISR).  Additionally, a significant portion of STS’ business focuses on ServiceNow, leveraging cloud computing to automate and optimize business workflows, further solidifying its position as an industry leader in defense technology.

“We’re not just providing IT services, we’re delivering strategic program management,” MA explains. “We deep dive into the gaps our customers face, navigating complex environments and ensuring the right practitioners are in place to drive success across the entire C5ISR enterprise.”

Having grown up in North Carolina, headquartering STS in Fayetteville was more than a business move, it was a homecoming. Starting in 2005, living in Tampa, Florida, MA launched a successful defense industry career, supporting the defense sector prior to planting the STS flag in Fayetteville.

MA is known and respected for her intense work ethic, passion for customers, and exceptional reputation working with Special Operations Forces, Combatant Commands, Joint Agencies and other government organizations. Beyond her leadership at STS, MA has been a driving force in the defense industry for over 19 years, consistently serving in leadership roles across multiple organizations. She is a lifetime member and active small business corporate partner with the Global SOF Foundation, The Honor Foundation, and was a founding board member of SOFWERX in support of SOCOM. She is affiliated with organizations and associations in support of national security and Veterans.

The inspiration behind SOFtact Solutions emerged from the strong relationships MA had cultivated in previous roles. “I received so much encouragement from colleagues and even more from my customer community,” MA shares. “The customers I was supporting, both in and out of uniform, expressed a desire to continue working with me. They valued the trust and authenticity I brought to the table and encouraged me to step out on my own to provide consulting services.”

Despite the challenges of entrepreneurship, MA took the leap. “I had three kids under the age of three, I was young, and I was working in a male-dominated industry,” MA recalls. “But I realized there’s never a ‘perfect’ time to start a business. I wanted the freedom to set expectations, hold myself accountable, and build something meaningful.” As STS grew, MA focused on fostering a workplace where employees felt valued and connected. “Almost everyone who joined SOFtact did so to work alongside me, not for me,” she emphasizes. “That still holds true today. Our retention rates are incredibly high, and we’ve built an exceptional culture of trust and collaboration.” 

MA is passionate about organizational health and cultivating a culture where people feel valued, empowered, and inspired to contribute to a greater mission. STS is a company of dedicated professionals who take pride in their work and the people they serve. Creating a healthy organization was particularly important to MA, given her own experiences in the industry. “As a woman in this space, I knew what I valued and the obstacles I faced,” she says. “I wanted to ensure STS had a solid foundation and the right people at its core. True leadership lies in the relationships we build, the examples we set, and the impact we leave behind.”

In February 2025, this thriving woman owned small business was awarded the prestigious 2025 ServiceNow Transformation Partner of the Year Award for the Americas, recognizing its transformational contribution for the US Army through armymaintenance.com.

With a strong leadership vision, a commitment to service, and a culture of excellence, SOFtact Solutions continues to make a lasting impact in national security and technology.