Our Leadership

In 2002, Virga founded SkillStorm with a business partner. Working from their homes with only modest resources, they closed the year with $490,000 in annual revenue. The company quickly grew to 59 employees and $3.6 million in revenue by the following year. By 2006 they had diversified into the federal space and built an outstanding reputation in providing quality IT services to the government. This led to the creation of a separate company, SGIS, which focused on providing diversified IT and analytical services to the defense and intelligence communities, while SkillStorm continued with its mission of providing IT services to the commercial sector.

SGIS and SkillStorm experienced astounding growth, combining for over $120 million in revenue for 2009. Virga and his partner sold SGIS in June, 2010, which by then had achieved annualized revenues of over $130 million. It was recorded as one of the largest government services transactions for the year.

Today, leading SkillStorm is Virga’s main business focus. The company continues to operate successfully as a leading IT services provider in the private sector with over 275 employees and office locations nationwide.

Prior to SkillStorm, Virga spent the first eight years of his career with a national, publicly-traded technical services firm. He held various positions of increasing responsibility, ultimately serving as Regional Vice President from 1999-2002. He was part of the leadership team that built the company into an organization with over $150 million in annual revenues prior to his departure in 2002.

Virga receives frequent recognition for his work through awards and media coverage. His proudest recognition came in 2006 when Virga was personally presented with the 2006 Governor’s Entrepreneurship Award in the Mega Category by former Florida Governor Jeb Bush. Most recently, Virga was named one of South Florida Business Leader magazine’s 2010 Top 50 Entrepreneurs. This award recognizes him as a leader who has made a significant impact on the South Florida business community. Virga was also named one of South Florida’s 2009 40 under 40 by the South Florida Business Journal, honoring his professional success and community involvement as one of South Florida’s best and brightest professionals under 40 years old.

Virga serves as Chairman of the Board for the South Florida region of The National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), an organization that helps young people from low-income communities build skills and unlock their entrepreneurial spirit. He volunteers his time as a NFTE mentor and guest speaker, participating in several events throughout the year such as a business plan writing competition. In 2008, Virga was invited to be a panelist for the Staffing Management Association of South Florida to discuss SkillStorm best practices and how others can influence their own company culture to be one of the best.

Recognizing his own blessings, Virga believes strongly in giving back to the community and those less fortunate through volunteering and financial contributions. Most recently, Virga and other SkillStorm employees collected in-kind donations as well as over $15,000 in monetary donations for Haiti relief efforts through the American Red Cross. Virga and other SkillStorm employees also worked closely with Habitat for Humanity, working towards the goal of ultimately eliminating poverty housing and homelessness by helping to build houses within the Fort Lauderdale, Florida area. Virga is an avid supporter of cancer research, namely leukemia, lymphoma and breast cancer. In 2006, Virga founded an annual golf tournament in support of Susan G. Komen for the Cure to honor his mother, a breast cancer survivor. This annual event has raised over $45,000 during the past four years.

Virga was born and raised in South Florida. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from the University of Central Florida and continues to support his alma mater through the Alumni Association and Golden Knights Club.

Prior to SkillStorm, Brown held positions at all levels within his field and was recognized as a top producer in each role. He began his career as an Account Executive for a staffing firm.

Rising quickly through the ranks, Brown went on to become Division Director. Soon thereafter, he was promoted to Branch Sales Manager, Area Sales Manager and Regional Vice President of Consulting Services, respectively. During his tenure, he grew all lines of business and increased revenues for all divisions. Brown then joined a technology-based services consulting company as Vice President of California Operations where he was successful in reforming the San Jose, California branch from a revenue loss to a lucrative profit and also opened a new office in San Diego. He then signed on as Vice President of Sales and Operations for another staffing company, a role in which he created and established four new divisions.

Brown has been recognized for his accomplishments through various awards. He won a Stevie Award for Best Sales Trainer in The 2008 American Business Awards and has been a member of the SkillStorm Dream Team for three consecutive years. Brown was also recognized as the Top Area Manager in the World for 2000 for a leading staffing company with over 400 offices worldwide.

Brown endeavors to give back to the community through charitable and professional organizations. On a continuous basis, he provides financial contributions to Susan G. Komen For The Cure. Brown is also an active member of the San Diego Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). He has also been a committee member for the San Diego SHRM Workplace Excellence Awards for nine years, a role in which he works with local companies to showcase how Human Resources and Talent Acquisition effect revenue production in companies.

Brown attended San Diego State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutritional Science.

Prior to joining SkillStorm, Moura served as Director of Finance and Operations for a local general contracting company. In this role, Moura was responsible for financial reporting, planning, budgeting, human resources and project bidding. He managed over 25 employees in day-to-day operations focusing on process changes to drive efficient accounting, finance and business processes and customized pricing of bids which contributed to securing $8 million in new sales. Moura was also the President and founder of an investment firm, consulting as a Controller for several companies with responsibilities including general accounting, financial reporting, profitability analysis, business process improvements, payroll processing, employee recruiting, job costing and tax preparation.

Moura has also served as Manager of Financial Analysis and Budgeting for a leading international security solutions group where he managed the consolidation and reporting of a $2.8 billion annual budget across three distinct business lines operating in 54 countries. In this position, Moura was also a key member of a cross-functional financial business team that focused on maximizing the company’s valuation which resulted in the company’s sale for $573 million.

Moura received his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Finance from Florida State University and his Master of Business Administration from the University of Miami with a specialization in International Business. He is a Certified Public Accountant in the state of Florida and is an active member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

Cozza had previously served as Director of National Sales, a role where he was responsible for a corporate sales department of more than 60 sales representatives and over 100 technical recruiters in 17 nationwide offices. He also previously served as a Regional Accounts Manager, where he was responsible for managing major accounts and the development of key business partnerships.

Cozza attended the University of Illinois in Chicago, Illinois. His professional certifications include Miller Heiman Strategic Selling and Dale Carnegie Sales Training.

Cozza is actively involved in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, providing mentorship for the past two years. He has also volunteered at the Child Crisis Center in Mesa, Arizona and New Day Center in Phoenix, Arizona, aiding children and their families in times of need.

Prior to joining SkillStorm, Gallagher was the Manager of Business Solutions for a company providing customized recruiting solutions, a role in which he was responsible for the development and implementation of internet recruiting strategies and advertising campaigns as well as software solutions for many Fortune 500 companies. He began his career at a national, publicly-traded technical services firm where spent nine years and held positions at all levels, including Technical Recruiter, Account Manager, Director of Corporate Recruiting and Director of Human Resources. During his tenure, Gallagher opened a new branch in Indianapolis, Indiana and was successful in developing the territory.

Gallagher has been recognized as a top producer numerous times. He has been a member of the SkillStorm Dream Team for four consecutive years; this is an exclusive club that recognizes the top performers within the organization. As part of this club, he has been invited to the annual Dream Team trip each year.

Gallagher gives back to the community through a variety of charitable, civic and professional organizations. Most recently, he sponsored an Indianapolis youth baseball team, which included volunteering his time as a coach and mentor to the 12 member team and providing financial contributions. In 2008, Gallagher and other SkillStorm employees worked closely with Habitat for Humanity, working towards the goal of ultimately eliminating poverty housing and homelessness by helping to build houses within the Indianapolis area. Gallagher is an active member of the Men’s Club of Saint Matthew Catholic Church; he regularly attends church services and programs with his family and is involved in a variety of fundraisers and other activities. He is also a member of Saint Matthew’s Catholic School Commission Board. On a continuous basis, Gallagher provides financial contributions to the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.

Gallagher holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts from Purdue University.

Prior to joining SkillStorm, Stout was the Dallas Branch Manager for a national, publicly-traded technical services firm where he spent ten years. During his tenure, he held positions at a variety of levels, including Technical Recruiter, Account Manager and Producing Branch Manager and was responsible for branch start-up, team building and business development. Stout achieved top honors within each role and with his move to Dallas, Texas in 1999, helped grow the organization from zero to $10 million in annual revenue in less than two years. He was successful in developing two different regions and sales territories for the company.

Stout has earned numerous awards for his accomplishments. He has been a member of the SkillStorm Dream Team for four consecutive years. Stout also received ten consecutive President’s Club awards and Top Producer of the Year five times.

Stout gives back to the community through various charitable and civic organizations. Most recently, he volunteered his time to work with Habitat for Humanity, helping to build a house within the Dallas area. Stout is currently a volunteer for the Cub Scouts, and has been for the past three consecutive years. He served on the Men’s Group Committee for Preston Meadow Lutheran Church for three consecutive years, a role in which he planned and participated in a multitude of community service projects, church activities and men’s activities within the church. Stout has been the Assistant Coach for children’s baseball and soccer for the local Allen Sports Association for three consecutive years. He also gives back to the community through blood drives and volunteers alongside his employees for the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Drive and the Toys for Tots program every year.

Stout has been a Board Member for the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) for four consecutive years. A native of Iowa, Stout attended William Penn College in Oskaloosa, Iowa before joining the United States Marine Corps. He proudly served as a member of the Field Artillery Advanced Party Team for 2nd Battalion, 10th Marines – 2nd Marine Division, in Desert Storm (1990 – 1991). For his service, Stout was awarded the Southeast Asia Campaign Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Liberation of Kuwait Medal.

Jackson has been an integral part in the growth of SkillStorm and SGIS, a national government contracting firm that shared a similar ownership structure to SkillStorm. He was responsible for the design, operation and improvement of the systems that create and deliver both companies’ services and oversaw corporate support and business alliances, providing management support for Contracts, Human Resources, Information Technology, Information Systems, Legal, Procurement, Real Estate, Security, Corporate Reporting and overall policies, procedures and corporate control functions. Jackson has also been instrumental in transition of SGIS company operations after the sale of the company in July 2010.

Prior to SkillStorm, Jackson served as Vice President and Chief Information Officer of a global manufacturer of packaging products where he was the primary strategic leader responsible for defining and implementing a new Information Technology architecture and core infrastructure to support the company’s goals, providing revenue growth of over $600 million in 5 years.

Jackson has also owned his own management consulting company where he managed teams of client staff and outside consultants over multiple projects, while controlling budgets and schedules to meet business goals and objectives. Jackson successfully built and operated the company for over 12 years, providing Distribution and Logistics Systems Integration services. He served as Management Consultant, Project Manager, Business Analyst and Systems Integrator during his time with the company.

Jackson has been recognized for his accomplishments through various awards. He was the recipient of an industry award for superior leadership and strategic direction and was also honored as one of Computerworld’s Top 100 CIOs in 2002.

Jackson gives back to the community through numerous charitable and civic organizations. On a continuous basis, he makes financial contributions to the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society, the American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the American Heart Association and the Humane Society. Jackson is an active participant in the annual 5k Walk/ Run for the MS Society. He also served as the Support Group Coordinator for the organization.

Jackson studied Computer Science and Mathematics at Oregon State University. He is a Project Management Professional (PMP) and holds a Certificate in Data Processing (CDP). Jackson is also a Six Sigma Champion.

Prior to joining SkillStorm, Noesen served as the Director of IT Search for an international executive search firm, heading up the IT Solutions Practice division. He also served as the Director of the automotive line of business for an engineering and IT professional services firm. In this role, he was responsible for managing two of the company's largest accounts with more than 500 IT consultants. Noesen was also the National Practice Director at a national technology provider and was responsible for the development and financial performance of the application development, network engineering, QA and project management solutions practices.

Noesen received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas. He is a long-time volunteer of Meals on Wheels and is actively involved with RISE Adventures, a charitable non-profit organization that promotes independence through adaptive outdoor adventures and recreational sports programs for the physically challenged community. Noesen also volunteers his time to the Salvation Army.

Prior to her promotion, Amesbury served as Director of Marketing and Communication, a role in which she was responsible for the creation, development, implementation and management of all media relations, corporate communications, brand management and marketing and web campaigns.

Prior to SkillStorm, Amesbury was Marketing and Communications Project Manager for the largest full-service real estate developer in the southeast, a Project Developer for the nation’s largest automotive retailer and a Public Relations Assistant for Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Betty Williams, respectively. She also served as an Adjunct Professor at Florida Atlantic University, teaching various communications and public relations classes.

Most recently, Amesbury was honored as a finalist for the 2009 American Business Awards, also known as The Stevies, for Corporate Communicator of the Year. In 2008, she was selected as a finalist for South Florida Business Journal’s Up and Comers Awards. She also received a Top Performer of 2007 award and is a member of the SkillStorm Dream Team, an exclusive club that recognizes the top performers within the company. As part of this club, she was invited to the annual Dream Team trip.

Amesbury has had articles published in several magazines and other publications, including Go Riverwalk, Caribbean Star In-Flight, Coastal Boating, Building Florida, Ghostman On Third, Seven Seas Cruising Bulletin, Sail Magazine, Exterior Advantage and Latitudes and Attitudes.

Amesbury is a founding member and former Public Relations Chair of Emerge Broward, a young professionals’ organization that promotes leadership and personal development through networking, community involvement and educational opportunities. She was selected for Emerge Broward’s Host 50 Program, a group of elite members who have continuously demonstrated strong leadership within the organization. Amesbury serves as the Public Relations Chair for the Ghostlight Society, a non-profit organization that engages and inspires young professionals to take an active role in supporting, promoting and celebrating the performing arts in South Florida. She is also a member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), the Florida Direct Marketing Association (FDMA), the Florida Communication Association (FCA), the South Florida Interactive Marketing Association (SFIMA) and the American Marketing Association (AMA).

Most recently, Amesbury volunteered her time to work with Habitat for Humanity, helping to build a house within the South Florida area. She also serves as a mentor and guest speaker for the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneuship (NFTE), an organization that helps young people from low-income communities build skills and unlock their entrepreneurial spirit. Amesbury served as a Mentor for Take Stock in Children, donating one hour weekly to helping a middle school student in need by providing assistance with homework and test preparations. Amesbury also hiked the Grand Canyon as a member of the Hike for Discovery team, benefiting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Broward County.

Amesbury received her Master of Arts degree in Communication and her Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from Florida Atlantic University, graduating with honors in both programs. She was also a member of the Gold Key Honor Society and made the National Dean’s List.