Houston, TX – November 12, 2025 – Aldridge, a leading provider of managed IT and cybersecurity services, has appointed AJ Adade as Director of Professional Services. AJ joined the Aldridge leadership team in August, bringing over 20 years of experience guiding technology operations and driving improvements in cybersecurity and service delivery. His blend of technical expertise and people-first leadership will be key as Aldridge continues to expand its capabilities and elevate the client experience.
From Military Operations to IT Leadership
AJ began his career in the U.S. Army, where his logistics background led him to spearhead early cybersecurity initiatives under the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA). “My commanding officer asked if I ‘did computer stuff,’ and suddenly I was the new information security officer,” AJ recalled. “The military is where I learned to align IT and operations to drive mission success.”
That experience sparked a career focused on building strong systems and leading with purpose. After his service, AJ supported Department of Defense contractors before serving as Vice President of Professional Services at ConnectWise, where he improved collaboration and elevated the client experience across the MSP ecosystem.
Why Aldridge Was the Right Fit
After several years in an executive role within a large organization, AJ wanted to return to an environment where change could happen quickly. He was drawn to the pace and agility of a company where he could lead hands-on.
AJ chose Aldridge because of its authentic culture and the shared sense of purpose he found within its leadership. “At Aldridge, there’s no corporate hubris,” he said. “Everyone, from Patrick [Wiley, CEO] to Chris [Fridley, COO] to Chad [Hiatt, CTO], understands their part in building a shared vision. The team is naturally curious, asking, ‘Why are we doing this, and how can we do it better?’ That mindset is what makes real change possible.”
He also found something rare in Aldridge’s leadership: true alignment. “It’s not often you see a CEO, COO, and CTO who all have a shared understanding of where the business is going,” AJ noted. “That level of alignment is what convinced me this was the right place to build something lasting.”
AJ describes Aldridge as a company that does not just post its mission statement, it lives it. “At Aldridge, the mission and the people are connected. There is a true commitment to continuous improvement and doing what is best for clients.”
Advancing Professional Services and Operational Excellence at Aldridge
In his new role, AJ leads Aldridge’s Professional Services team, helping clients turn technology strategies into real business results.
By aligning service delivery with client outcomes, AJ ensures every project creates tangible value and supports each client organization’s mission. His leadership emphasizes accountability, collaboration, and a clear commitment to client success.
With AJ leading Professional Services, Aldridge is strengthening its culture of alignment and excellence so that every engagement delivers measurable results and deepens client trust in Aldridge as a long-term technology partner.