Excellence in Skilled Labor & Training
ABOUT US
Surge Force, LLC is a staffing agency headquartered in Portsmouth, Virginia. For over a decade our staffing expertise and corporate character continues to exceed industry standards. We are passionate about providing our clients with qualified, dependable, and reliable personnel who are uniquely skilled to meet their needs.
Our team possesses a high level of expertise related to job knowledge, employment trends, industry standards and state and federal regulations. Our recruitment practices and vetting process ensure that our personnel meet all our client’s goals and requirements. We consistently provide high caliber, skilled trade workers with high retention rates through innovative recruitment, ethical practices and top of the line training.
Learn more about our services.
Our Team
Carl Spraberry
CEO
Carl was born and raised in Houston, Texas. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1975 where he worked as a Nuclear Welder and Nuclear Planner until his commissioning through the Limited Duty Officer program in 1986. He served in various positions as a Maintenance Officer, Planning Officer, and Damage Control/Engineering Officer on several ships and shore commands. He retired in 1994 and joined a local ship repair/government contracting company, QED Systems where he spent 12 years as the Director of Technical Services. Recruited by a local shipyard he started a small ship repair company Ocean Tech Services, where he served as the President beginning in July 2006 and left to start his own company in August of 2009. Since its inception his company, Advanced Integrated Technologies, and the staffing business he started in 2012, Surge Force, have grown to over 200 employees working throughout Hampton Roads and other areas, supporting the local shipyards and various government agencies in ship repair, modernization, and new technologies. He is a member of many trade organizations including the Virginia Ship Repair Association, American Society of Naval Engineers, Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, Virginia Port Authority, Virginia Maritime Association, National Ship Repair Council and Port of San Diego Ship Repair Association. His charitable affiliations include President of the Southside Boys and Girls Club, Treasurer of Cerebral Palsy of Virginia, Treasurer of Hunt’s Pointe on the Elizabeth Homeowners Association, leadership council of the Hampton Roads United Way campaign, and founder of the Virginia Microboard Association.
Cheryl Spraberry
President
As president of Advanced Integrated Technologies, Cheryl Spraberry is responsible for the Norfolk, Virginia and San Diego, California operations and future strategic expansions. She brings more than 20 years of leadership and expertise focused on operational planning, government procurement, safety, human resources, logistics and developing new business opportunities and building client partnerships.
Cheryl joined Advanced Integrated Technologies in 2009 as the receptionist and Executive Administrator to the President and quickly promoted to Human Resource Manager, subsequently promoted to Vice President in 2016. With a strong background in Human Resources and a passion to help others grow professionally and personally, she established the company’s talent management acquisition strategy. The company employs more than 120 people and is one of the top ship repair subcontractors for supporting the US Navy.
Cheryl was appointed by Governor Youngkin in 2022 to the Virginia State Board of Workforce Development. She has served or is currently serving on the board of directors for the following, American Maritime Modernization Association, National Federation of Independent Business, DRC, Leadership Committee and WAVE (Woman Against Violence). She is currently a member of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, Virginia Ship Repair Association (VSRA), and the Port of San Diego Ship Repair Association (PSDSRA).
Other Professional Affiliations and Volunteer Industrial Experience include:
Miranda Jenkins-Holland
Chief Financial Officer
Miranda joined Advanced Integrated Technologies in November 2019 and serves as the CFO for AIT and Surge Force. Miranda is an innovative and driven accounting professional with over 19 years of diverse finance and government contracting experience, in the small to mid-sized business sectors. She specializes in financial modeling, cash flow management, cost accounting, and budgeting/forecasting. Miranda is actively pursuing her B.A. in Business Administration at Strayer University.
Bobby Keller
FSO/ ITSPO/ HR/ IT Director
Bobby has been a member of the team since December 2018, serving as the FSO, ITSPO, HR Admin, and IT Director.
Bobby has a Bachelor’s in Psychology from ODU and bachelor’s degree in Computer Science with a concentration in Cyber Security.
Working with different type companies all over the US and being versatile, he has been known as the “Jack of all trades.”
In his spare time, he likes to unplug from technology by doing projects around the house and playing ice hockey, but most importantly spending time with his wife and 2 kids.
April McCowan
Account Manager/Recruiter
As the newest member of the Surge Force Team, April brings over 20 years of security, administrative, and human resource experience to her role as Account Manager/Recruiter, including 14 years in the ship repair industry as an Assistant FSO and Office Manager. Previously serving in the US Navy as a Sonar Technician, she understands the valuable rapport necessary among the military community and civilian sector. April takes pride in developing and maintaining quality relationships with her coworkers and peers, past and present, and finds this is the best recipe for success. When not working, April primarily enjoys spending time with her family, as well as cooking, traveling, and watching sports.
Teresa Colon-Garcia
HR/Office Administrator
Teresa has been with Surge Force since October 2022 and serves as the HR/Office Administrator, which includes recruiting, onboarding, safety training, and access. In her time with Surge Force, Teresa has consistently risen to the occasion when tackling new challenges through various transitions. Her previous customer service/administrative experience has allowed her to flourish in her role with Surge Force and become a reliable and highly sought out source for our current and prospective employees as well as clients. In her spare time, Teresa enjoys spending time with her children and husband, and enjoys the outdoors, including hiking and fishing.
TESTIMONIALS
Good place to work at. Good management and coworkers. They have a welding class every Wednesday to help you get certified for welding.
Good job placement. Temp to hire with fair pay and advancement. Great way as a young tradesman to gain experience in your trade with opportunities to move up and go better places.
I got hired at surge force and they have done their best to help me succeed and feel welcome. Surge force has been my 3rd job since joining the welding field and I have a lot of respect for the company. They trusted me and showed me the ropes of ship repair and have been very helpful.
Clients We've Served
Community Involvement
Surge Force is an active part of the Hampton Roads community. We know that giving back to our community is critical for a healthy economy and vibrant workforce. We are proud to support and be involved with the following nonprofit organizations.