About the Founder
Preston Newcomb is a dedicated IT leader whose journey reflects a profound commitment to integrity, community empowerment, and ethical innovation. From single-digit ages, he was already immersed in computers—experimenting with Linux distributions, exploring free trials of Windows Server, and configuring Active Directory environments to grasp networking and domain management. This innate curiosity blossomed further in high school as he dove into Android customization, tailoring launchers, messaging systems, and core apps to overcome early usability hurdles. Separately, during that same period, he served as a lab administrator at a local community center, managing systems and offering hands-on support to promote accessibility and collaboration. These formative experiences shaped a deep belief that technology should simplify lives and spark positive change, reinforced by the personal insight that true fulfillment arises from pursuing one's authentic skills and passion, even if it requires stepping off conventional paths to realign with what feels deeply purposeful.
Preston built extensive field experience as a technician, delivering critical on-site support across a vast territory spanning from Scranton, Pennsylvania, down through the I-81 and I-64 corridors to Roanoke, Virginia. He maintained seamless operations for nearly a thousand locations, including bustling convenience destinations combining fuel and made-to-order food, major grocery distributors, and urgent care providers—responding rapidly to minimize downtime in high-demand environments. Working in these regulated, payment-focused settings built his strong foundation in enterprise technologies, secure networking, and PCI compliance, solidifying his view that reliable systems must protect data while empowering progress.
He later took an enriching break to run an independent automotive repair business, focusing on high-performance European brands like Mercedes, AMG, and Volvo. This hands-on work honed his diagnostic skills through advanced vehicle computer systems and CAN bus networks, teaching him to methodically resolve intricate, interconnected issues—mirroring his approach to IT as a cohesive ecosystem where simplicity strengthens security and resilience.
After this rewarding detour, Preston returned to his true passion in IT, stepping into a Level II engineer role where he excelled and earned recognition for outstanding performance. Trusted to go beyond standard duties, he contributed to client onboarding, disaster recovery planning, and infrastructure design—leveraging advanced monitoring tools, cloud integrations, and cybersecurity protocols to build scalable, resilient systems that supported meaningful work.
Guided by direct customer feedback and a clear recognition of systemic challenges in the MSP industry—such as overcomplicated solutions, hidden costs, and misaligned priorities—Preston launched Charlottesville Cloud Concepts (Cville Cloud). His original focus centered on small businesses, particularly developing a custom implementation of Dynamics 365 tailored for auto repair shops, complete with API connections to parts retailers for seamless inventory and ordering. This practical, industry-specific innovation addressed real pain points for owners juggling operations, helping them streamline workflows and boost efficiency without unnecessary complexity. Though the venture faced the common entrepreneurial challenge of bridging the gap between initial investment and recurring revenue growth, the lessons learned in execution, client needs, and sustainable scaling proved invaluable.
While pursuing these initiatives, he also took on collaborative contract projects, guiding transitions to Microsoft Intune for modern endpoint management and migrating policies to cloud frameworks. These efforts deepened his expertise in Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) standards, NIST 800-171 controls, and secure handling of controlled unclassified information (CUI) in Microsoft 365 and Azure environments—always prioritizing ethical, straightforward approaches to cybersecurity.
A standout milestone was his role as IT Manager at a Charlottesville-based firm specializing in audio-visual solutions for government and defense clients. There, he led IT operations, championed compliance initiatives under CMMC and DFARS, and oversaw Microsoft 365 and Azure setups to safeguard sensitive data in vital deployments—upholding high standards with resolve and principle.
Today, as founder of Virginia Community Cloud—the natural evolution of his original vision—Preston draws on a lifetime of hands-on passion, from childhood server experiments to diverse diagnostic and leadership roles, to deliver comprehensive managed IT services that truly empower Virginia's mission-driven organizations. He crafts secure, reliable solutions where simplicity bolsters security, unified systems multiply impact, and technology becomes a genuine force for communities and lasting change. We're Here to Help—reach out to see how Virginia Community Cloud can support your purpose with tailored, affordable innovation.