Pamplin alumnus Ted Hanson ’91 leads by example in business and philanthropy

When Ted Hanson ’91 joined Apex Systems in the mid-1990s, the company was still in its infancy – founded by three fellow Virginia Tech alumni, Brian Callaghan ‘93, Edwin “Win” Sheridan ‘94, and Jeffrey Veatch ‘93. What started as a promising IT staffing startup quickly evolved into one of the nation’s largest tech services companies, thanks in part to Hanson’s financial leadership and vision. Bringing a CPA’s discipline and operational vision, Hanson helped scale Apex from an emerging startup into a nationally recognized industry leader.

Together, the four Hokies didn’t just build a successful business. They laid the groundwork for a legacy of entrepreneurship that now stretches back to Blacksburg, where it all began. Hanson’s professional success is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit fostered by Virginia Tech’s Pamplin College of Business.

Early foundations at Pamplin

Hanson’s connection to Virginia Tech began with his father, a partner at Deloitte who regularly recruited Hokies and taught accounting at the university. Inspired by that example, Hanson pursued an accounting degree at Pamplin, following a clear path toward becoming a CPA.

“My introduction to Virginia Tech and the Pamplin School of Business came directly through my father,” Hanson said. “He taught classes, recruited students, and showed me what it meant to lead with integrity. That made choosing Virginia Tech – and accounting – a natural fit.”

A pivotal experience was a class in comptrollership taught by Dwight Shelton, then the university's comptroller and CFO. The course sparked Hanson’s interest in corporate finance and planted the seeds for a shift away from public accounting.

From CPA to the C-Suite: Transitioning careers

After five years at a large public accounting firm, Hanson saw a different path ahead. He wanted to do more than advise clients – he wanted to help build something. He credits his accounting background as a foundational toolkit for leading and scaling a business.

“I look at accounting as the backbone of business. It teaches you how to read what’s really happening in a company,” Hanson said. “Once I realized I didn’t want to become a partner in a CPA firm, I took all of those skills and put them to work growing a business instead.”

From Financial Expert to Entrepreneurial Partner

That decision led Hanson to join Apex Systems, first as their CPA and later as their CFO and partner. His financial acumen helped formalize the company’s infrastructure, and his strategic vision helped Apex navigate rapid growth.

“They allowed me to come out of my role as a CPA and be part of the leadership team,” Hanson recalled. “I wanted to help grow something, not just consult on it.” 

This transition culminated in Apex’s public debut in 2012, setting the stage for even greater growth and innovation. Apex merged with ASGN, a public company in a transformative deal that propelled it to national prominence. Throughout that journey, Hanson remained closely connected to Virginia Tech, which had become a key talent pipeline for the company.

“Many of the people who worked for us at Apex Systems had come from Virginia Tech. It was our largest source of talent,” Hanson said. These natural ties to the business school and the university laid the groundwork for an innovation center for entrepreneurship.

As Virginia Tech graduates, Hanson and his fellow founders were presented with an opportunity to support the university that shaped them— and tether the Apex name to the university because of their love for Virginia Tech. 

“Our founding seed gift, together with the Apex name, helped turn that vision into reality.”

Investing in future Hokie entrepreneurs

In the 2014-2015 academic year, Hanson and the other Apex founders co-founded the Apex Center for Entrepreneurs at Virginia Tech. Their seed gift launched a campus-wide hub for innovation, supporting student-led startups and entrepreneurship education across disciplines.

“We wanted to create opportunities for students to think big, to take risks, and to build something,” Hanson said. “The Apex Center is about more than business – it’s about unlocking potential.”

With his wife, Linda ’89, Hanson also sponsored the 2025 Pamplin Giving Day Challenge in support of the Virginia Tech Advantage initiative-designated to the Apex Center for Entrepreneurs—helping set a new fundraising record during the Center’s 10th anniversary year. Their continued support reflects a long-standing commitment to cultivating entrepreneurship.

Imagining Pamplin’s next chapter

Hanson sees Pamplin as uniquely positioned to prepare students for the next generation of business challenges. He believes the college’s focus on practical problem-solving – paired with data, technology, and creativity – can set graduates apart.

“Entrepreneurship isn’t just about starting a business,” Hanson said. “It’s about solving a problem in a scalable way. That mindset is what the future of Pamplin should build on.”

For Hanson, entrepreneurship is more than business—it’s foundational to the economy. 

“Entrepreneurship drives job growth, expands the economy, and improves professional opportunities,” he said. “It’s a pillar of our economic success and global competitiveness.” 

“Whether in accounting, management, or marketing, Pamplin is teaching students to bring actionable, tech-enabled solutions to business needs,” he said. “That’s where entrepreneurism fits in—turning unique solutions into scalable impact.” 

The future of business and embracing artificial intelligence

As Hanson looks toward the future of business, he sees artificial intelligence (AI) as a defining force that will shape how organizations operate and innovate. For Hanson, AI represents more than just a technological advancement—it’s a strategic opportunity to reimagine how companies deliver value, make decisions, and grow.

“We’re still in the early innings of AI,” he said. “But as data becomes more organized and accessible, AI will help businesses unlock insights, improve productivity, and personalize the way they serve customers.”

Rather than replacing human decision-making, Hanson views AI as a powerful tool to enhance leadership, streamline operations, and drive smarter strategies—provided companies are prepared with the right data infrastructure.

Leaving a lasting legacy

Hanson’s journey – from accounting student to executive leader and philanthropist – is a testament to the enduring impact of a Virginia Tech education. His work reflects the university’s motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), through both professional achievement and meaningful philanthropy.

By supporting Virginia Tech’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and championing student success, Hanson continues to shape a legacy that reaches well beyond the boardroom. Through his leadership, generosity, and example, he inspires Hokies to lead with purpose and pursue bold ideas that create lasting value.

His advice to future business leaders: “Leverage your education. Think like an entrepreneur. Build something that lasts.”