RESTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul 17, 2026--
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Leino brings extensive experience in federal technology, solution development, and mission-focused innovation, with a proven track record of supporting government customers through the design and delivery of complex, enterprise-scale solutions. His expertise spans solution architecture, capture and proposal support, technical strategy, and cross-functional collaboration across the federal market. Prior to joining TekSynap, Leino held leadership roles supporting federal agencies and defense organizations, where he worked closely with growth, capture, proposal, and delivery teams to develop innovative, mission-aligned solutions that advance customer objectives. Throughout his career, he has built strong partnerships across technical and operational organizations, helping agencies modernize their environments and achieve mission success. “Rich brings a rare combination of deep technical credibility and a track record of turning mission requirements into solutions that win and deliver,” said Fabian Plath, Chief Growth Officer. “His experience across DoW, Civilian, and Intelligence Community programs will sharpen how we position TekSynap in every pursuit we take on.”
In his role at TekSynap, Leino will lead the company's solutions architecture organization, focusing on developing innovative technical strategies, strengthening customer engagements, and supporting growth initiatives across the federal marketplace. Leino added, “What drew me to TekSynap was its reputation for combining technical excellence, mission focus, and genuine care for its people and customers. I’m honored to join a company committed to delivering innovative, reliable, and mission-aligned solutions that help federal customers meet some of their most important challenges. I’m excited to contribute to that mission and to be part of TekSynap’s continued growth.”
About TekSynap:
In a world full of products, we have solutions.
TekSynap is a dynamic, innovative technology company that delivers comprehensive IT solutions. We believe in understanding our customers' unique requirements and designing solutions that deliver results. Leveraging our extensive experience and technical expertise, we strive to anticipate our customers' needs and surpass their expectations. Our highly skilled professionals are committed to delivering the highest quality of service in every engagement. Recognized for our forward-thinking approach and commitment to workplace excellence, TekSynap remains a leading figure in the technology industry. https://www.teksynap.com
TekSynap, a leading provider of IT solutions supporting government and defense missions, today announced the appointment of Richard Leino as Vice President of Solutions Architecture.
ATLANTA (AP) — Federal health officials have identified lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell locations across five U.S. states as a source of the widespread outbreak of diarrhea-causing parasite cyclospora.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention late Thursday warned consumers not to eat shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia. A record number of cyclospora cases have been reported in more than 30 states, and experts have said not every recent U.S. illness might be caused by a single source.
A Food and Drug Administration investigation identified a single supplier of the lettuce. The federal warnings to consumers did not identify the company, but a federal official who was briefed on the investigation and not authorized to discuss it told The Associated Press it was Taylor Farms of Salinas, California.
Taylor Farms, which has been tied to foodborne outbreaks in the past, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
“FDA is working with the supplier of iceberg lettuce to determine if potentially contaminated shredded iceberg lettuce remains on the market,” including in other states, the CDC said. “Taco Bell has committed to stop using any lettuce from the supplier identified by FDA’s traceback investigation.”
In a statement, federal health officials stressed that other “brands, restaurants, retailers, or distribution channels” could be identified as the investigation continues.
CDC, FDA and public health officials in several states have been investigating a multistate outbreak of cyclospora infections.
The illness is not usually life threatening and is typically treated with antibiotics.
On Thursday, ahead of the federal government's confirmation, Taco Bell issued a statement saying that it had taken “immediate action to voluntarily remove potentially impacted lettuce from a supplier in select states. The affected ingredient from our supplier is being indefinitely removed from our supply chain nationwide and will be replaced within 24 hours in select states.”
Cyclospora is a microscopic, spherical parasite that commonly causes watery diarrhea “with frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements,” according to the CDC. Outbreaks tend to occur most often in the late spring and summer.
The heat-loving parasite infects the bowels and spreads through feces. In the past, people have been infected by consuming fruits or vegetables that were exposed to feces-contaminated irrigation water.
The illness, called cyclosporiasis, is less common than foodborne illnesses caused by other germs, including salmonella and E. coli. Many cases are never linked to a specific food or other source and, for years, few U.S. cyclospora outbreaks were reported. But the number started rising about a decade ago, with a particularly notable spike in 2018 and 2019.
Previously, 2019 saw the most reported U.S. cyclosporiasis cases, with about 4,700. The current surge has far surpassed that. Michigan — the apparent epicenter of the current outbreak — is reporting more than 5,000 cases, and more than 2,000 additional probable and suspected cases have been reported in other states.
No deaths have been reported. But Michigan officials say more than 100 people in that state have been hospitalized, and federal health officials say dozens more have been hospitalized in other states.
Experts attribute the increasing trend in cases to climate change and better detection. They also say it’s likely that cyclospora cases historically were underreported, for several reasons.
Some common tests used to check for food poisoning have not been geared to detect cyclospora. Technicians aren’t able to grow the parasite in labs, making it hard to draw evidence from contaminated produce. And it can be hard to figure out what food sick people had in common because sometimes it’s a single ingredient that might be common in multiple recipes — like basil or cilantro.
The FDA’s traceback investigation identified a single supplier of iceberg lettuce from Mexico used by the Taco Bell locations where people who got sick ate, federal officials said.
The Mexican food chain is among the restaurants linked to foodborne illness outbreaks in the past.
Taylor Farms also was tied to a 2013 cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to salad mix and a 2024 E. coli outbreak tied to onions served at McDonald's.
Stobbe reported from New York.
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
This undated photo taken through a microscope provided by the CDC shows Cyclospora cayetanensis oocysts found in a fresh stool sample which had been prepared with a formalin solution and stained with safranin. (CDC via AP)
A Taco Bell fast food restaurant is shown Tuesday, July 14, 2026, in Taylor, Mich. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
