The APEX team is comprised of serial entrepreneurs, retired military members, scientists, academic researchers and former DoD executive leaders. Our standard for excellence is built on the diversity of our backgrounds that have afforded us a deep understanding of the importance of the APEX mission.

Ms. Mary Margaret Evans
Executive Director

Ms. Mary Margaret Evans
Executive Director

Mr. Rufus Smith
Deputy Director

Mr. Rufus Smith
Deputy Director
Mr. Rufus Smith is responsible for the day-to-day management of the program. He is a retired Army Brigadier General and combat veteran with 35 years of service. He served in a variety of command and staff positions and commanded the 371st Corps Support Group in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Mr. Smith served as the Director of the Parallax National Center for Medical Readiness and Shared Services. He is a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Association and is a native of New York, NY. He has masters degrees from Central Michigan University and the U.S. Army War College.

Mr. Scott Swanson, PMP
Program Manager & PIA Liaison

Mr. Scott Swanson, PMP
Program Manager & PIA Liaison
Mr. Scott Swanson is a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force and an unmanned aerial systems pioneer. Mr. Swanson held executive roles in industry, science, technology and academia and is a certified Project Management Professional by the Project Management Institute. He has a Bachelor of Applied Science with a specialty in aviation management and a Master of Science in Technology Commercialization.

Mr. Bruce Howard
Data Analytics Director

Mr. Bruce Howard
Data Analytics Director
Mr. Bruce Howard has more than 15 years’ experience in DoD research and development and ten years’ experience with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Mr. Howard holds a Master of Computer Science.

Mr. Matt Bush
Director of Strategic Development

Mr. Matt Bush
Director of Strategic Development

Dr. Kathleen Gilpin
National Engagement Director

Dr. Kathleen Gilpin
National Engagement Director
Dr. Kathleen Gilpin was an applied research scientist within the 711th Human Performance Wing at the Air Force Research Laboratory and a research scientist at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory where she conducted research to assess the effects of traumatic brain injury. She served five years in the U.S. Navy as a surface warfare officer navigating amphibious ships and remains a member of the U.S. Navy Reserve. She has a Doctor of Philosophy in Neuroscience.

Mr. Dave Nestic
STTR Program Director

Mr. Dave Nestic
STTR Program Director
Mr. Dave Nestic has more than 20 years’ experience in technology company formation, incubation and development and technology economic development. He has held marketing, sales and business development positions in diverse technological fields, such as DNA probe technology, medical electronics, engineering and manufacturing automation and molecular biology. He’s also held executive roles in industry, state and nonprofit organizations as well as has founded tech and consumer-product startups. Mr. Nestic has a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering and an MBA.

Dr. Edie Williams
Creativity & Innovation Director

Dr. Edie Williams
Creativity & Innovation Director
Dr. Edie Williams has more than 15 years’ experience in acquisition, technology and logistics in the DoD . She also achieved a 25-year career on active duty with the U.S. Navy. Dr. Williams co-owned EIOrg Consulting and was a university adjunct professor. She has a Doctor of Education, Human and Organizational Learning.

Dr. Darrell Lochtefeld
Tech Pull & Transfer Director

Dr. Darrell Lochtefeld
Tech Pull & Transfer Director

Dr. David Rude
Education & Training Director

Dr. David Rude
Education & Training Director

Ms. Kelly Stafford
Southwest Regional Liaison

Ms. Kelly Stafford
Southwest Regional Liaison
Ms. Kelly Stafford has five years’ experience working with government contractors. Ms. Stafford previously worked as a government contracts paralegal at Taft, Stettinius and Hollister. She holds a Bachelor of Art in English from Miami University of Ohio.

Ms. Gretchen Capogna
Training Lead

Ms. Gretchen Capogna
Training Lead
Ms. Gretchen Capogna has eight years’ experience as a DoD government contractor. She’s coordinated STEM programs for the Air Force Research Laboratory and partnership collaborations between the U.S. Air Force and American universities. Ms. Capogna has an extensive background in education and has directed education programs for the U.S. Air Force at multiple bases in the U.S. and Europe. Ms. Capogna has a Bachelor of Political Science and Legal Studies.

Ms. Erin Holden
U.S. Air Force Liaison

Ms. Erin Holden
U.S. Air Force Liaison
Ms. Erin Holden has 15 years’ experience in business development, communications, and policy and procurement with the DoD , U.S. Air Force and Air Force Research Laboratory. She has a Bachelor of Organizational Leadership.

Ms. Jessica Pacheco
Marketing & Comms Manager

Ms. Jessica Pacheco
Marketing & Comms Manager

Ms. Emma Warner
Marketing & Comms Specialist

Ms. Emma Warner
Marketing & Comms Specialist
Ms. Emma Warner has six years’ experience in marketing, communications and design across academia, nonprofit, and government sectors. She is skilled in written and verbal communication and specializes in content creation. Ms. Warner has a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies with a concentration in Business Administration.

Ms. Sue Cumbers
Executive Assistant

Ms. Sue Cumbers
Executive Assistant
Contact Our Team for more information today.
