APEX is proud to welcome Paula Lemke as the APEX Executive Director, marking an exciting step forward in strengthening the organization’s role in the national innovation ecosystem.
Paula joins APEX with extensive leadership experience from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), where she served in senior roles including Executive Officer and Liaison to the National Security Innovation Network (NSIN). Throughout her career, she has been instrumental in driving enterprise transformation, building durable cross-sector partnerships, and accelerating technology development and transition across the Department of Defense, industry, academia, and Congress.
Driving the Next Phase of APEX Growth
In her role as APEX Executive Director, Paula will lead Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) efforts while advancing collaboration across academia, industry, and government stakeholders. Her focus will center on strengthening strategic outreach, supporting both new and existing programs, and ensuring APEX continues to expand its impact in connecting innovators to national defense priorities.
As APEX continues to grow, Paula’s leadership will help further position the program as a critical bridge across the innovation ecosystem—aligning stakeholders, reducing barriers, and accelerating the transition of technology from concept to capability.
Strengthening the Innovation Ecosystem
Paula’s vision closely aligns with APEX’s mission to expand the American research enterprise and enable meaningful collaboration across sectors. Her experience working across government, industry, and academia brings a systems-level perspective that will support:
- Stronger integration across innovation stakeholders
- More effective pathways for technology transition and commercialization
- Enhanced collaboration between emerging innovators and defense partners
- Continued alignment with Department of the Air and Space Force priorities
Her leadership is expected to further solidify APEX’s role in addressing one of the most persistent challenges in innovation: bridging the “valley of death” between research and real-world application.
A Vision for Impact
When asked what drew her to Parallax and APEX, Paula shared:
“I am excited to join APEX because of its leadership, vision, and unique role in strengthening the national innovation ecosystem. The opportunity to influence policy, funding, commercialization pathways, and cross-sector partnerships aligns directly with my experience and commitment to advancing technologies beyond the laboratory. I look forward to working with the APEX team and its stakeholders to help build a sustainable pathway across the ‘valley of death’ and deliver real-world impact at scale.”
Looking Ahead
With Paula’s leadership, APEX is well-positioned to deepen its impact across the defense innovation landscape—supporting innovators, strengthening partnerships, and accelerating the transition of technologies that matter most to national security.
As we look ahead, APEX remains committed to enabling collaboration that drives meaningful outcomes and ensures that innovation reaches those who need it most.