Learn About Us

What is the APEX Accelerator?

The APEX Accelerator program, under management of the Department of Defense (DoD) Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP), plays a critical role in the nation's efforts to identify and helps a wide range of businesses enter and participate in the government supply-chain. The program provides the education and training to ensure that all businesses become capable of participating in federal, state, and local government contracts.

 

Our Team

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Chris Kangas 
Regional Director

Chris was born and raised in Marquette, Michigan, and has proudly called the Upper Peninsula home for most of his life. With a career rooted in economic development and public service, Chris has extensive experience leading programs that connect individuals and businesses to opportunities.

Previously serving as Director of Services at ROOC/COOR ISD in Roscommon, and Talent Services Manager for the North-Central U.P. for Upper Peninsula Michigan Works, Chris has years of experience building partnerships with community stakeholders, managing grant-funded programs, and identifying and implementing strategies to address regional needs.

Starting as a procurement counselor with the Northwest Michigan APEX Accelerator, Chris has also served as the Upper Peninsula Program Representative, and is now the Regional Director for the program.

With a client-focused approach, he leads efforts to streamline the procurement process and empower companies to compete at the local, state, and federal levels for government contracts. His dedication to service extends beyond his professional role — he serves as Secretary for the South Shore Advisory Board through the South Shore Place Clubhouse and has previously served as the secretary for the Michigan Alliance of APEX Accelerators.

Mobile: 906.553.9170

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Cathy Fairbanks
Sr. Procurement Counselor

An APEX Accelerator veteran of more than 12 years, Cathy is a Certified Federal Contract Manager, holding a Master Certificate in Contract Management from George Washington University, School of Business. She served as the Northwest Michigan APEX Accelerator Regional Director for 10 years. She has also served as Vice-President and President of the Michigan Alliance of APEX Accelerators (previously known as PTACs of Michigan).  Cathy received the 2018 Women In Defense (WID) - Michigan Chapter Horizon Industry Award for her work with the defense industry.  She earned a BBA in Business and Technology and an MS in Career and Technical Education. She has over 20 years of experience as a small business owner in agriculture, construction, and retail combined, as well as extensive experience in software development and education.

Mobile: 231.360.1331

 

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Lenore Myers
Procurement Counselor

Lenore is a lifetime Michigan resident. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Davenport University and an associate’s degree in Business Management from Macomb Community College. She has strong ties to the defense contracting community, having over 30 years of government contracting experience. Before retiring from civil service, Lenore served as a Procurement Analyst, Contract Specialist, and Contracting officer at Army Contracting Command. She was awarded the Achievement Medal for Civilian Service for her work. Lenore decided to re-enter the workforce to become an APEX Accelerator Procurement Counselor.

Mobile: 231.632.3863

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Josh Hart
Procurement Counselor

Josh was born and raised in the Grand Rapids area and is a lifetime Michigan resident. He earned dual Bachelor's in Science degrees in Economics and Political Science from Grand Valley State University. Prior to joining the Northwest Michigan APEX Accelerator, Josh worked as a market researcher for a government sales consulting firm. He has experience working with clients in a variety of industries including defense manufacturing, engineering, healthcare, information technology, cybersecurity, and more. 

Mobile: 231.409.3123

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Sean Heline      
Departmental Coordinator

With more than 25 years of data management/reporting experience, Sean brings a wealth of knowledge to the APEX team and our clients. He has worked for employers across the U.S. in fields that include retail, advertising, mobile communications and manufacturing, and in size ranging from local businesses with fewer than 10 employees to Fortune 500 corporations. Sean holds a BS degree in Political Campaign Management and an MBA in Entrepreneurship and Emerging Technologies; management experience – along with the latter degree – led to his serving as a volunteer small business advisor for several years, as well as launching a business of his own here in northern Michigan.

Mobile: 231.620.2211

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The Northwest Michigan APEX Accelerator is funded in part by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). This APEX Accelerator is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Department of Defense.