Kentucky APEX Accelerator Welcomes New Communications Team Member to Lexington Office

The Kentucky APEX Accelerator announced today that Heather Watson has joined the growing support team as a procurement communications strategist based in the Lexington, Kentucky office.

The Kentucky APEX Accelerator, an initiative of the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation (KSTC), promotes economic development and private sector business growth by providing no-cost support to help Kentucky-owned businesses successfully contract and subcontract their products and services in federal, state and local government markets. Services include consulting, coaching and training in key support areas including registration, compliance, cybersecurity and market research for ultimate contract readiness. The program serves all 120 Kentucky counties, with regional offices in Bowling Green, Covington, Lexington, London, Louisville, Murray, Paducah, Pikeville, Radcliff/Fort Knox and Somerset.

Heather brings more than 20 years of leadership expertise in communications, promotional events, storytelling, data-driven marketing and program management for retail brands including Costco, Uber, Staples and Valvoline Instant Oil Change. Her new role reflects the Kentucky APEX Accelerator program’s continuing commitment to elevate its visibility, partner engagement and direct impact across the Commonwealth, including a consulting focus in the Fort Knox area.

Most recently, Heather served in leadership roles in corporate communications and marketing for Valvoline Inc. where she supported 2,000+ retail locations, 13,000+ employees and 40+ franchise systems under the Valvoline Instant Oil Change and Great Canadian Oil Change brands. She managed Valvoline’s commercial fleet program marketing for thousands of U.S. fleet owners including General Services Administration (GSA) that included research, analytics and education via the Environmental Protection agency (EPA) to help meet federal compliance. Her work in PR launched Valvoline’s first heavy-duty vehicle preventive maintenance centers in Lexington, Kentucky to provide maintenance for local/municipal vehicles such as ambulances, school buses and dump trucks.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from Eastern Kentucky University and a master’s in organizational development from University of Georgia. 

Heather said, “My Kentucky roots run deep. As a Bluegrass native and daughter of a Lincoln County farmer, the Kentucky APEX Accelerator’s mission is personally meaningful to me. I am absolutely delighted to be able to serve alongside highly knowledgeable experts who are passionate about empowering Kentucky-grown small businesses to innovate and thrive.” 

Kentucky APEX Accelerator Executive Director Nancy Brown said, “Heather’s experience leading national-scale communications and brand strategy is exactly what our program needs as we capitalize on our statewide impact. She understands how to translate complex information into clear guidance for the businesses we serve. Her addition elevates our capacity to position businesses across our Commonwealth for success and contribute to a stronger, more resilient economy for our state.”

Companies interested in working with the Kentucky APEX Accelerator can learn more at kyapex.com.