Regional Transitions for Lexington & Radcliff/Fort Knox Offices

Effective August 1, 2025, two Kentucky APEX Accelerator procurement consultants will take on new regional responsibilities to better serve businesses throughout central and western Kentucky.

Shawn Rogers, who was formerly based in the Kentucky APEX Accelerator’s Radcliff/Fort Knox Office, has relocated to our program’s Lexington Headquarters. Shawn’s new regional coverage extends throughout Fayette County and nine surrounding counties in central Kentucky, and she is providing targeted support to clients in this region who previously worked with Jon Olsen before his retirement on July 31.

Shawn has been a member of the Kentucky APEX Accelerator team for four years, and she brings nearly 20 years of experience in small business and economic development to her role as procurement consultant. Shawn is passionate about helping Kentucky businesses grow, and she is excited to share her expertise with companies in her new region.

“It's an honor to be working with Jon's clients and serving the central Kentucky region,” Shawn said. “Our goal with this strategic transition is to maximize the individualized support clients receive from us out of each of our regional office locations.”

J.C. Watkins, who is based in Bowling Green, has been newly assigned as the regional procurement consultant for our program’s Radcliff/Fort Knox Office. J.C.’s expanded regional coverage encompasses much of Kentucky’s I-71 corridor, along with other counties in south-central and south-western Kentucky.

J.C. has been a member of the Kentucky APEX Accelerator team for three years, and his background includes over two decades supporting organizations in navigating federal grant applications and compliance. J.C. loves learning about the diverse range of businesses operating here in Kentucky, and he is eager to help companies in his new region connect with opportunities in the government marketplace.

In keeping with the Kentucky APEX Accelerator’s commitment to provide accessible support to our clients statewide, J.C. will continue to offer in-person office hours at both our Bowling Green and Radcliff office locations. These shared office spaces are hosted by CREATE at the WKU Innovation Campus and by the City of Radcliff and Knox Regional Development Alliance (KRDA), respectively.

KY APEX Accelerator team members J.C. Watkins, Nancy Brown and Shawn Rogers meet with KRDA President and CEO Lance O'Bryan in Radcliff, KY.

“I’m honored to take over the client portfolio from Shawn Rogers and to build upon the impactful work of the Knox Regional Development Alliance,” J.C. said. “My focus is on expanding our efforts to secure strategic government funding that strengthens Fort Knox and the surrounding region. Together, we’ll continue to position this area as a critical hub for military readiness, innovation and long-term economic growth.”

Kentucky APEX Accelerator clients can rest assured that our team will be working hard to make these regional transitions as smooth and seamless as possible over the coming days and weeks. Please direct any questions or concerns related to regional coverage or staffing transitions to our program email inbox at kyapex@kstc.com. We look forward to assisting you!