Two KY APEX Accelerator Staff Receive National Recognition for Completing NAPEX University
- KY APEX Accelerator
- Jun 2
- 2 min read
The National APEX Accelerator Alliance (NAPEX) recently recognized two Kentucky APEX Accelerator team members, Shawn Rogers and Jon Olsen, for successfully completing the NAPEX University program.
NAPEX University is a rigorous training curriculum designed to educate and equip APEX Accelerator employees to be successful in their role as procurement specialists. This program is utilized by APEX Accelerators across the country to gain a quality control standard for expected knowledge and the preparation necessary to successfully assist small business owners as they seek to do business with the government.
NAPEX University includes four levels: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior and Senior. Each level is comprised of four modules and concludes with a final examination to indicate mastery of the information and ability to apply the knowledge gained. Each level also carries a minimum of five completed assignments to coincide with the material offered for those trainings. The curriculum concludes with a Capstone Project on an approved topic of the student’s choosing that is presented to fellow NAPEX members.
Procurement Consultant Shawn Rogers, who serves clients in Radcliff/Fort Knox and the surrounding region, completed NAPEX University in Fall 2024. Rogers brings over 20 years of experience in small business and economic development to her role at the Kentucky APEX Accelerator. Her previous experience includes serving as the Director of Operations for the Council on Licensure, Enforcement & Regulation. She was also the Center Director and Management Consultant for the Bluegrass SBDC, where she worked across multiple industries to assist new and existing businesses with capital formation and business planning. Rogers has also held roles with the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development and Community Ventures, where she gained experience in community development financing.
Of her experience with NAPEX University, Rogers said:
“NAPEX University offered a comprehensive framework that helped me understand the full lifecycle of government procurement—from small business engagement to federal acquisition strategy. Each level deepened my expertise and gave me practical tools and resources.”
Senior Procurement Consultant Jon Olsen, who serves clients in Lexington and the surrounding region, completed NAPEX University in Spring 2025. Olsen brings a wealth of experience to his role at the Kentucky APEX Accelerator. His remarkable 30-year career in the federal government included roles as a Contract Specialist, Contract Negotiator, Contracting Officer and Procurement Manager. Since joining the Kentucky APEX Accelerator in 2016, Olsen has been an invaluable resource to Kentucky businesses, helping them navigate the complexities of federal, state and local government contracting.
Of his experience with NAPEX University, Olsen said:
“The program was a challenging experience and helped me keep current in the ever-changing environment of government contracting.”
The Kentucky APEX Accelerator is pleased to congratulate both Rogers and Olsen on the achievement of this impressive professional milestone and to recognize their exceptional commitment to continual learning and excellence in serving small businesses.