Staff

Kelsey Rhoda has been the program director since December 2021. Kelsey’s passion for systems and working with others has lead her to thrive in highly-dynamic, team-based environments. Kelsey thrives under pressure and appreciates being able to utilize her expertise in systems, and organizing to conduct a successful team-oriented office environment. Kelsey’s experience and education with customer service, project management, and administration have lead her to the career path of being a Counselor, providing assistance to the business community interested in government contracting.

Kelsey graduated from Davenport University with an Associates in Business and a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Healthcare Administration. Kelsey has started course-work to fulfill the Association of Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (APTAC’s) highest level of certification, the Certified Procurement Professional (CPP). Kelsey is taking classes from the Defense Acquisition University and Govology.

Kelsey is a member of APTAC, a national organization for members of PTACs nationwide, and the PTACs of MI, Inc., a Michigan member-driven organization for professional development. She is also a member of the National Contract Management Association (NCMA).

Britany Cooper joined West Michigan APEX Accelerator in July 2023. Britany’s passion for helping others paired with her professional business and customer service experience initiated her interest in government contracting. Britany is solution oriented and enjoys working in a dynamic team environment to help assist the business community.

Britany graduated from Ferris State University with an Associates in Applied Science and a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Health Information Management. Britany has started coursework to become a Certified Procurement Professional (CPP) via Govology and the Defense Acquisition University.

Britany is a member of APTAC, a national organization of members of APEX Accelerators nationwide, and the Michigan Alliance of APEX Accelerators a Michigan member-driven organization for professional development. She is also a member of the National Contract Management Association (NCMA).

Olivia Brown joined West Michigan APEX Accelerator in August 2024. Olivia’s familiarity with government processes and procedures along with her passion for helping others drove her in the direction of government contracting.

Olivia graduated from Muskegon Community College with an Associates of Arts (AA) and a Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal Justice Administration from Strayer University. Olivia also obtained her Paralegal Certificate from Clemson University. Olivia has started coursework to become a Certified Procurement Professional (CPP) via Govology.

Anna joined West Michigan APEX Accelerator in December 2024. She attended Grand Rapids Community College and BUUIC in Thailand, specializing in Hospitality and Tourism Management Marketing. Anna also holds a CMS Certification from Eastern Michigan University Center for Health Disparities Innovations and Studies. She is currently pursuing coursework through Govology and NAPEX University.

Anna’s diverse education and professional experience, including managing large-scale events and working one-on-one with clients, enhances her effectiveness in the role of Program Coordinator and Counselor, where she is committed to driving growth and innovation.

Emma Fri graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. She previously interned with Greater Muskegon Economic Development (GMED) as a Marketing Intern, where she supported communications and managed GMED’s social media presence.

Emma now serves as Program Coordinator for both GMED and West Michigan APEX, where she is excited to deepen her involvement in economic development and contribute to projects that support local businesses and the community. She also looks forward to learning more about the government contracting world through her work with APEX.