MAINE PTAC - Key Persons


Bryan Wallace

Job Titles:
  • Director of Maine APEX
Bryan is a Maine native who joined Maine APEX after several years at Central Maine Community College. He has a professional background in workforce development and marketing. In addition to translating "government-speak" to "business-friendly English", Bryan enjoys the process of creative planning within small business. He is immersed in soccer where he coaches for multiple clubs and at the collegiate level. He currently lives in Bowdoin with his wife and daughter. Bryan serves as the Director of the Maine APEX program.

Christopher Paradis

Job Titles:
  • Counselor: Aroostook County
  • Procurement Counselor
Christopher is a life-long Mainer with more than thirty-five years of private and public career experience covering, government procurement, workforce development and corporate training, customer service, marketing, business development, sales, and international business working with Maine's Community College System (MCCS), Philips Lighting-USA and Elmet Technologies-Lewiston, Maine. Christopher is a customer-driven business professional with a strong focus on internal and external customer relations and win-win business solutions coupled with a desire to give back to community through a combination of volunteer participation and micro-philanthropic activities. When not working, he enjoys actively participating in a number of outdoor activities that Maine's four seasons has to offer and volunteering as a member of the Auburn-Lewiston Rotary Breakfast Club, Husson University's Alumni Board of Directors, Carrabassett Valley Outdoor Association, and the New England Mountain Bike Association. Christopher currently serves small businesses located across Androscoggin, Franklin, and Oxford counties.

Dana Delano

Job Titles:
  • Counselor: Native Businesses
  • Procurement Counselor

Jessica Crowley

Job Titles:
  • Counselor: Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc and Somerset Counties

Jessica Greeley

Job Titles:
  • Procurement Counselor
Jess is a Maine Native who joined Maine APEX as part of the Sunrise County Economic Council. She holds a bachelor's degree in Business Marketing and Finance from Franklin Pierce University in New Hampshire. Jess graduated from Franklin Pierce University in December of 2019, then moved to Washington County to join her now husband, a lobster fisherman. Jess previously worked in the banking industry in Washington County and enjoys creating a positive environment for her clients to obtain their goals and succeed. Jess resides on Beals Island with her husband and two dogs and serves Downeast Maine in Washington County.

Mandie Umel

Mandie is a newer addition to our team, having joined us in July of 2023. They have a Bachelor's degree in Entertainment Production from Husson University. They have worked many different types of jobs, but are passionate about helping others, something they can do here in their role supporting our team in the APEX program. Their experience in event management and various other admin positions have prepared them for this role. They live in Brewer, with their 3 roommates and 7 cats.

Marissa Henkel

Job Titles:
  • Counselor: York and Cumberland Counties
  • Procurement Counselor
Marissa is a native of Maine with 17 years of experience as an international educator. Her professional journey mirrors her dedication to lifelong learning, as she continues to seek out opportunities to develop her knowledge and skills. She enjoys traveling, exploring new places and immersing herself in diverse cultures. Reading, cooking, outdoor adventuring, and spending time with family and friends are pastimes that bring joy and balance to her life. She currently resides in Bath with her 9-year-old daughter. She currently serves the Somerset, Kennebec, Sagadahoc, Lincoln, and Knox counties.

Miranda Pelkey

Job Titles:
  • Deputy Director
  • Counselor: Washington County

Morgan Rocheleau

Job Titles:
  • Counselor: Androscoggin, Franklin, and Oxford Counties
  • Procurement Counselor
Morgan joined Maine APEX in 2020. Before joining the team, he spent 15 years working in recreational programming in higher education and municipalities. His experience and certification as a life coach enhance his ability to problem solve and provide a quality customer experience to APEX clients. As a Counselor, Morgan creates a positive environment for businesses that helps them succeed. Morgan serves York and Cumberland Counties. He is an active outdoor enthusiast and enjoys all the wilderness adventures that the State of Maine has to offer.

Preston Thomas

Job Titles:
  • Procurement Counselor, Native Businesses
Preston works with Native American businesses and Tribal Enterprises throughout Maine to win federal, state, local, and tribal government contracts. In addition, he assists businesses with: government registrations and certifications related to selling to the government; interpretation of regulations; finding opportunities; marketing to government buyers; proposal development; post-award activities and more.