ACQUISITION PROFESSIONALS - Key Persons

Chris Knauer

Job Titles:
  • Business Development Director
  • Director of Business Development
  • Member of the AP Leadership Team
Chris Knauer, Director of Business Development has a passion to work for, to grow, and to align small businesses to capitalize on their agility, talent, and overall performance to support an array of government contracting needs. With 15 years' experience in client delivery and business development, Chris has overseen the pursuits of Government Wide Acquisition Contracts (GWACS) and Multiple Award Vehicles, aligning scalable strategies with the company's growth phases. He has led capture and proposal efforts with many federal agencies including the Department of the Army, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Health & Human Services (HHS) spearheading innovation projects. Chris has a Bachelor's Degree in Government Contract Management and Acquisitions from American Public University.

Krystle W. Ragin

Job Titles:
  • Member of the AP Leadership Team
  • Program Manager
Krystle W. Ragin is a Project Management Professional (PMP) certified since 2012, ITIL v3 Foundations Certified, and has over 13 years of experience managing a vast array of programs and projects for the public and private sectors. Her background and strengths are in communications, program planning, financial planning, scope management, deliverable management, and resource management. Ms. Ragin has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism from Hampton University and a Graduate Certificate in Project Management from the University of Maryland Global Campus.

Lance Butler

Job Titles:
  • Member of the AP Leadership Team
  • Program Manager
Lance Butler serves as a Program Manager for Acquisition Professionals, LLC. Lance has over 37+ years in federal government contracting. In the public sector, Lance's experience includes serving as a student intern, procurement technician, contract specialist, contracting officer, supervisory contracting officer and ombudsman. Relevant responsibilities included soliciting, evaluating and awarding multi-award IDIQ procurements, serving as a grants and cooperative agreements officer, conducting industry outreach, conducting agency alternative dispute resolution services, and facilitating federal agency & small business partnerships. Lance's private sector experience includes working as a Senior Contract Specialist and Senior Contract Specialist - Team Lead. In his spare time (or when not managing programs for AP), Lance enjoys time with family and friends, reading, and fitness related activities. Lance earned a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Procurement and Public Contracting and a Juris Doctor from the University of the District of Columbia. Certifications include FAC-C Level III - Contracting, Personal Services Contracting Certification, Grants and Agreement Officer Certification.

Luwanna K. Clark - CEO, Founder, President

Job Titles:
  • Chief Executive Officer
  • Founder
  • Member of the AP Leadership Team
  • President
Luwanna K. Clark is the founder, President/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Acquisition Professionals (AP) LLC. Ms. Clark has more than 31 years of acquisition and program management expertise. Prior to founding AP, Ms. Clark served as a Chief at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) where she was responsible for managing the FBI's Information Technology Contracts Unit, the National Security Contracts Unit, and the Headquarters Contracts Unit. She also served as the Source Selection Authority on many high-visible Information Technology and other professional services contracts with an Unlimited Warrant. Ms. Clark holds a Master's Degree in Acquisition Management from American Graduate University; a Bachelor's Degree in Law and Society; an Associate's Degree in Pre-Law from Northern Virginia Community College; and a Master's Certificate in Contracting from George Washington University. She is a Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) from National Contracts Management Association (NCMA) and is FAC-C Level III Certified and FAC-PM Level II Certified.

Norman "Bud" Pryde

Job Titles:
  • Member of the AP Leadership Team
  • Security Officer
  • the Corporate Security Officer
Norman "Bud" Pryde joined Acquisition Professionals in 2017 and serves as the Corporate Security Officer. Mr. Pryde is a veteran of the United States Air Force having served 27 years of honorable service to his country. He has over 39 years of experience in both Military and Industry with 13+ years as a Security Officer. Mr. Pryde has an Associate in Arts Degree in Logistics Management from the Community College of the Air Force, a Business Administration Degree in Management Studies from University of Maryland University College, and a MAR in Pastoral Ministries from Liberty University.

Vanessa E. Collins - CHRO

Job Titles:
  • Human Resources Director
  • Member of the AP Leadership Team
Vanessa E. Collins has 20 years of progressive Human Resources experience with over 10 years of experience in Federal contracting. Ms. Collins has a proven ability to forge strong partnerships with managers, employees, and co-workers throughout the organization. Mrs. Collins supports the company's onboarding, benefits, talent management, employee relations and organizational policies. Prior to joining Acquisition Professionals, LLC, she managed the Human Resources functions in small to mid-size companies working hands-on with management teams in industries including DoD Contracting, Sports & Entertainment, and Security. Ms. Collins has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Strayer University.