Meet Our Team

Miranda joined Maine APEX in 2020, and became our APEX Director in May of 2025. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Husson University and a master’s degree in Adult and Higher Education Administration from the University of Southern Maine. Miranda previously worked for numerous colleges/universities, including Husson University, and the University of Maine, Augusta. Her passion is helping her clients navigate through complex processes and empowering them to reach for their goals. She lives in Orono with her husband, daughter, and four dogs.

Morgan joined Maine APEX in 2020 as a procurement counselor. 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.

Dana joined Maine APEX in 2014 through the Northern Maine Development Commission in Caribou. He has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine School of Business, with a concentration in finance. A Fort Fairfield native, Dana was happy to return to “The County” after graduation to begin his career in Houlton, where he currently resides. Before NMDC, Dana was with Ward Cedar Log Homes for over 28 years as Director of Sales and Marketing. He enjoys the challenges and rewards that come with government contracting. Dana serves Northern Maine in Aroostook County.

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 FPU in December 2019, then moved to Washington County to join her now husband, a lobster fisherman. She 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.

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.

Sam joined the Eastern Maine Development Corporation in 2023 as part of the Domestic Trade grant. He has a degree in textile marketing from the University of Rhode Island. After the Domestic Trade grant wrapped up, Sam became the DBE Supportive Services Specialist. This gave him valuable experience assisting businesses navigate government certifications and services. Sam wants to minimize the stress for clients working in the complicated world of government contracting. Living in Bangor, Sam enjoys playing music, hiking, history, and taking care of his two cats. He currently serves Piscataquis, Penobscot, Hancock and Waldo counties.

Peter Wilkens joined EMDC in December 2025 as the newest team member of Maine APEX as a Procurement Counselor based in Auburn, assisting clients in Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties. Peter has a long career helping businesses succeed throughout New England by building relationships, improving operations, enhancing community relations, meeting goals and attaining financial stability.  His skills will boost the Maine APEX statewide efforts, providing training and technical assistance to local businesses accessing local, state, and federal government contracts.

Patrick joined Maine APEX as the Program Assistant in November 2025. In this role, he manages the program’s communications and marketing content development efforts to include website oversight, social media, flyers, reports, infographics, slides and more. He also assists in administrative tasks. An Ohio native, Patrick is a two-time Ohio University graduate who is retired from a 30-year career working in the athletics administrative space in higher education.