Meet the Tech Coaches
Encountering Innovation Tech Coaches help innovators transform promising technologies into successful transition opportunities. Drawing upon extensive experience in defense acquisition, commercialization, engineering, manufacturing, intellectual property, business development, and government contracting, they provide practical guidance that strengthens technologies and prepares innovators for meaningful engagement with Department of War stakeholders.
While Tech Scouts contribute operational insight and mission-focused perspectives, Tech Coaches work directly with innovators to refine strategies, strengthen presentations, identify opportunities, and navigate the often-complex path from innovation to operational impact. Their objective is to help innovators become better prepared for technology evaluation, collaboration, commercialization, and transition.
The relationships established during the Tech Showcase continue well beyond the event itself. Tech Coaches remain engaged throughout the year by supporting follow-on opportunities, making strategic introductions, assisting with proposal development, and helping innovators build lasting connections across the defense innovation ecosystem. Together with the Tech Scouts, they strengthen the Encountering Innovation mission of accelerating dual-use technologies that enhance national security while strengthening America's industrial base.
Our Tech Coaches
Encountering Innovation Tech Coaches represent a diverse network of experienced professionals from APEX Accelerators, Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), economic development organizations, Department of War OnRamp Hubs, universities, manufacturing extension organizations, technology commercialization programs, industry, and private-sector consulting. Together, they provide innovators with practical guidance that strengthens technologies, prepares businesses for growth, and accelerates successful transition into Department of War and commercial markets.
By combining expertise in business strategy, manufacturing, engineering, intellectual property, contracting, commercialization, proposal development, and defense acquisition, Tech Coaches help innovators navigate the many challenges that occur between a promising technology and a successful transition. Their collective experience provides innovators with access to a nationwide ecosystem of resources that extends well beyond the annual Tech Showcase.
How Tech Coaches Support Innovators
Tech Scouts participate in Encountering Innovation in a variety of ways. Some attend in person throughout the Showcase, while others participate virtually to provide operational perspectives, evaluate technologies, and engage with innovators from across the country.
Coaching & Mentorship
Working directly with innovators to strengthen technologies, presentations, commercialization strategies, and transition planning.
Technology Transition
Helping innovators identify opportunities, understand Department of War processes, build partnerships, and navigate commercialization pathways.
Year-Round Engagement
Supporting innovators through follow-on opportunities, strategic introductions, proposal guidance, and continued collaboration long after the annual Tech Showcase concludes.
Meet the Team
Meet the experienced professionals supporting Encountering Innovation 2026. Each Tech Coach brings unique expertise that helps innovators strengthen technologies, prepare for meaningful engagement with Department of War stakeholders, and identify opportunities for commercialization and long-term transition success.
Participating -
In Person
Technology Commercialization Center Director
Texas South-West Small Business Development (SBDC) Lead Network , UT-San Antonio
TX
Bijo Mathew
Bijo Mathew is the visionary Founding Director of the Technology Commercialization Center at the Texas South-West Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Lead Network, located at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). He also serves as the Executive Director to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s State of Texas – Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program. As a seasoned scientific program director, innovative researcher, and Principal Investigator (PI), Mr. Mathew brings a wealth of expertise to his role. With over 20 years of experience in academia, basic and applied R&D, business strategy and development, technology commercialization, innovation, and public-private partnerships, Mr. Mathew is the driving force behind developing technology based economic development strategies and providing executive direction to enhance Science and Technology (S&T) based innovation in Texas.
Mr. Mathew oversees programs that provide access to groundbreaking, high-impact, and high-risk funding for applied and translational research opportunities. In collaboration with regional SBDC partners and research universities, his office offers SBIR-STTR Assistance programs, technical and business assistance to increase awareness about proof of concept and early-stage funding opportunities to advance the commercialization of technological and scientific innovations, discoveries, and technology transfer opportunities.
Mr. Mathew received his MBA and Master of Science (MS) in Chemical, Biological & Material Science Engineering from the University of Oklahoma. As the Principal Investigator (PI) to the Small Business Administration (SBA) Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program award to support R&D and Small Business Innovation across the State of Texas, Mr. Mathew is committed to the technology based economic development of Texas. His corporate executive roles have included V.P. of Strategy & Business Development and Executive Director of Innovation and Public-Private Partnerships.
Participating -
In Person
Consultant - RISE Center
Mississippi SBDC
MS
Barbara Bonner
Barbara is a consultant working with rural and innovative small businesses providing advising and technical services. She is currently serving as a consultant to Mississippi Small Business Development Center. Her previous work included serving at the Regional and Technology Commercialization Director for Oklahoma Small Business Development Center where she co-founded the Tech Launch Center. Her earlier career included commercial lending for community banks and Farm Credit lenders in Texas and Oklahoma. She also owns small businesses Tin Barn Consulting and Hog Shield. Barbara has a BS and MS from West Texas State University in Agricultural Business. She has conducted research and published papers on agricultural topics through Texas A&M Agrilife Extension and Research.
Participating -
In Person
Innovation Consultant
Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
AR
Karen Bergh
Karen Bergh joined ASBTDC in May 2023. Over her 30-plus year career, she has provided business consultant services specializing in marketing and communications and business development systems. She also served for over a decade as an administrator in higher education for universities in Southern California. Karen provides consulting services for technology startups and entrepreneurs to advance their innovative ideas, products, or services to the marketplace. She assists companies with identifying and pursuing opportunities through the federal Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) seed funding programs. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in Journalism and her Master’s in Professional Studies (MPS) from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. in Strategic Public Relations. She has earned the Accreditation in Public Relations, or APR, from the Public Relations Society of America, which is considered the pinnacle achievement for practitioners in the PR field.
Participating -
In Person
Procurement Counselor
Schoolcraft College APEX Accelerator (SCAPEX),
Schoolcraft College
MI
Shannon Wilson
Shannon Wilson is a Procurement Counselor for the Schoolcraft College APEX Accelerator (SCAPEX), operating under the Department of War, Office of Industrial Base Growth. With nearly a decade of experience helping companies grow their business in the public sector, Shannon supports innovators and small businesses navigating federal, state, and local government contracting pathways.
In her counseling work, Shannon assists companies entering or expanding within the government marketplace — helping clients articulate their capabilities, conduct market research, register in government vendor systems, and pursue opportunities aligned with their growth strategy. Her areas of focus include CMMC readiness, SBIR/STTR navigation, capability statement development, and defense industrial base engagement. Shannon also designs and delivers procurement trainings across federal, state, and local contracting topics.
Shannon serves as a Tech Coach for the Encountering Innovation 2026 program and as the NAPEX Membership Committee Chair, supporting the broader APEX Accelerator network. She is a graduate of the National APEX Accelerator Alliance procurement counseling credentialing program and a member of the National Contract Management Association and the National Defense Industrial Association.
Participating -
Virtually
President - Ekase Consulting
Colorado SBDC
CO
Ed Kase
Ed Kase, President of EKase Consulting, is a strategic planning and business development executive with more than 25 years of B2B and B2G business development, with a focus in SBIR / STTR technology commercialization since 2005. This experience spans various technologies, including aerospace systems, scientific instrumentation, industrial equipment, software, medical devices, and pharmaceutical technologies. Ed has held leadership roles in a number of functional areas including marketing, sales, and consulting services. In addition to his consulting practice, Ed provides services for the Colorado SBDC Technology / SBDC TechSource program. Ed received his BS in mechanical engineering from Clarkson University and his MBA from Colorado State University.
Participating -
In Person
Business Development
Missouri SBDC
MO
Sandra Smart
Coming Soon
Participating -
In Person
PROGRAM MANAGER - Warfighter experience Lab
PNDC/ PNWMAC
WA
Kelly Allen
Kelly Allen has more than two decades of leadership experience spanning small business ownership, government acquisition support, and defense innovation. He is deeply passionate about helping companies deliver relevant, mission-ready technologies to the warfighter. A former Marine Corps pilot and Pentagon program lead for the CH-53K, Kelly leverages his operational and acquisition expertise to grow and develop businesses navigating complex government markets. He is a former Weapons School instructor, holds a master’s degree from the Naval War College, and retired from the Marine Corps after completing squadron command. Outside of his professional work, Kelly enjoys the outdoors in eastern Washington, spending time with his family on his ranch, hunting, fishing, and restoring classic cars.
Participating -
Virtually
Deputy Director & General Counsel
PNDC/ PNWMAC
WA
Ryan Casey
Ryan Casey is a naval aviator, attorney, and former congressional aide. A Naval Academy graduate, he served as a P-3C Naval Flight Officer at NAS Whidbey Island and currently holds the rank of Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. Ryan leads Navy engagement for PNDC and provides strategic legal advice as General Counsel. He holds degrees from the University of Washington School of Law and Georgetown University.
Participating -
On Going Support
Market Research - RISE Center
Mississippi SBDC
MS
Jill Dietz
Jill Dietz brings her expertise as a Marketing Research Specialist to the Mississippi SBDC as well as serving in various capacities in their newly created Resources for International Success and Expansion program (RISE). With an extensive background in small business development, Jill has held the role of Regional Director at the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center before joining Mississippi SBDC. During her tenure, she actively supported numerous small business owners, forged valuable partnerships with economic development agencies, and delivered customized training programs. Having worked closely with entrepreneurs across diverse industries and business stages, Jill possesses a comprehensive understanding of the challenges they face. Her guidance has been instrumental in helping these businesses achieve remarkable growth and financial success. With a particular focus on developing effective marketing strategies, optimizing loan packages, and providing insightful coaching, Jill empowers entrepreneurs to enhance their business acumen and make informed decisions.
Participating -
In Person
RISE Center – Center Director
Mississippi SBDC
MS
Chip Templeton
Chip Templeton is with the Mississippi Small Business Development Center and serves as the Center Director of the newly created RISE Center – Resources for International Success and Expansion, at the University of Mississippi. The RISE Center expands the services of the SBDC for cybersecurity, digital transformation, international trade, financial analysis, market research and tech commercialization. Prior to that, Templeton served is the organization at Mississippi State University as Center Director.
While at MSU, Templeton managed the MSU SBDC Cybersecurity program, a Cares Act sub-award. In addition, he obtained certifications at the TNCPE and EDFP-BAC programs. While at the MSU Extension Service he served in areas of broadband adoption as well as telehealth education.
Chip Templeton brings a wealth of knowledge to entrepreneurs by sharing decades of experience in business ownership as well as managing personal investments. Templeton enjoys working with entrepreneurs, in many sectors, that are focused on getting to the next level of success.
Participating -
In Person
Technology Innovation Director
Oklahoma Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network
OK
Jessica Ervin
Jessica Ervin is the Technology Innovation Director for the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center Network. She began her career with the SBDC in 2015. In her current role she assists clients with technology commercialization, working with DoW/DoD and other federal agencies, SBIR/STTR proposals, venture funding and strategic planning.
Jessica holds a Bachelor’s Degree in business with a minor in education from Texas A&M-Commerce. Continuing her professional development, she has earned certifications in Export and Trade Counseling, Technology Commercialization, Advanced Facilitator Training, Credit Counseling, Venture University, and GrowthWheel.
Prior to joining Oklahoma SBDC, Jessica was involved in marketing, public relations, retail merchandising, and nonprofit management. She also has a background in production, competition, and event promotion within the bucking stock industry.
Participating -
In Person
Administrator
APEX Accelerator Program
Schoolcraft College
Schoolcraft College
MI
Olga Martinez
Olga Martinez is the Administrator for the Schoolcraft College APEX Accelerator Program - a cooperative agreement partially funded by the Department of War. In this role, she leads a Michigan regional center that helps businesses, manufacturers, and technology startups navigate federal, state, and local government contracting opportunities. Through counseling, training, and technical assistance, the APEX supports companies as they strengthen their readiness, clarify their value proposition, and prepare to engage with government agencies, prime contractors, and other public-sector partners.
Olga brings a strong background in coaching, program management, stakeholder engagement, and presentation readiness. Prior to joining APEX, she worked in higher education, where she trained and supported student success coaches, developed partnerships, and helped individuals prepare for capstone projects, graduate programs, and career placement. She combines this coaching-centered approach with experience in government contracting, strategic partnerships, and defense-sector engagement to help innovators communicate their capabilities clearly and connect their solutions to mission needs.
Olga has a BBA from Baylor University and a MA from Michigan State University. She also serves on the National APEX Accelerator Alliance (NAPEX) Board of Directors as the Regional Director for IL, IN, MI, MN, WI.
Participating -
In Person
Center Director of New Mexico SBDC's Technology Commercialization Accelerator (TCA)
New Mexico Instituteof Mining and Technology
New Mexico SBDC
NM
Steffie Rawlings
Estefanita Rawlings is the Center Director of the New Mexico Small Business Development Center’s Technology Commercialization Accelerator (TCA) at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology in Socorro, New Mexico. In this role, she assists entrepreneurs, inventors, researchers, and small businesses in navigating the commercialization process, helping them move innovative ideas and technologies from concept to market. She provides intellectual property education and guidance, helping clients understand and implement strategies to protect their innovations and business assets. She also promotes cybersecurity awareness throughout New Mexico, providing education and resources that help businesses and individuals strengthen their digital security and resilience.
A proud alumna of New Mexico Tech, Estefanita earned degrees in Computer Science and Mathematics. Prior to joining the NMSBDC TCA, she built an extensive career in education, serving as both a Senior Data Analyst and Senior Programmer Analyst, where she developed expertise in data analysis, technology systems, and problem-solving.
Participating -
In Person
Technology Assessment Lead
Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Ohio
Ohio
Tara Taylor
Tara brings over six years of experience leading dual-use innovation programs at the intersection of government, academia, and industry. Her experience includes managing large-scale DoW-funded initiatives focused on Def-Tech commercialization and accelerating operational capabilities for the Air Force. She thrives in collaborative environments and working on initiatives that push the innovation ecosystem forward.
A proud Ohio University Marching 110 alumna, Tara has a background in pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacology/toxicology, and small business/IP law. When not at work, she enjoys trying new recipes, lifting/working out, and spending time with her family and two Great Danes.
Participating -
In Person
Process Navigation Lead
Parallax Advanced Research
Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Ohio
OH
René Meadors
René Meadors is a technology commercialization and innovation transition leader with more than 15 years of experience supporting the advancement of research into operational and commercial impact. She currently serves as the Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Ohio Process Navigation Lead at Parallax Advanced Research, where she drives strategic engagement initiatives and data-driven innovation programming that connects industry, academia, and government partners to defense opportunities.
Throughout her career, René has specialized in bridging the gap between research and commercialization across the federal and academic sectors. Prior to joining Parallax, she served as Program Manager for the Department of Homeland Security’s Innovation Hub (HSWERX), where she supported technology transition, intellectual property management, and agile acquisition pathways across DHS innovation initiatives.
Prior to DHS, René spent over five years with the Wright Brothers Institute shaping key strategies for the Air Force Research Laboratory’s technology transfer and commercialization efforts. In leadership roles spanning commercialization, intellectual property management, and industry outreach, she helped evaluate emerging technologies, guide startup formation, support SBIR/STTR engagement, and develop strategic commercialization pathways for defense innovations.
Earlier in her career at the Georgia Tech Research Corporation, René managed and evaluated over 700 technologies across multiple scientific domains, negotiated licensing agreements, and developed innovative approaches to intellectual property marketing and portfolio management.
René is a Registered Patent Agent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and a Certified Licensing Professional. She holds an MBA and Bachelor of Science from Georgia Institute of Technology (Go Jackets!), and an MPH from Georgia State University.
Participating -
In Person
Incoming President
PNDC/ PNWMAC
WA
Keith Swenson
Swenson joins PNDC from the Washington State Department of Commerce, where he served as Deputy Assistant Director of the Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness. In that role, he has worked to strengthen regional business development and economic growth initiatives. Swenson’s background reflects a sustained commitment to building institutional capacity and connecting organizations to the communities they serve. He brings direct familiarity with PNDC's mission, having previously served on the PNDC Advisory Board..
Participating -
In Person
CEO - ARC Technology / Science & Grants Specialist
ARC Technology
KS
Bill Carey
Bill Carey earned a BS and MS in Electrical Engineering from The University of Texas at Arlington and is the CEO of his engineering business, ARC Technology. ARC focuses on applied research and development, resulting in unique technology solutions for its customers.
ARC has successfully completed 10 Phase I and 4 Phase II contracts through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, with 2 technologies continuing on to Phase III contracts. In 2002, Carey was awarded the National Small Business Administration Tibbetts Award for the state of Kanas for his work in the SBIR program with his former company.
Carey joined the Encountering Innovation team in 2017 as the science advisor on a part-time basis while continuing to operate his electrical engineering business. His role is to help companies bridge the gap between their innovative ideas and the funding and other resources required for developing those ideas into a thriving business. Carey’s experience in SBIR/STTR and relationships with the DoD, Homeland Security, Army, MDA, and other government agencies provides unique capabilities to assist his clients.
Participating -
On Going Support
Director - Oklahoma SBDC - Rose State College
Oklahoma SBDC
OK
Ethan Biller
Ethan Biller is the Center Director at Rose State College for the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center network. He began his career with the SBDC in mid-2023. In his current role he works closely with his team to serve clients in the Metro OKC area, specifically in the area of technology commercialization. His role works closely with Jessica Ervin of the SBDC through the Tech Launch Center and the numerous programs housed therein.
Ethan holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, with a focus on accounting. In addition to his education, he has a rich background in entrepreneurship, encompassing fields such as the arts, personalized fashion and community outreach. He spent 6 years in South Korea teaching elementary school English, and used his time there to pick up the language and plant himself in the start-up community. Most recently, he helps his wife run her farm-to-market cut flower farm.