Prior to joining the Empire APEX Accelerator, Omar worked as a program compliance specialist with the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC). In that role, he reviewed utilization plans and contractual language for participation in Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) projects. Omar also worked as a procurement administrator at DPS Group Global where he assisted with issuing purchase orders and subcontracts. Omar holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration, with a concentration in management and marketing, from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Albany and an associate degree in business administration from SUNY Sullivan.

Fun fact: Omar is an avid road cyclist. The longest ride he has done in a single day is 65 miles. He also loves playing pick-up soccer with friends.

Finn is an experienced professional who has worked in a variety of nonprofit and government organizations. He has considerable experience in supporting procurement teams throughout the contracting process, managing pilot contracts, and providing educational materials and support to new hires and business contacts.

Manna helps businesses of all sizes find and pursue government opportunities. Before joining the APEX Accelerator, Manna was a program manager and counselor for North Country Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC). Before that, Manna was a plant manager at Artik/OEM and the defense subcontractor general manager at Tulmar Manufacturing Inc. He is a certified Lean White Belt from CITEC Business Solutions.

Mercy is an experienced professional who helps businesses of all sizes find and pursue government contracting opportunities as a procurement counselor. Before joining NYSTEC, Mercy was a counselor for the Monroe County Finger Lakes Procurement Technical Assistance Center (MCFL PTAC), where she counseled businesses in securing government contracts, supported clients with market research, and assisted them with local, state, and federal registrations and certifications.

Lenora is a program management professional. Before joining NYSTEC, she worked as the APEX Accelerator program manager for Cattaraugus County. In that role, she was responsible for developing annual goals and objectives and overseeing a program rebranding initiative to align with nationwide changes. Lenora has also held multiple program manager roles for regional organizations throughout her career.