Deanna Langman, Certified Procurement Professional (CPP)
Montana APEX Accelerator Statewide Director
Deanna Langman is the APEX Accelerator director in Montana. In addition to overseeing the statewide program’s financial and business operations, Deanna provides leadership and guidance to APEX Accelerators throughout the state. She is also a government contracting advisor for the Billings location at the Big Sky Economic Development (BSED). Previous to joining the Montana APEX staff in 2012, Deanna was a commercial loan officer and credit analyst supervisor at banks in the Billings area. For six years, she was with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at BSED, initially as a business development specialist and then as the center’s director. Deanna earned a bachelor’s degree from Montana State University Billings and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Montana. She brings a broad base of business management and consulting knowledge and experience to the Montana APEX Accelerator program. Deanna and her husband Scott have a blended family of five adult children, two grandsons and one granddaughter. In her leisure time, she enjoys watching mysteries and traveling to see family. Contact Deanna
Billings office at Big Sky Economic Development (Lead Center)
Tereza Brownell
Government Contracting Advisor
Tereza Brownell is a government contracting advisor at Big Sky Economic Development (BSED) in Billings. Before joining MT APEX Accelerator, Tereza worked as an Operations Specialist and a Small Business Advisor at BSED. Tereza was born and raised in the Czech Republic. After graduating from college with a master’s degree in Applied Ecology, she received an internship in Oregon where she met her husband, Ryan. Tereza has a combined 20 years of customer service and real estate sales experience. She also has experience in starting and operating a family business and appreciates the specialized guidance that Montana APEX provides to companies. She is looking forward to supporting businesses with their government contracting efforts. In her spare time, Tereza is a licensed Jazzercise Instructor. She and her husband Ryan are raising three active boys. If she is not teaching a class or chasing her boys on a soccer field, she enjoys traveling, camping, volunteering for community events, or spending time outdoors with her family and their wirehaired dachshund Daphne. Contact Tereza
Billings office at Big Sky Economic Development (Lead Center)
Patty Cox, CPP
Government Contracting Advisor
Patty Cox, CPP is a government contracting advisor in Missoula. The Missoula APEX Accelerator is located at the University of Montana, in the Office of Research and Creative Scholarship. Patty began working with Montana APEX in 2011, supporting both APEX and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Montana CDC. A Tucson native, Patty spent 25 years in Seattle before moving to Missoula in 2003. In Seattle, she worked in the high-tech, financial services and legal industries, gaining invaluable experience in business operations and management. While working at Montana APEX Accelerator , Patty has enhanced her knowledge of government contracting, participating in a variety of professional development and specialized training programs. She is certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as a verification assistance counselor. She received her certification as a Certified Procurement Professional (CPP) in March 2015. An avid reader and masterful cook, Patty enjoys spending time cooking for family and friends. She lives in Missoula and loves to explore the outdoors with her son, Jack and her favorite four-legged friend Molly. Contact Patty
Missoula Office at University of Montana
Lillian Sunwall, CPP
Government Contracting Advisor
Lillian Sunwall is a government contracting advisor in Great Falls. Lillian began working for Montana APEX in 2005, sharing her time as administrative assistant between APEX and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the Great Falls Development Authority (GFDA). During her tenure at GFDA, Lillian pursued training in government contracting and grants management. In addition to her APEX Accelerator responsibilities, Lillian serves as a project manager and business strategist at GFDA. Prior to joining GFDA, Lillian worked for Travel Company of Montana, a position she assumed after obtaining an associate’s degree in business and information at May Technical College. A Seattle native, Lillian and her husband moved to Montana – Rolfe’s native state – in 1984. They have a daughter, son and three granddaughters. The Sunwalls have eight horses, a mammoth donkey, and two mini-donkeys. When not camping or horseback riding, Lillian unwinds by singing and playing the keyboard. Contact Lillia
Great Falls office at Great Falls Local Development Authority
Shannon Clancy, CPP
Government Contracting Advisor
Shannon Clancy is a government contracting advisor in Great Falls. In addition to her APEX Accelerator duties at GFDA, Shannon is responsible for database management and site visits for loan clients. Shannon graduated from the Montana Law Enforcement Academy and holds a certification in Paralegal Studies (AA), a certification from Yuba College in Criminal Justice and is a Certified Court Counselor. She has over 19 years of public service in the court system working with Child & Youth services. Shannon enjoys new challenges and is looking forward to assisting businesses with their government contracting efforts. She has lived in Great Falls for 25 years with her 2 dogs. Shannon has two sons. One serves in the US Air Force and the other lives in North Dakota. In her leisure time, Shannon enjoys Disney World and playing on her Xbox! Contact Shannon
Great Falls office at Great Falls Local Development Authority
Carly Wheatley,CPP
Government Contracting Advisor
Carly Wheatley is a government contracting advisor in Lewistown. She joined the Montana APEX staff in 2018. Carly is a graduate of Montana State University in Bozeman where she received her bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing with a minor in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management. In addition to APEX Accelerator responsibilities, Carly serves as the Deputy Director for Snowy Mountain Development Corporation (SMDC) to build community and economic capital in a six county region. She is also a member of the Montana Economic Developers Association. Along with spending time with her family, Carly enjoys traveling, volunteering for community events, and spending time outdoors with her labradoodle. Contact Carly
Lewistown office at Snowy Mountain Development Corporation
Josy Eades
Government Contracting Advisor
Josy Eades joined Snowy Mountain Development Corporation (SMDC) in 2021 to fulfill the roles of government contracting advisor and community development project manager. She brings five years of banking experience with Stockman Bank (Lewistown) to SMDC and is currently completing the requirements to become a Certified Procurement Professional (CPP). Josy is passionate about helping businesses secure government contracts and to support community development projects that improve Montanans’ quality of life. A third-generation Montanan, Josy is heavily involved in community and civic service. She is a member of the American Legion’s (Post 16) Auxiliary and serves on the Fergus Fairgrounds Entertainment Committee. She enjoys paddle boarding on Montana’s beautiful lakes and traveling with her family. Contact Josy
Lewistown office at Snowy Mountain Development Corporation
Lynnette Hale
Government Contracting Advisor
Lynnette Hale is a government contracting advisor for Big Sky Economic Development and is based in the western part of the state. She provides assistance to companies in the counties of Silver Bow, Lewis & Clark, Gallatin, Madison, Broadwater & Jefferson. Before joining MT APEX, Lynnette was a junior lender and loan assistant for an economic development organization in Butte. She has also worked for the Montana Youth Challenge Academy as the Financial Manager. One of her primary responsibilities was contract administration & management and overseeing the supply and procurement department. Lynnette brings a range of business, lending and procurement skills to her position. Lynnette was born and raised in Dillon and still resides there. She has four kids, three sons and one daughter who keep her very busy with all their sports and activities. If she is not with her kids you can find her riding her horse, hiking, fishing or just enjoying all the great Montana outdoor activities. Contact Lynnette
Southwest Montana – office at Big Sky Economic Development
Jill Duval
Government Contracting Advisor
Jill Duval is a government contracting advisor for MT APEX Accelerator at Montana West Economic Development (MWED) in Kalispell. Before joining MWED, Jill dedicated most of her professional career to several non-profit organizations. As the Downtown Revitalization Coordinator for a farming community in California, she helped organize the purchase of an empty lot in the center of town and coordinated the development of a community “pocket park” that still serves as a centerpiece for the community. Jill has also worked for the Chamber of Commerce, American Cancer Society and an Educational Foundation. Most recently, she has been coordinating a “drug-free communities grant” for a small rural area in Washington State. Jill earned her degree in Greeley, Colorado, before becoming a Navy wife. The military took Jill from New Mexico to Nevada to California. When not working, Jill enjoys traveling (both domestically and abroad), spending time exploring the outdoors, reading, writing, photography and engaging in genealogy research.” Jill is committed to utilizing her knowledge and experience to support MT companies with their government contracting pursuits. Contact Jill
Kalispell office at Montana West Economic Development
Montana APEX Accelerator is made possible by Big Sky Economic Development and its partner organizations across the state.
