APEX Staff Access | apex@bigskyeda.org | (406)256-6871
©2025 MONTANA APEX Accelerator. This APEX Accelerator is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Department of Defense.
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Mariah Liebing is a dedicated Government Contracting Advisor at Montana APEX, where she leverages her expertise to help clients succeed in the competitive landscape of government contracting. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business from Carroll College and has accumulated substantial experience in contract administration and bookkeeping.
Mariah’s professional journey includes three years in contract administration at a design-build company and two years as a bookkeeper at a law firm. She is currently working towards her Certified Procurement Professional (CPP) certification, further solidifying her commitment to excellence in the field.
With a passion for empowering clients and a track record of success, Mariah is driven by the desire to see her clients thrive in government contracting.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Lynnette Engelhardt 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.
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.
TNL Sales offers wholesale distribution of electronic parts and electronic communications equipment.
Address: The Portage Building at West Bank Landing – 405 3rd Street NW, Suite 203 Great Falls, MT 59401
Contact: Lillian Sunwall – Phone: (406) 750-1253
Contact 2: Shannon Clancy – Phone: (406) 590-1184
Website: http://growgreatfallsmontana.org
Address: 201 N Broadway, Billings, 59101
Contact: Lynnette Hale
Phone: (406) 865-0132
Website: Big Sky Economic Development
Address: 255 Gallagher Business Building, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812
Contact: Patty Cox – Phone: (406) 243-4030
Website: https://www.acceleratemt.com/contact-montana-ptac
Address: 44 Second Avenue West, Kalispell, MT 59901
Contact: Jill Duval – Phone: (406) 257-7711 ext 5
Website: http://www.dobusinessinmontana.com
Address: 507 W Main Street, Lewistown, MT 59457
Contact: Carly Wheatley Phone: (406) 535-2591
Contact 2: Josy Eades Phone: (406) 535-2591
Website: https://www.snowymountaindevelopment.com/
Address: 201 N Broadway Billings, MT 59101
Contact: Deanna Langman, Statewide Director – Phone: (406) 869-8410
Contact 2: Tereza Brownell – Phone: (406) 869-8414
Website: Big Sky Economic Development