NAPEX Names Darryl Thomas First Executive Director
Washington, D.C. (January 31, 2025) – The National Apex Accelerator Program (NAPEX) is proud to welcome Darryl Thomas as its first Executive Director. His tenure started on January 27, 2025.
Thomas joined NAPEX from the Illinois APEX Accelerator Program, where he was State Director for eight years. His previous experience includes more than two decades at First Stop Business Information Center, first as Client Services Manager and later as Program Manager. Thomas has also worked as a Compliance Auditor at the Illinois Commerce Commission.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Western Illinois University and has numerous certifications in business development and entrepreneurship. Thomas is an active and accomplished volunteer in the procurement field, as well as faith-based and community organizations.
About the National Apex Accelerator Program
First authorized by Congress in 1985, the APEX Accelerators form a nationwide network of dedicated procurement assistance professionals working to help local businesses compete successfully in the government marketplace. There are now 90+ APEX Accelerator programs with 300+ local offices in the country and US Territories.
APEX Accelerators are the bridge between buyer and supplier, bringing to bear their knowledge of both government contracting and the capabilities of contractors to maximize fast, reliable service to our government with better quality and at lower costs
For more information, please visit www.napex.us.
About Sterling Martin Associates
Sterling Martin Associates (SMA) is a leading specialty national search firm conducting chief executive-level searches for associations and nonprofit organizations. SMA has built an outstanding reputation by providing impeccable service to its clients and by placing exceptional talent in associations and nonprofits. Based primarily in Washington, DC, SMA has offices in New York, Chicago, and Orange County, CA.
Since founding the firm in 2006 with a mission to combine his search expertise with nonprofit board experience, David Martin now leads a highly experienced and diverse team, combining in-depth client analysis with the latest search technologies to create effective, personalized searches. Since the day he founded the firm, David has personally taken a leadership role with every search, for every client.
