Connecting Innovators
SOLVING NATIONAL SECURITY CHALLENGES THROUGH PARTNERSHIP WITH AMERICA’S INNOVATORS
Vertx Partners empowers connection. By lowering the bar of entry into federal contracting, Vertx enables pioneers to innovate breakthrough technology that disrupts the status quo.
Vertx does this by cultivating partnerships built on expertise, generating a growing network of capable and forward-thinking entities equipped with the best practices for driving America forward.
Our Senior Leadership
Sean Frisbee
President
Retired Air Force Colonel Sean Frisbee founded Vertx Partners in 2021 to solve problems for the U.S. Air Force while bettering the economy of West Virginia. A former President & CEO of the WVU Alumni Association and once the Systems Program Director for the Pentagon’s F-22 Raptor program, Sean brings a veritable wealth of insider knowledge and cooperative know-how to Vertx’s mission to transform WV into a powerhouse for the national defense industry.
Scott Rotruck
VP of External Relations
Scott Rotruck has a long history of building connections in the Mountain State. His resumé includes serving as Vice President of Chesapeake Energy, funding innovation as an individual Angel Investor, and now serving on boards throughout the state of West Virginia. Scott brings an invaluable level of collaboration to Vertx’s repertoire of services and assists in securing contracts for clients through his breadth of experience.
Mary Cook
VP of Operations
Mary Warner Cook joined Vertx Partners in September of 2021, bringing to the team decades of experience and deep connections in the West Virginia business community. With an MBA from University College Dublin in Ireland and a bachelor’s in urban planning from the University of Cincinnati, Mary brings a multitude of skills in business development, entrepreneur support, project management, marketing, and communications.
Vertx Team Members
Jeff Grusy
Senior Advisor
Jeff Grusy serves as Vertx Partners’ Senior Consultant, a role for which he is especially suited. His responsibilities include:
• Advises on Phases I & II of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) process, including identifying potential opportunities, mentoring on proposal techniques, and ensuring clientele comport to contracting protocol
• Jeff uses his experience in both the private and public spheres to consult on business development for Vertx clients, namely in optimizing their relationships with external partners
• Jeff draws on his sphere of influence to broaden the range of Vertx’s mission, thus ensuring new partners are brought into the fold, which can mutually benefit all parties
Randy Hefner
Senior Tech Transition Executive
Randy Hefner’s nearly four decades of government contracting experience make him a valuable asset to the Vertx Partners team. His responsibilities include:
• Randy’s expertise in business development and program/project management comes into play by ensuring Vertx clients receive expert consulting from the Vertx team and efficient service in the realm of federal contracting
• Serves as a general consultant for the contracting process, offering his professional insights on everything from locating opportunities, proposal development, and forming strong relationships with the federal government and our clients
• Connecting new Vertx partners, particularly those concentrated in aerospace and software, to our growing network of innovators, academics, and other entities
Chris Ford
Senior Advisor
Greg Green
Senior Advisor
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