Vertx Partners

Helping businesses in Appalachia work together to solve problems for the federal government.

Meet Vertx Partners

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

    Chris Ford

    Senior Advisor

    Chris Ford is dedicated to serving the southern Appalachian Region, focusing primarily on East Tennessee, as part of Vertx’s mission. As one of Vertx’s Phase III SBIR/STTR specialists, he plays a pivotal role in cultivating partnerships and identifying opportunities for Vertx clients aiming to expand their operations within the federal government and East Tennessee markets. Chris excels in networking with potential partners in East Tennessee, furthering Vertx’s regional influence. Moreover, he is instrumental in bridging the divides between public, private, academic, and non-profit entities in East Tennessee, fostering collaborative partnerships that maximize mutual benefits and drive innovation.

      Greg Green

      Senior Advisor

      Greg Green focuses his expertise on Phase III SBIR/STTR commercialization within Central and Western Kentucky as part of Vertx’s strategic initiatives. His role entails several key responsibilities, including networking within the vibrant defense ecosystem of Central and Western Kentucky to expand Vertx’s presence in the Appalachian region. Greg also provides valuable support to existing Vertx clients seeking to broaden their operations into Kentucky. Additionally, he offers guidance on Phase III SBIR/STTR protocol, assisting with commercialization strategies and facilitating access to funding opportunities.

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