06/09/2026
Eventbrite Registration: Inside the Buy: Strategies from Former Defense Buyers, COs & SB Advocates Tickets, Friday, June 26 • 10 AM - 12 PM | Eventbrite
Inside the Buy: Strategies from Former Defense Buyers, Contracting Officers, & Small Business Advocates
Date: Friday, June 26, 2026
Time:
• 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (In-Person)
• 11:00 AM – 2:35 PM (Virtual Program)
Location:
Huntington Empowerment Center
780 Mount Vernon Avenue
Columbus, OH 43203
Event Overview
Join us for an engaging and informative session designed to help small businesses better understand the defense acquisition process and federal procurement environment.
This event brings together former Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) buyers, contracting officers, small business advocates, and procurement professionals to provide practical insights into how purchasing decisions are made, what government buyers look for, and how businesses can strengthen their competitiveness in the defense marketplace.
Attendees will gain valuable perspectives on teaming strategies, procurement readiness, supplier engagement, and navigating opportunities within the federal government. Participants will also have the opportunity to connect directly with resource partners that support business growth, capacity-building, and government contracting success.
Featured Speakers
Demetrius Carter
Assistant Vice President, Entrepreneurial Services
Regional Director, Columbus MBAC
Joseph Scott
Statewide Manager, Ohio APEX Accelerator
President-Elect, National APEX Accelerator Alliance (NAPEX)
Jill Nagy-Reynolds
Business Opportunity Specialist
U.S. Small Business Administration – Columbus District Office
Panel Discussion: Inside the Buy
Moderator:
Shanda Harris
U.S. Small Business Administration – Columbus District Office
Virtual Moderator:
Danielle Pierre
Panelists:
• Pauline E. Buck
• Coleen McCormick
• Vikki Hawthorne
• Ealnor Grey
• Michael Taylor
Panel Expertise:
Panelists bring decades of combined experience from the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and Defense Supply Center Columbus (DSCC), serving in roles including:
• Defense Buyer
• Contracting Officer
• Director of Small Business Programs
• Small Business Advocate
• Source Selection Team Member
Final Agenda
10:00 – 10:45 AM Resource Tables & Networking (In-Person Only)
10:45 – 11:00 AM Transition, Seating & Technology Check
(In-Person Only)
11:00 – 11:05 AM Welcome & Opening Remarks Demetrius Carter
(In-Person + Virtual)
11:05 – 11:20 AM The Value of APEX Accelerator Joseph Scott
(In-Person + Virtual)
11:20 AM – 12:05 PM Teaming in Federal Contracting Jill Nagy-Reynolds (In-Person + Virtual)
12:05 – 12:50 PM Lunch & Informal Networking (In-Person Focus)
12:50 – 2:15 PM Inside the Buy: Panel Discussion & Audience Engagement
2:15 – 2:30 PM Resource Partner Spotlights (In-Person + Virtual)
2:30 – 2:35 PM Closing Remarks Demetrius Carter (In-Person + Virtual)
2:35 PM Virtual Program Concludes
2:35 – 3:00 PM Final Networking & Resource Tables (In-Person Only)
Resource Partner Exhibitors
Confirmed Resource Partners:
• Ohio APEX Accelerator
• U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
• Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
• Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC)
• Economic and Community Development Institute (ECDI)
• Minority Business Development Division (MBDD)
• AT&T
Resource Partner Engagement Opportunities
Participating partners may:
• Host an information/resource table
• Deliver a brief spotlight presentation
• Connect directly with attendees
• Share services, programs, and technical assistance opportunities
• Support businesses pursuing federal and defense contracting opportunities
Event Logistics
Lunch Sponsor/Provider:
Donatos Pizza and Salads
Host Organization:
Columbus Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC) + APEX Accelerators at OU
Format:
Hybrid Event (In-Person and Virtual)
