About Vertx Partners
Led by retired USAF Col. Sean Frisbee, the Vertx team comprises former military leaders, subject matter experts, and industry veterans who have sat on both sides of the negotiating table. Drawing on their combined decades of experience, you can trust that you're in good hands when dealing with the federal government.
2021
Vertx Origins
Vertx Partners spins out of Parallax Advanced Research under a clear premise: America’s national security solutions are hiding in plain sight. Founded by (Ret.) Col. Sean Frisbee, Vertx launched with a mission to identify latent technological capabilities in West Virginia and connect them directly to the Department of War’s (DoW) needs. The Result: We proved that "flyover country" is actually a center of innovation.
2022
Powering WIN
Vertx’s statewide focus expanded to a regional reach through our support of the Warfighting Integration Network (WIN). We expanded our reach from Appalachia to a regional and then nationwide network. Supporting WIN, Vertx created a streamlined, federally backed conduit connecting government needs, academic research, and industrial capabilities.
2023
Prioritizing Tech Transition
Connecting people is easy, but securing funding for technology is hard, and many great capabilities fail to transition. Vertx continued to evolve its operational focus to expand our team of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) specializing in the transition from development to procurement.
Today
Defending the American Edge
The federal contracting landscape constantly changes, and the acquisition process must keep up. While Vertx’s primary mission remains serving the goals of the WIN program, our network now identifies opportunities across the entire Department of War. Vertx has evolved from a regional connector into a national accelerator of advocates, strategists, and partners, ensuring American ideas become the warfighter's advantage.
Senior Leadership
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Sean Frisbee
Founder, CEO & President
Retired Air Force Colonel Sean Frisbee founded Vertx Partners in 2021 to solve problems for the U.S. Air Force and reinvigorate the nation’s industrial base. 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 revitalize America’s national defense industry.
Scott Rotruck
VP of External Relations
Scott Rotruck has a long history of building connections in the Mountain State and beyond. 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 brings decades of experience and deep connections within the business community to the team. 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.
Advisory Team
Contact UsGreg 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.
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.
Jeff Grusy
Senior Advisor
Jeff Grusy serves as Vertx Partners’ Senior Consultant, a role for which he is especially suited. His responsibilities include advising 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.
Fast-Track Your Path to DoW Contracting With Vertx Partners
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