Staff & Board

Trevor Friedeberg previously served as President and CEO of the East Central Indiana Regional Partnership (ECIRP) since March of 2022. Prior to that, he spent 13 years at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation where he was the Director of Business Development Projects, leading his team focused on securing business attraction and expansions across the state. He is passionate about strengthening communities through economic development that leads to greater opportunities for all residents. He is a certified Economic Development Finance Professional through Grow America (fka the National Development Council), earned his MBA from the Eli Broad College of Business, and a B.S. in Environmental Economics and Policy from Michigan State University. He and his wife, Amy, are the proud parents of two young children: Isla, age 3, and Leland, age 1.

Cathy graduated from Traverse City High school and went to Albion College for her undergraduate degree. She then went to the University of Michigan and obtained a Masters Degree in Urban Planning, with a concentration in economic development. Her first professional position was as Main Street Project Manager, through the National Main Street Organization in Saline, Michigan. She coordinated economic development, design and promotional activities in the downtown, including implementation of a successful streetscape plan in downtown Saline. After working four years as Project Manager, she took a position in March 1988, as Assistant Planner with the City of Muskegon. Primary responsibilities included establishing the Downtown Development Authority; working on property consolidation of the downtown mall and surrounding property. In 1994, Cathy became the Director of Planning for the City. She directed and implemented the Weed & Seed site in the City of Muskegon, and was responsible for community and economic development projects (including obtaining an EDA grant for the creation of the Seaway Industrial Park and subsequent development), historic district oversight, zoning and master planning. In 1997, Cathy was promoted to Director of Community and Economic Development for the City of Muskegon. She directed her division, which included economic development, Community & Neighborhood Services, Recreation and Planning. She worked closely with area businesses on various economic incentives for expansion and new development, both in manufacturing and commercial development; often coordinating with Greater Muskegon Economic Development. Cathy has written and obtained grants and worked on several community-wide projects, with many community partners. She retired from the City in March 2017 and started her own consulting business CBC Community Development Strategies, LLC.

Cathy is Past President of the Muskegon Rotary Club, which has almost 240 members, all leaders in the Muskegon community. She is Vice-Chair of the Pound Buddies Board and volunteers at the Shelter. She is involved in her church, and is on the Downtown Dog Park Committee.

Cathy is married to Doug Clarke, a Third Grade Teacher at Reeths-Puffer Elementary. They have three children and four grandchildren (and two dogs!)

Emily Morgenstern joined Greater Muskegon Economic Development (GMED) in March 2026 as Business Development Manager. She brings a strong background in community engagement, having previously served as the Police Community Coordinator for the City of Muskegon and as Director of Marketing and Advocacy for the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce.

Emily is passionate about connecting businesses and organizations with the resources they need to grow and succeed. In her role at GMED, she is excited to support continued economic growth across Muskegon County while helping enhance quality of life for residents.

A Norton Shores native, Emily is a graduate of Muskegon Catholic Central and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications Studies from Loyola University Chicago.

Kelsey Rhoda has been the West Michigan APEX Accelerator Director since December 2021 and a Procurement Counselor since October 2019. Kelsey’s passion for systems and working with others has lead her to thrive in highly-dynamic, team-based environments. Kelsey thrives under pressure and appreciates being able to utilize her expertise in systems and organizing to conduct a successful team-oriented office environment. Kelsey’s experience and education with customer service, project management, and administration have lead her to the career path of being the APEX Director, providing assistance to the business community interested in government contracting.

Kelsey graduated from Davenport University with an Associates in Business and a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Healthcare Administration. Kelsey has started course-work to fulfill the Association of Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (APTAC’s) highest level of certification, the Certified Procurement Professional (CPP). Kelsey is taking classes from the Defense Acquisition University and Govology.

Kelsey is a member of APTAC, a national organization for members of APEX Accelerators nationwide, and the Michigan Alliance of APEX Accelerators, a Michigan member-driven organization for professional development. She is also a member of the National Contract Management Association (NCMA).

Britany Cooper joined West Michigan APEX Accelerator in July 2023. Britany’s passion for helping others paired with her professional business and customer service experience initiated her interest in government contracting. Britany is solution oriented and enjoys working in a dynamic team environment to help assist the business community.

Britany graduated from Ferris State University with an Associates in Applied Science and a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Health Information Management. Britany has started coursework to become a Certified Procurement Professional (CPP) via Govology and the Defense Acquisition University.

Britany is a member of APTAC, a national organization of members of APEX Accelerators nationwide, and the Michigan Alliance of APEX Accelerators a Michigan member-driven organization for professional development. She is also a member of the National Contract Management Association (NCMA).

Olivia Brown joined West Michigan APEX Accelerator in August 2024. Olivia’s familiarity with government processes and procedures along with her passion for helping others drove her in the direction of government contracting.

Olivia graduated from Muskegon Community College with an Associates of Arts (AA) and a Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal Justice Administration from Strayer University. Olivia also obtained her Paralegal Certificate from Clemson University. Olivia has started coursework to become a Certified Procurement Professional (CPP) via Govology.

Anna joined West Michigan APEX Accelerator in December 2024. She attended Grand Rapids Community College and BUUIC in Thailand, specializing in Hospitality and Tourism Management Marketing. Anna also holds a CMS Certification from Eastern Michigan University Center for Health Disparities Innovations and Studies. She is currently pursuing coursework through Govology and NAPEX University.

Anna’s diverse education and professional experience, including managing large-scale events and working one-on-one with clients, enhances her effectiveness in the role of Program Coordinator, where she is committed to driving growth and innovation.

Marie joined Muskegon Area First as the Finance Director in 2020. She is in a shared position with the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of which she has been there for over 9 years. Marie earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting at Baker College in Muskegon and has 40 years of experience. 

In her free time, Marie is a part of the Lake Michigan Clipper Cup Sail Race Committee. She enjoys boating, reading, and is an avid “foodie.”