Operating as an Extension of Your Team

APEX works well with business because we understand business. Our leadership and staff are comprised of seasoned professionals and executives with extensive experience leading private sector organizations.

Rachel Johnson
President & CEO

Economic Development

Rachel joined APEX in September 2022 and leads the organization as President and CEO. Throughout her career, she’s cultivated strong community relationships and advocated for industrial projects that support job growth, career development and economic investment throughout the region. At APEX, she works to drive...

218-740-3667

Sandy Johnson
Director, Member Relations & Administration

Economic Development

Sandy Johnson joined APEX in September of 2008. Her responsibilities include maintaining good relations with and assisting our current investor-members in a variety of capacities while continuing to grow our membership through various recruitment efforts. She also oversees the administrative tasks of our dynamic, high-energy...

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Ian Vincent
Director, Business Development

Economic Development

Ian Vincent joined the APEX team in May of 2014. His key responsibilities include team leadership in manufacturing and workforce development. He played a managing role with NORTHFORCE.org from 2013-2018, and continues in an oversight capacity. Vincent was also elected president of the Duluth workforce...

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APEX office 218-740-3667
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Matt Shermoen
Senior Business Developer

Economic Development

Matt joined the APEX team in 2019 as Business Developer. Matt is responsible for attracting, expanding and retaining key strategic employers within the region, and leverages his sales expertise to build relationships with management personnel, demonstrating how expanding in or relocating to the APEX region leads...