Kara Vernon

Kara Vernon, CPCM, Fellow has extensive experience in contract management and business coaching, currently serving as a Small Business Coach at the Florida APEX Accelerator at the University of Central Florida since 2019. Notable achievements include receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award for over $100 million in client-attributed government contract volume and contributing to the region's recognition as the recipient of the Florida Alan Cowart Pioneer of the Year Award for innovative support of the Florida SBDC. Previously, Kara held various positions in prominent organizations, including Director of Contracts at TENOSAR CORPORATION, Subcontracts Management at SAIC, and Lead Contract Administrator at CAE, with a focus on managing defense, healthcare, and commercial contracts. Educational credentials include a BS in Accounting from Rollins College and an MS in Contracts & Acquisition Management from the Florida Institute of Technology.