MEET YOUR APMP MIDSOUTH
Chapter Leaders
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Rachael Towle, APMP MidSouth Chapter Chair
Rachael Towle found her way into the world of proposals by happenstance while working at a geospatial firm. After two years, she was hired as a Geospatial Proposal Manager at Woolpert. Rachael became an Associate, a distinguished honor for high-performing employees of the private firm. She obtained her CF APMP certification within her first year at Woolpert and has chaired the APMP MidSouth Chapter since January 2024. Outside of work, Rachael enjoys college football, sports cars, and traveling to new destinations. She is a wife, a mom of an adult son and twin girls in high school. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology in 2019 and served as Membership, Vice-President, and President of a local non-profit for mothers of multiples. She looks forward to seeing MidSouth grow into a supportive, collaborative chapter covering six U.S. states.
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Rachel Hutchinson-Beirs, APMP MidSouth Chapter Vice/Co-Chair
Rachel Hutchinson-Beirs is a seasoned proposal specialist with over 27 years of experience in various industries, including private and government contracts. She currently serves as the Senior Proposal Specialist at Grand Isle Shipyard, LLC (GIS), where she leads, develops, and manages high-quality proposals that showcase the company's capabilities and value proposition. Rachel's expertise in document control, information management, and quality assurance enables her to organize, coordinate, and communicate effectively with internal and external teams. Rachel holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from Capella University and is passionate about learning and improving her skills and knowledge.
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Adelicia Phillips, APMP MidSouth Chapter Programs Chair
Adelicia Phillips is a seasoned proposal manager and business development professional with nearly 15 years of experience in compliance program development, business development, process improvement, and strategic proposal development. She currently resides in Fairhope, Alabama with her husband, daughter, and two dogs named Dolly and Jasper. Adelicia holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) and is highly proficient in proposal best practices, including Shipley. Her leadership and expertise continue to drive the chapter's success and growth.
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Rachel Gessel, APMP MidSouth Chapter Treasurer
Rachel Gessel lives in the Memphis area and currently serves as the Treasurer for the APMP Mid-South Chapter. She has worked as a Proposal Writer at NRG Energy, Inc. (NRG) since 2019. With a strong background in writing, editing, and document creation, Rachel has demonstrated her expertise in proposal management, earning a promotion to Senior Proposal Writer in 2023. Rachel holds a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Humanities from Brigham Young University, where she graduated magna cum laude. Outside of her professional life, she is an active member of the Germantown Symphony Orchestra and has a passion for music.
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Mary Ann Till, APMP MidSouth Chapter Secretary
Mary Ann Till has been a member of the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP) since 2018 and has served as the Secretary of the Mid-South Chapter since 2022. In 2023, she attained her CF-APMP certification. For the past 14 years, Mary Ann has been involved in developing proposals and managing content related to retirement plan services. She holds two certifications: the Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) and the Qualified 401(k) Administrator (QKA). Mary Ann's commitment to the field is evident through her meticulous proposal development and collaboration with her team.
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Kelli Axley, APMP MidSouth Chapter Co-Marketing Chair
Kelli Axley is a dedicated marketing professional with a strong background in proposal coordination and business development. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Geography, International Studies, and Spanish from the University of North Alabama. Kelli is currently based in Huntsville, Alabama, where she actively contributes to the success of Woolpert and the APMP MidSouth Chapter. Her expertise in search engine optimization (SEO), Adobe Photoshop, and Google Analytics has enabled her to create compelling and effective marketing content.
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Tarah Butler, APMP MidSouth Chapter Marketing Co-Chair
Tarah Butler is a highly skilled creative professional with over a decade of experience in graphic design and proposal development. She currently serves as the Creative Manager of Proposal Development at HORNE, where she leads a dynamic team to deliver compelling and innovative proposals. Tarah holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature and a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design from the University of Mississippi. She is also a Certified Personal Trainer (NCCPTCPT) and holds the CF APMP certification.
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Caroline McLaughlin, APMP MidSouth Chapter Technology Chair
Caroline McLaughlin is four years deep in the proposal industry, having moved up from a Proposal Writer to Proposal Coordinator and, most recently, to Knowledge Manager within Business Development. She is proud to work for Professional Contract Services, Inc. (PCSI) — a social enterprise and federal contractor dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities through employment, advocacy, and partnerships. Caroline holds a Master of Library and Information Science from the University of South Carolina and a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of North Florida. She is certified at the Foundations Level by the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP) and is a Microsoft Office Specialist Expert.
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Caleb Ross, APMP MidSouth Chapter Membership Chair
Caleb Ross is a dedicated proposal professional with extensive experience in proposal management, business development, and project coordination. He currently serves as the Proposal Supervisor at HORNE, where he leads a team in developing and managing high-quality proposals. Caleb holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) in Business Administration, Management, and Operations from the University of Mississippi and a Certificate in Data Analytics from Cornell University. His commitment to excellence and leadership skills make him a valuable asset to the APMP MidSouth Chapter.