Regional Offices and Staff  

 

At American Procurement Services, we strive to meet our clients’ needs with efficiency, commitment, and creativity.  A combination of dedicated procurement members and management personnel run American Procurement Services’ headquarters, hoping their work will effect positive change around the world. Meet some of our key personnel.

APSCO’s staffing consists of a core of highly trained, experienced, and motivated individuals, several of them with many years of working in procurement and economic development in various parts of the world. Many APSCO staff have worked with development actors, including USAID, The African Development Bank, International Development Associates, and government institutions, and they have brought to the firm vast experiences and knowledge about the development arena.   

Headquarters Staff –  Oregon

 

Ms. Gaydour A. Demanwu – Owner: Ms. Demanwu’s strong background in administrative and management roles spans both the medical and public administration sectors. Her excellent practical skills in business management and forecasting make her a key contributor to the APSCO team. She is an effective communicator, an essential skill for developing strong business relationships with our manufacturing partners and clients worldwide. Gaydour’s extensive practical management experience and strong leadership abilities will be vital to APSCO’s successful growth and expansion. Her medical background will also contribute significantly to key aspects of our business involving medical equipment and pharmaceutical components.

Margaret C. Batiste, CEO:  Margaret is the Chief Executive Officer for APSCO. She is responsible for leading the entire organization, setting strategic direction, and overseeing all aspects of the business, including procurement operations, financial performance, and employee relations. She is accountable for driving growth, building strong supplier relationships, and ensuring the company’s success in the procurement industry. Margaret has 19 years of operations and project management experience. She worked for a Fortune 5 company for 12 years, leading blue-chip enterprise programs.

APSCO_logo

Sherlock Mahn, Senior General Manager / Management Consultant: With over thirty-five years of practical experience in managing large-scale international procurement services, Sherlock brings a wealth of expertise to his role as the High-Volume Manufacturing Equipment Acquisition and Qualification Manager. In his current position, he is entrusted with the seamless transition of the acquired assets of Kwaplah International. Additionally, Sherlock plays a pivotal role in APSCO’s business development, leveraging his extensive knowledge of the industry. Mr. Mahn has achieved notable success in establishing the Engineering Services Division at APSCO, which is presently engaged in the execution of several large-scale power and construction projects in Liberia. His wealth of experience and strategic leadership contributes significantly to the company’s continued growth and success.

Alvin Collins, CFO:A seasoned finance executive with over two decades of experience guiding financial strategy, operations, and performance across a range of industries, Alvin is a trusted member of APSCO’s executive team. He is known for his practical insights, strong business acumen, and ability to translate complex financial data into clear, actionable plans. Alvin has a proven track record of streamlining operations, strengthening internal controls, and driving profitability through sound financial leadership. With hands-on experience in budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and compliance, he excels at building high-performing teams and aligning finance with broader business goals. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a Master’s in Global Management, and brings a grounded, collaborative approach to every challenge.

APSCO_logo
APSCO_logo

Sage Thomson – Chief of Strategy and Business Development: Sage brings over 17 years of experience in energy markets, financial services, and business strategy. He began his career with training at Solomon Smith Barney and Merrill Lynch before joining Invesco (AIM Investments). He later served as a Credit Manager at Wells Fargo in Chicago, gaining valuable experience in credit and risk management. His background spans both traditional and renewable energy, with key commercial and advisory roles at leading oil & gas consultancies, including Energy Aspects in London and Rapidan Energy Group in Washington, D.C. Sage has worked closely with investors, companies, and institutions on energy market strategy, research, and commercial growth. He is regularly invited to participate in the IMF and World Bank Spring and Annual Meetings as a private sector contributor, reflecting his knowledge of global capital markets, energy, and development finance. At APSCO, Sage serves as Head of Strategy and Business Development, where he leads the company’s commercial and growth strategy. His portfolio includes expanding APSCO’s partnerships and market presence across MENA, West Africa, and North America, while also supporting the Interim CEO and founder in engaging key investors and industry partners.  

Anna Karleskind – Vice President of Procurement Services: Anna oversees the general operations of the firm by providing tactical and strategic directions and guiding the executive management team in developing growth and expansion strategies and executing them to plan. Anna has been with APSCO for over 7 years, starting as a procurement assistant and has held positions as Contract Coordinator, Procurement Manager, and Vice President, which has allowed her to gain experience and knowledge on all aspects of the company.  Anna’s creative approach to procurement activities offers clients effective cost savings on quality products.  She brings a creative approach to the company’s procurement activities, which has not only resulted in increased revenues but also offers clients cost savings on quality products.

APSCO_logo

Ponzi Watson, Vice President of State and Federal Procurement: Ponzi Watson brings decades of experience in management, operations, and strategic planning across the corporate, nonprofit, and entrepreneurial sectors. His career began in the oil and gas industry and expanded into insurance, real estate, and international development, particularly in Africa. He has successfully led small business initiatives, secured financing for nationwide projects, and worked with leaders in Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, and beyond to address challenges such as affordable housing. Mr. Watson also embraced the rise of technology, opening one of Washington D.C.’s first microcomputer retail and training centers. He has founded and consulted for nonprofit organizations and small business associations under the U.S. Small Business Administration, advocating for minority-owned businesses and leading membership, training, and lobbying efforts. Fluent in cultural diplomacy and multilingual communication, Mr. Watson continues to drive impact through leadership training, international collaboration, and innovative solutions in business and housing development.

Courtney Watkins, Sr. Director of Procurement Training & Development: Courtney Watkins is a strategic Learning & Development professional with 19 years of experience designing, delivering, and scaling impactful training solutions across corporate, higher education, and K–12 sectors. With expertise in instructional design, digital learning implementation, and professional coaching, she has led cross-functional projects that drive client success and organizational growth. Courtney excels at using data insights and learner feedback to refine learning strategies, track KPIs, and align training programs with business objectives. Her background includes developing onboarding experiences, facilitating leadership development, and managing digital platforms. Committed to creating engaging, inclusive. Courtney brings a collaborative and results-oriented approach to corporate training and talent development initiatives.

APSCO_logo

West Africa Regional Office – Liberia

American Procurement Services West Africa office is located in Monrovia, Liberia, and has two divisions – Procurement Services and Engineering Services.  APSCO – Liberia officially opened in 2017, and all members of the management, procurement, and engineering team have been chosen because of the specific skills and experience they bring to the company. 

Mrs. Sonie Ford-Gongloe, Country Manager – APSCO-Liberia: Mrs. Gongloe joins the firm bringing critical management skills from both private and public sectors ranging from the USA to Africa.  This wealth of knowledge and experiences will propel the firm growth and expansion objective especially in the African market under her leadership. She has administrative responsibilities for APSCO’s two divisions of Procurement Services and Engineering Services.

Sonie Gongloe