Hello
I am Marisa Midkiff Neal. In 2012, I launch MMN Consulting, LLC, which is a small, woman owned consulting firm located in Louisville, Kentucky. Initially, MMN helped small businesses in the Commonwealth and other states grow by contracting with state, local, and federal government agencies. MMN continues to help small businesses that need individualized and specialized assistance to pursue, win and perform government contracts. I have expanded the services that I offer to small businesses based on clients’ needs to include vendor registrations, certification applications, proposal writing, contract negotiation, and contract compliance. MMN also sever corporations, non-profits, and government agencies that have small business contracting goals or have received federal grant funding. For example, MMN won a federal subcontract to assist a regional utility meet its federal small business subcontracting requirements. MMN completed a multiyear project to assist a non-profit with compliance and vendor outreach for a large federal grant funded construction project.

Over the past 12 years, I have taken other opportunities to advocate for small businesses. The Small Business Administration (SBA) named me the 2014 Kentucky Women Small Business Advocate of the Year. I won the Women's Business Enterprise National Council Ohio River Valley’s (WBENC-ORV) 2020 Kentucky Advocate of the Year Award. In 2021, I was recognized with the Chamber of St. Matthews Community Pride Award. I was nominated by NAWBO Kentucky for the 2025 Woman Business Owner of the Year Epic Award.
Before launching MMN, I served in the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development. My role in the Cabinet was the director of the statewide procurement technical assistance center (PTAC), which was funded by state government and the Department of Defense. The PTAC helped businesses in the Commonwealth contract with state, local, and federal government agencies. This program has moved to another organization and is currently known as the Kentucky APEX Accelerator.
Previously I held a position in the Kentucky Finance and Administration Cabinet where I was responsible for the policies regarding procurement, accounting and capital construction that are followed by state government agencies and vendors. Given my combined experience with state and federal government contracting, I decided to launch my consulting firm to able to give more attention to my clients and be a part of their growth.
I hold a B.A. in psychology from Stetson University, along with M.B.A. and M.P.A. degrees from the University of Louisville.
My Community Involvement
Louisville Metro Air Pollution Control Board (APCB)
In August 2021, I was appointed by Mayor Fischer to volunteer on the Louisville Metro Air Pollution Control Board (APCB). Mayor Greenberg reappointed me to serve an additional term until 2026. APCB’s statutory authority comes from KRS 77, and it has a range of responsibilities related to the air quality in Louisville Metro. APCB meets monthly to conduct business such as adopting regulations, orders under KRS 77, and resolutions as needed to control air pollution. In addition, APCB holds public meetings and public hearings regarding proposed regulatory amendments, Board orders, and other air pollution issue.
Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NEW)
I have served on NEW’s Board since 2014. NEW is a grassroots organization in Louisville for entrepreneurially minded women, although everyone is welcome. Events are held the second Wednesday evening of every month at different locations in the community during which a woman business owner is the featured speaker. Annually, NEW holds a showcase of women owned businesses. NEW’s goal is to keep our monthly events casual and inviting for all entrepreneurs and supporters who want to meet and network.
I have volunteered with several projects and committees since joining in 2016. I was the Vice Chair and Chair of the New Member Orientation Committee. I am a Paul Harris Fellow. Founded in 1921, it is one of the largest clubs of Rotary International’s 34,000 clubs around the world.
Junior League of Louisville (JLL)
I am a sustaining member of JLL. JLL is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Most recently, I served on the Sustainer Advisory Board for three years, which helps the JLL board with strategic decisions making. Previously as an active member, I served on the Board of Directors and as committee chair.
I joined Leadership Louisville in 2013 after completing one of its community leadership training programs.
St. Matthews Chamber of Commerce
I served on the Board of Directors from 2022 to 2024. I facilitated the Chamber’s Solopreneur Roundtable, and have volunteered at numerous events.