Hello
I am Marisa Midkiff Neal, Founder and President of Stone Rickhouse Group.
For more than a decade, I have advised businesses, nonprofits, and institutions operating in complex, regulated environments—helping them navigate structure, align strategy, and build for long-term growth.
Foundation
In 2012, upon leaving state government, I founded MMN Consulting, LLC in Louisville, Kentucky, to support businesses pursuing opportunities within the public sector. What began as targeted support for small businesses evolved into a broader advisory practice guiding organizations through the complexities of positioning, compliance, and performance across state, local, and federal environments. Over time, my work expanded beyond individual deliverables to focus on how businesses are structured to grow, compete, and sustain participation over time.
Experience in Practice
I have worked with:
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Small businesses pursuing and performing public-sector work
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Corporations and utilities with small business contracting goals
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Nonprofits managing large-scale, federally funded initiatives
This work has included:
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Supporting a regional utility in meeting federal subcontracting requirements through a multi-year federal subcontract
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Leading compliance and vendor outreach efforts for a nonprofit managing a large, federally funded construction project
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Advising businesses on positioning, certification, contracting strategy, and long-term performance
Public Sector Background
Prior to launching my firm, I served within Kentucky state government, where I gained direct experience in the systems that shape public-sector opportunity.
As Director of the statewide Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) within the Cabinet for Economic Development, I led a program funded by the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the Department of Defense, supporting businesses pursuing government contracts. This program is now known as the Kentucky APEX Accelerator.
Earlier, I served in the Kentucky Finance and Administration Cabinet, where I worked on policies governing procurement, accounting, and capital construction across state agencies. This combined experience, inside government and alongside businesses, continues to inform my approach today.
Recognitions
My work has been recognized at the state and regional level, including:
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U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) – Kentucky Women Small Business Advocate of the Year (2014)
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Women's Business Enterprise National Council Ohio River Valley’s (WBENC-ORV) – Kentucky Advocate of the Year (2020)
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Chamber of St. Matthews – Community Pride Award (2021)
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NAWBO Kentucky – Nominee, Woman Business Owner of the Year (2025)
Education
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B.A., Psychology – Stetson University
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M.B.A. – University of Louisville
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M.P.A. – 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 am the current President of NEW and 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.