Our Story
At the heart of APEX is a simple, fundamental belief: change starts in our communities. That's why our model focuses on hyper-local empowerment, investing in those already working to lead where they live.
This initiative was started by Noah and Elizabeth, who are veterans, parents, and lifelong public servants. After years in uniform and service-driven careers, they saw how often complex challenges were tackled from the top down, while the people closest to the problem were overlooked.
APEX was created to change that. Not with bureaucracy or red tape, but with trust, speed, and practical tools that help local leaders make lasting impact.
What began as a bold idea is now growing into a movement. APEX backs those already stepping up and helps them go further — for their neighborhoods, their cities, and eventually the world. Because with the right tools and the right support, ordinary people can do extraordinary things.
Meet The Founders
Noah Coakley
Co-Founder
Noah Coakley has spent his career strengthening justice and public trust, first in the courtroom and now in the community.
His commitment to service began in the United States Air Force, where he served as a Judge Advocate (JAG) prosecuting criminal cases and advocating for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. That work led him to the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, where he prosecuted hate crimes and police misconduct in some of the most sensitive civil rights cases in the country.
He later served as a federal prosecutor in Phoenix before moving into executive leadership at the State Bar of Arizona, where he now serves as Chief of Staff and Director of Community Impact, leading statewide efforts to protect the public and expand access to justice. In 2025, he was named to the Phoenix Business Journal’s 40 Under 40.
An award-winning educator in the Air Force Reserve and a graduate of Vanderbilt Law School, Noah founded APEX to bring the same level of advocacy to local neighborhoods, ensuring local leaders have the support they need to strengthen their own communities.
Dr. Elizabeth Coakley
Co-Founder
Elizabeth is a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve and the Managing Partner of Arrowhead Family Dentistry in Peoria.
A graduate of Barrett Honors College at Arizona State University and Marquette University School of Dentistry, she served nine years on active duty as an Air Force dentist. Her service took her around the world caring for service members, including deployment as a command dentist supporting humanitarian missions in El Salvador and selection to serve as a White House Social Aide to the President.
In addition to leading a thriving dental practice, Elizabeth continues her service in the Air Force Reserve and has been consistently recognized for clinical excellence.
She brings that same discipline, care, and operational leadership to APEX, helping ensure that every community initiative is built on a foundation of trust and long-term sustainability.