The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center is pleased to welcome five new members to its State Advisory Board.
Joining the board are Brett Ausley, Ivan Hudson, Itzel Meador, C.J. Sentell, and Rick Ricciardi.
“From their experience working with small businesses, these board members have a unique perspective of our customers’ needs and how the ASBTDC can meet those needs,” said Laura Fine, state director. “It was a natural fit to call upon them to serve on our board and help guide us as we continue to provide assistance to grow Arkansas’ economy.”
Hudson owns and operates a Farmers Insurance agency in Little Rock, while the others work in small business lending and have expertise in Small Business Administration loan guaranty programs.
“Lending institutions are valuable partners for us. They engage in our training events as speakers and sponsors, and they continually refer small businesses to our centers for consulting assistance,” Fine said.
Ausley is a small business owner and the business banking manager for Arvest Bank in Hot Springs. Meador is a vice president and SBA lending specialist with Regions Bank in Little Rock. Sentell is executive director of FORGE, a microlender based in Huntsville. Ricciardi is a vice president and business development officer for US Bank’s SBA Division. He is based in North Little Rock but lives in Dover.
Chaired by Clevon Young, executive director of the Arkansas Human Development Corp., the State Advisory Board is comprised of small business owners, lenders, and representatives of partner organizations and economic development agencies.
The board advises Fine and the ASBTDC leadership team on strategies to assist the network with helping create and grow small businesses.
Pictured: State Director Laura Fine with ASBTDC State Advisory Board members (from left) Rick Ricciardi, Ivan Hudson, Brett Ausley, and Clevon Young