The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center congratulates Karissa Graham on her selection as State Star.
The State Star award recognizes outstanding individual achievement and is presented annually to one person from every Small Business Development Center network in the country.
“Our State Stars represent the best of America’s SBDC Network. They are dedicated professionals who go above and beyond to help small businesses succeed,” said Charles “Tee” Rowe, America’s SBDC President and CEO.
The 2025 State Stars were honored at a private reception at the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve in Orlando, in conjunction with the America’s SBDC 46th Annual Training Event Sept. 2-5.
Based at the lead office at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Graham is ASBTDC finance manager. She joined the program in 2019 and was promoted to her current role in 2022. Her skillful management of complex financial and grant processes helps keep services to Arkansas small businesses and entrepreneurs running smoothly.
“Karissa is the kind of colleague every team hopes for — positive, steady, and supportive,” said State Director Laura Fine. “She quietly ensures our staff and partners have what they need to succeed, offering trusted financial leadership in federal awards and daily operations with professionalism and a smile. We’re proud to see her honored as Arkansas’s State Star.”
Graham is a 2013 graduate of UA Little Rock and previously worked in the university’s Financial Services department. She and her husband Brandon live in Little Rock and have two children.
