The Purpose
The Arizona Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network Advisory Board plays a key role in supporting the success of the Arizona SBDC Network. Board members provide strategic insight, industry expertise, and a deep understanding of the needs of small businesses across Arizona. Their contributions help inform SBDC leadership about emerging opportunities, areas of need, and potential partnerships that strengthen the network’s impact on small businesses and economic impact for the state and local communities. The board serves in an advisory capacity and does not hold legal or fiduciary responsibility for directing or controlling the Arizona SBDC Network
Board Members
Paula Wittekind
AZSBDC Interim State Director
Board Chair
Ruth Ellen Elinski
AZSBDC Associate State Director
Ex-Officio Member
Lori Haozous
AZ APEX Accelerator Program Manager
Ex-Officio Member
Venessa Gleich
American Indian Chamber Education Fund - APEX Accelerator, Program Manager
Katie Hurst
Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED), CEO
Kirsten Hall
City of Surprise
Economic Development Program Manager
Amber Shek
Chief Operations Officer
GYEDC -Greater Yuma Economic Development Council
Tracy Markie
Engenuity Systems
President
Paul Smiley
Sonoran Technology
President
Dwayne Lewis
Top Onyx, LLC
President
Elaine O’Connor
PV Bark
Founder & CEO
Upcoming Board Meetings
Board meetings are open to the public. Participants will enter the meeting in listen mode only.
Thursday,
December 4th, 2025
9:00 - 10:30 am
Thursday,
February 5th, 2026
9:00 - 10:30 am
Zoom Webinar Link: TBD
Agenda Link: TBD
Thursday,
June 4th, 2026
9:00 - 10:30 am
Location: TBD
Agenda: TBD
Thursday,
October 1st, 2026
9:00 - 10:30 am
Location: TBD
Agenda: TBD
To request copies of the meeting minutes, or for questions related to the Advisory Board, please fill out the Contact Us request form. https://www.arizonasbdc.com/contact-us.