FSBDCN State Office: The Florida SBDC Network is pleased to welcome Kelly Massey as the new Regional Director of the FSBDC at the University of West Florida. As Regional Director, Massey will lead FSBDC full-service offices in Pensacola and Fort Walton Beach in support of small businesses in the northwest Florida region.
“We are thrilled to have Kelly join our team,” said Michael Myhre, State Director (Interim), Florida SBDC Network. “His extensive business background, experiences and accomplishments are valuable assets to the Network, business community and our stakeholders. He is exceedingly prepared, and we are certain he will provide the leadership needed to grow small business and economic development in the region.”
A Wealth of Experience from State and Corporate Careers
Massey comes to the FSBDC at UWF from the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center at Henderson State University (HSU), where he served as the Center Director. At the SBTDC, he was responsible for overall center operations, including client services and analysis, strategy development, goal setting, budgeting, staff management and community collaboration. Massey also served as an adjunct faculty member for the HSU School of Business, instructing on strategic management, business planning and analysis, financial analysis, accounting, marketing and human resources management.
“I am excited about the opportunity to join the UWF and Florida SBDC team,” said Massey. “During the interview process everyone made me feel welcome, provided valuable information, and took time to get to know me. It was an easy decision to join UWF. I look forward to making positive contributions to UWF, the FSBDC Network, our small business clients, and other partners in our territory.”
Prior to working with HSU, Massey was a Human Resource Manager for five different multi-site companies, including Georgia Pacific, Stant Manufacturing, Inc., Delta Plastics, Inc. and Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa/Majestic Resort Hotel & Spa. Massey has a master’s degree in Business Administration from HSU, and holds three professional certifications, including Certified Global Business Professional, Certified Business Advisor and Certified Senior Professional in Human Resources.
The FSBDC at UWF offers professional business consulting, management training and vital information entrepreneurs need to grow successful businesses. A member of the Florida SBDC Network and based in the UWF College of Business, the FSBDC at UWF serves Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties.
About the FSBDC Network
For over 35 years, the Florida SBDC Network has nourished a statewide partnership between higher education and economic development organizations, dedicated to providing emerging and established business owners with management and technical assistance, enabling overall growth and increased profitability for the businesses and economic prosperity for the state.
In 2012, the Florida SBDCs served approximately 38,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 47,845 jobs created, retained and saved at a significantly low cost of $112 per job; $6.3 billion in sales growth; $235.2 million in capital accessed; $588.4 million in government contract awards; and 744 new businesses started. For every $1 of Florida public and private sector investment in the FSBDC program, $40 was returned to the state in tax revenue.
A statewide service network of 40 centers with 60 outreach locations, the Florida SBDC Network is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Defense Logistics Agency, State of Florida, and other private and public partners, with the University of West Florida serving as the Network's designated lead host institution. The Florida SBDC Network is state designated as Florida's principal provider of business assistance and is nationally accredited by the Association of SBDCs.
