Team – Delaware SBDC

Expertise is important

Our Team Members are the best in their fields

Lead Center Staff

J. Michael Bowman

SBDC State Director

Mike has been with SBDC since 2013. Previously, Mike was Chairman and CEO of the Delaware Technology Park, Inc. (DTP), a collaboration between the State of Delaware, the University of Delaware and private industry formed to launch and support technology companies across a diverse group of industries including life sciences, renewable energy, information technology and advanced materials. DTP, as Research Park of the Year in 2005 by the Association of University Research Parks, is home to 54 early and expansion stage technology companies while 30 more have graduated to larger facilities to accommodate their growth. Mike was instrumental in incubating the Fraunhofer USA Center for Molecular Biotechnology and capitalizing it with public and private funding sources including DARPA and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Prior to leading Delaware Technology Park, Mike was a Vice President and General Manager for E.I. duPont de Nemours and Advanced Material Systems business unit, which developed more than 40 new technologies for commercialization and grew to $1B in annual revenue. During the late 1990s, the advanced composites segment of the business was acquired by a private equity firm to form Fiberite, Inc. which was acquired by Cytec Industries (NYSE).

Mike serves on the boards of First State Innovation, Fraunhofer USA, Delaware BioScience Association, is the past Chairman of the University of Delaware’s College of Engineering Advisory Council, and Veroha.

He has a BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati where he received the Distinguished Alumni Award. While at DuPont he participated in several executive management programs at Wharton and Columbia University.

Sarah is a recognized leader in the workforce, with a demonstrated track record of managing, training, and collaborating with colleagues and organizational partners. A three-time University of Delaware alumna, she holds a Bachelor’s in International Relations (with specializations in Political Economics, Asian Studies, and Legal Studies), a Master’s of Science in International Business, and an MBA in Entrepreneurship. She is an Export Certified advisor and a WKI Technology Commercialization Certified Coach.

Here in Delaware, our team is excited to work alongside Sarah to continue the growth and success of the Delaware SBDC – after spending a year developing and structuring the Pennsylvania SBDC as their Associate State Director, Sarah was the Digital Strategies Program Manager for the PASBDC at Temple University and holds prior Delaware SBDC experience as the Operations Manager.

With a diverse skillset spanning from operations management and strategic leadership to business licensing, accounting, government planning, and legislative policy, our team is set to thrive under Sarah’s leadership. Her strategic approach to problem-solving is fortified by years of research and data collection experience, where she has focused on entrepreneurial leadership and strategy, market research and implementation, social media and web design, instructional design, and even technical instruction – Sarah also holds an Adjunct Faculty position at the University of Delaware Lerner College of Business.

Sarah Mailloux

Associate State Director

Tom Thunstrom

Center Director, Sussex County

With 5 years of service to the Delaware SBDC, Tom has worked with over 400 clients. He has helped 30 businesses start and infused over $8 million in capital formation into the Delaware economy. He brings nearly 20 years of management experience between the financial services and nonprofit sectors, most recently with WSFS Bank. He is passionate about helping businesses work smarter and more efficiently to increase their impact and bottom line.

In his role as Sussex County Center Director, Tom oversees strategic communications for the county, as well as operations in the Georgetown office. Tom helps to lead the Delaware SBDC and assists in managing advisor professional development and communications, process improvement, and strategic planning.

A University of Delaware graduate of the Lerner College of Business and Economics, Jacob received his BS (2016) as dual major in Finance and Management Information Systems As well as his MBA (2020). Returning to Delaware after serving as a Digital Forensic Investigator in the Manhattan, NYC office of Stroz Friedberg an AON Company, a global risk management firm specializing in cybersecurity, investigation, eDiscovery, intellectual property and due diligence. Jacob is skilled in a range of software and hardware platforms and the measures in which to secure them. With expertise in cybersecurity, database management, digital marketing and finance, Jacob is passionate about technology, gathering market information, and applying data to drive sales and decrease costs. Launching and incorporating his own business while a sophomore at UD, Jacob expanded his food truck business by integrating custom inventory tracking software and implementing a new point of sale system. Proudly labeled “The Tech Guy,” Jacob is always looking to discuss the latest and greatest technology—computers, phones, or gadgets.

Jacob Blacksten

Digital Solutions Manager

Louis DiNetta

Technology Business Development Manager

Lou has over 40 years of experience in small business technology companies, published more than 20 technical papers, managed the P&L for research and development organizations, commercialized products and has been a researcher at the University of Delaware’s Institute of Energy Conversion and Vice President, Advanced Products, at AstroPower, Inc. as well as two other startup companies. He has been a principal investigator or a senior key person on grants and contracts with NIH, DOD, DOE, NASA, NSF, EPA, and USDA including a highly successful Phase III XLERATOR grant with DOE. In addition, Lou is well versed in various forms of government contracting and reporting requirements including DCAA compliant accounting and indirect cost negotiation and is considered a subject matter expert in all areas related to the Small Business Innovation Research program.

Lou is an active board member of the Delaware Founders Initiative, and a mentor for the Delaware Sustainable Chemistry Alliance Tech Connect program. His efforts are aimed at growing technology based small businesses and startups by providing guidance for entrepreneurs to develop their products through non-dilutive government funding.

Assessing and working to improve the online and social presence of both clients and the Delaware SBDC itself, Caroline focuses on social media, website design/function, sales tactics, and content development, with advice founded on industry experience and data-driven strategy. Educating businesses on the cutting-edge digital platforms, tactics, and technologies in the market is exciting, but she is also happy to help with the basics for those just branching into the marketing and communications world.

Her passion for equity, relationship building, accessibility, and creativity drive her to continuously seek knowledge that can be shared with others in the Delaware business ecosystem. One of her favorite events is the “Shop Small” tour around local storefronts during the holiday season!

Caroline holds a B.S.in Biology and Psychology from Loyola University Maryland and is a musician and singer/songwriter, performing live for venues and events around the area since 2016.

Caroline Hermance

Communications Manager

Gabrielle Latinski

Administrative Assistant II

Gabrielle is the Administrative Assistant II for the SBDC Georgetown office. Gabrielle has over 25 years experience. Previously, she served as an Executive Assistant for a top five accounting and consulting firm and worked with several members of the team by providing administrative support. Her role included: preparing proposals and engagement letters; preparing and producing consultant reports; maintaining the client database; managing multiple projects simultaneously; and supporting business development teams by managing logistics for trade shows and marketing events. At SBDC, Gabrielle works closely with the Center Director and other Business Advisors by handling various responsibilities including: organizational planning; client communications; assisting with events; and client data management systems. With her strong organizational skills, Client Relationship Management expertise, and a positive can-do attitude, her focus is on providing exceptional service to the client.

Jill started with the SBDC part-time as the Community Navigator Program Coordinator. Through this role she highlighted her knowledge of data analysis, client experience and operational management and proved to be a valuable asset. Passionate about supporting and understanding the needs of Delaware’s small business owners, Jill strives to uncover pain points and develop operational solutions for the SBDC and its clients. Working closely with the SBDC Lead Office, Jill utilizes both quantitative and qualitative data to inform strategic and innovative organizational decisions. Previously, Jill has worked in customer experience and small business management roles. She holds a B.A. in Communication Studies from the University of Delaware and completed a certificate program in user experience design.

Jill McAndrew

Data & Operations Coordinator

Lissette Cabrera-Galloza

Business Advisor

Lissette comes to the Small Business Development Center with over 15 years’ experience in Banking as an AVP and a Branch Manager. Her extensive knowledge of banking, business development, and customer service is invaluable for her new role as a Business Advisor for the SBDC.

Throughout her years of experience, Lissette has had the opportunity to educate and advise countless small businesses and she looks forward to focusing that guidance on our local community. As a bilingual Spanish speaker, Lissette’s skills intersect and expand our reach within the Hispanic community. Her organization and time management skills, critical thinking, attention to detail and empathy are symbols of her appreciation of her clients. This dedication and passion has cultivated strong connections within our local community.

Maria is not just your average business advisor; she is a highly skilled multilingual Chilean native with a passion for helping individuals achieve their entrepreneurial dreams. Her commitment to making every client feel welcome and secure sets her apart as a problem solver and confidence builder for small business owners.

With over a decade of experience in the nonprofit industry, Maria has dedicated her career to supporting and empowering communities. Her journey began in Connecticut, where she coordinated English language programs for both parents and their children while providing crucial support services for the Hispanic community. Since 2017, Maria has been making waves in Delaware, where she has been assisting both established business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. Her primary focus has been on the Hispanic community, where she has helped individuals turn their business dreams into reality.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness from the prestigious Universidad Central de Chile, earned in 1999. This degree equips her with a unique perspective on various industries, which she brings to the table when advising clients.

Maria Freudenthal

Business Advisor

Apryl King

Business Advisor

Apryl’s journey in international business began in 2017, and she has been making a significant impact ever since. Her focus primarily revolves around the food, beverage, and agricultural sectors, making her a perfect fit for businesses looking to expand their horizons globally. She has adeptly supported countless companies through market research, export marketing grants, participation in trade shows, and fostering invaluable business connections through matchmaking initiatives.

Apryl holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Business Administration from the University of Southern Maine. This academic background has equipped her with a solid understanding of both the political and business landscapes, which is instrumental in her role at SBDC.

Apryl’s dedication and excellence in the field have not gone unnoticed. In 2019, she was honored with the Future Global Leader award from the Maine International Trade Center, a testament to her outstanding contributions to the international business community. Moreover, she is a Certified Global Business Professional from NASBITE, further solidifying her expertise in the world of global commerce.

Margo has been with the SBDC since 2014. She had previously been with the SBDC as a business advisor and then Director of the Family Business Center from 1997 to 2005. In between, Margo was a commercial lender with Artisans’ Bank and a Vice President with Wilmington Economic Development Corporation (WEDCO) where she specialized in SBA 504 lending. Prior to the SBDC she was a commercial lender with Mellon Bank and Bank of Delaware before their merger with PNC. Margo’s work with businesses primarily involves their finances, including helping to prepare loan packages, doing cost analysis to improve profitability and/or helping to prepare projections. She also partners with The Delaware Business Times to provide the SBDC’s family business seminars.

Margo is also adjunct faculty at the University of Delaware’s Lerner Business School in the management department. She teaches a course on Small Business Management and an Introduction to Business Class for freshman.

Margo has been involved in many community activities. She is currently on the joint finance committee and adult education committee at Westminster Presbyterian Church. She has also previously served on the board of True Access Capital, Delaware Preservation Fund, Creekside at Green Valley Condominium Association, and the First State Chapter of the Virginia Tech Alumni Association.

Margo holds a B.S. in public administration and an MBA from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Margo Reign

Business Advisor

Audrey Scott-Hynson

Business Advisor

Audrey has dedicated more than 14 years of service helping hundreds of individuals fulfill their passion to be able to start their “dream” business. Her services have been successfully performed through Delaware State University’s Delaware Center for Enterprise Development (DCED), the City of Wilmington’s Economic Development Office,and community centers.Audrey has received many awards among them is her recent SBA 2016 Small Business Champion Award.

Bob has been with the SBDC since 2005. Prior to joining the organization, he spent 35 years in corporate accounting and finance, was the vice president of finance for Zeneca Pharmaceuticals, and the senior director of finance and operations for Astra Zeneca.

His specialty areas include loan packaging, leadership coaching, accounting, and strategic planning. Bob is a an adjunct professor for entrepreneurship and small business management at the University of Delaware. He is passionate about helping his clients succeed, and believes that the small business community has many dreamers with different skill sets and personalities. While no two clients are alike, he believes most possess the desire to work hard and succeed at growing their business.

In addition to his prolific accounting, financial, and leadership experience, Bob holds an MBA from the University of Louisville.

Robert "Bob" Rausch

Business Advisor

David Root

Business Advisor

David is responsible for the operations of the southern Delaware office. He has been with the SBDC since 2017.

David joined SBDC with strong experience and knowledge in economic development, especially Sussex and Kent Counties. He worked for the Delaware Economic Development Office (DEDO) as the State’s Workforce Development Representative and as Business Development Leader for DEDO in Sussex County.

Prior to his State employment, David was Director, Professional Skills and Management Training at Harrisburg Area Community College. He had a similar role at a fortune 500 company AMP Incorporated (now Tyco Electronics) and owned his own business working as a middleman by repackaging item for retail outlets.

David has 25 plus years of business experience and hold a MSW from Salisbury University and a M.Ed. from Temple University.

Bringing a wealth of experience in strategic marketing and product management to the team, Elyce works with a wide variety of clients across technology and innovative industries as they grow and commercialize. With a breadth of industry experience in financial services, energy, chemical, and manufacturing, clients turn to Elyce for refining their business strategy. Clients may also recognize Elyce for her leadership of the iDEa Lab Program for the SBDC, both in Kent and New Castle County.

Elyce Hall

Technology Business Advisor

Procurement Technical Assistance Center

PTAC Team

Walter Blaney

PTAC Program Director

Walt is the Director of the Delaware PTAC at the University of Delaware. Walt joined PTAC in 2018. Prior to joining PTAC, Walt was owner and principal consultant/trainer of a VOSB, Contract Management Consultant (CMC). Walt spent 40 years in Federal government acquisition and contracting as a contract specialist/contracting officer in DoD and other Federal agencies. Walt retired as a Navy Supply Corps Commander after 32 years of service as a contracting and logistics officer. Walt has also worked in academia as a certified comprehensive science teacher in NJ public schools, an assistant professor at Nyack University, and a Project Officer on a TITLE II Science—Technology—Mathematics grant at Rowan University. Walt is certified CPCM, DAWIA Level III Contracting, and VA Verification Assistance Counselor.

Dana has been with the Delaware PTAC since 2009. Prior to joining the organization, Dana worked for more than 10 years as a computer programmer and systems analyst. She specializes in the SAM (System Award Management) Government Registration and holds a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems.

Dana Reece

PTAC Support Specialist

Dr. Claude L. Cable

PTAC Procurement Counselor

Dr. Claude L. Cable is a Procurement Counselor for Delaware’s Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) at the University of Delaware. Claude joined PTAC in 2022. Prior to joining PTAC, Claude is an owner and principal consultant/trainer of an SDVOSB firm, Contract Management, leadership, business development, and workforce development Consultant. Claude spent 36 years in Federal government acquisition and contracting as a government purchase cardholder, procurement analyst, supply technician, and contract specialist/contracting officer in DoD and other Federal agencies. Additionally, Claude spent seven years as a procurement center representative (PCR) for the Small Business Administration, which works with contracting activities to achieve maximum socioeconomic goals and guiding small businesses on the procurement dynamics of the federal government. Claude retired from Civil Services and Active Duty. Claude has also worked in academia, educating individuals on entrepreneurship and economics.

Juanita Beauford, former director of the Delaware Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAC), is back working part-time. Her time as a PTAC-er started in 2000. Prior to joining the PTAC program, Juanita owned and operated MDR Supply, a state and local government contracting business, for seven years, and for five years, she co-owned Medical Surgical Supply Company, also a state and local government contracting business. Juanita is certified by the Veteran’s Administration as a Federal Contracting Counselor, holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, and master’s degrees in both human resources management and public administration, and earned her Master’s Certificate in Contract Management from George Washington University in Washington, DC. Juanita is happy to rejoin the PTAC of Delaware team.

Juanita Beauford

PTAC Procurement Counselor