Sheryl McGrath has been named the next state director of the Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC). McGrath, who has been associate state director since 2019, began his new position on April 3. Duane Fladland, who has been state director since 2014, will retire on April 30.
“Washington SBDC has grown tremendously over the past six or seven years and we are excited to bring Sheryl on board to build on the incredible work being done across the state,” said Brian Kraft, assistant vice president of the Office of Research at Washington State University. Kraft, who is leading the search for Fladland’s successor, said Fladland has done an outstanding job guiding the organization through turbulent times and he looks forward to McGrath setting the direction for what comes next.
The Washington SBDC is a network of more than 40 business advisors who work with small business owners across the state to help them start, grow or buy/sell a business. The Washington SBDC has been hosted by Washington State University since 1980 and is part of America’s SBDC, a network of 62 statewide or regional SBDC programs that offer free, confidential, one-on-one business counseling through in more than 1,000 SBDC centers. throughout the country.
“It is a privilege to lead such a dynamic and forward-looking organization,” McGrath said. “I believe in servant leadership and I look forward to working with our talented staff and partners to provide the resources and support small businesses need to grow and thrive.”
McGrath, who has owned a restaurant in Spokane for five years, has extensive experience in public service. Before joining the Washington SBDC, McGrath was president and CEO of the Washington Agriculture and Forestry Education Foundation (AgForestry), a nonprofit dedicated to helping those working in agriculture, forestry and natural resources develop skills. to lead and affect policy at the state and federal levels.
“The success of the SBDC program truly depends on public-private partnerships, and Sheryl’s depth of experience in civic affairs and her passion for small business will undoubtedly lead to more collaborative and productive partnerships going forward. ,” Fladland said.
As State Director, Ms. McGrath will lead the Washington SBDC in its mission to help small businesses start, grow, and thrive. He will manage a network of more than 40 business advisors working in 30 communities across the state. While WSU is the statewide host, there are more than six subrecipient organizations contributing to the SBDC program, including Western Washington University, Highline College, Green River College, South Puget Sound Community College, OneRedmond, Okanogan County Economic Alliance, Pierce College and the Center for Inclusive Entrepreneurship.
The Washington SBDC is funded through a cooperative agreement with WSU and the US Small Business Administration (SBA). About half of the funding comes from the SBA and the other half comes from state and local funding partners including the Washington State Department of Commerce, institutions of higher education, economic development agencies and civic and business organizations. group.
