About the IEE

As Senior Program Director of the Membership department, Urban & Community Entrepreneur Program, and the Entrepreneurial Fellows Class, Rhonda Carson Leach is responsible for developing and implementing entrepreneurial programs focused on providing business leaders with the direction, knowledge and connections to take their businesses to the next level. She is also lead facilitator for the IEE’s Urban Power to Prosper, a nine-month certificate program for small business owners in urban neighborhoods that explores such topics as access to capital, financial management, strategic planning, sales strategies, access to new markets, and managing human resources.

Rhonda Carson Leach has over 16 years of experience motivating small business owners, entrepreneurs, executives, nonprofit leaders, groups and individuals in a career or life transition to use their innate abilities to master their goals and achieve success. Her areas of expertise include leadership development, conflict resolution and group dynamics. She is also an executive life coach, management consultant, corporate trainer and motivational speaker in the Pittsburgh area.

Rhonda Carson Leach was honored as one of 50 Women of Excellence by the New Pittsburgh Courier in 2009 and as a Minority Small Business Champion by the U.S. Small Business Administration in 2005. A member of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania, she has served on the boards of the American Society for Training and Development, YWCA of Pittsburgh, Children/Adults Recreational Services, Urban Youth Action, Inc., and the Pittsburgh Chapter of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club, Inc. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Jessica Sinclair is the Director of PantherlabWorks, a program to prepare both early stage and established companies to innovate and commercialize. Jessica has over 10 years of experience in concurrent roles as a program manager, research and development manager, and proposal writer and coordinator. Jessica comes to the IEE from a small Pittsburgh-based biotechnology company which originally spun out of the University of Pittsburgh, where she led diverse teams in creating innovative products. Her collaborative efforts resulted in research and development funding awards totaling over $40 MM as well as product contracts in excess of $50 MM. Jessica’s strengths lie in strategic planning for technology development through team building and management, communication of complex technical concepts for broad understanding, and in new product development from early-stage proof-of-concept through fielded products. Jessica also has significant experience with all facets of small business technology development, including proposal and funding capture, government relationship management, and commercial transition of SBIR-funded products.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Gannon University
Master of Science in Organic Chemistry, University of Maryland Baltimore County

Raymond L. Vargo, Director of the University of Pittsburgh Small Business Development Center at the IEE, counsels businesses at all stages of their lifecycle.

Working with businesses in industries such as retail, high tech, manufacturing and professional services, he provides strategic business and financial advice to help companies expand their profits, explore new markets and overcome business challenges.

Since opening the Washington County Outreach Office of the University of Pittsburgh Small Business Development Center in 1995, Vargo has grown it to become one of the most successful outreach offices in the Pennsylvania SBDC system.

He has become a leader and valuable resource for Western Pennsylvania businesses, and in addition to his consulting management responsibilities, Vargo teaches accounting and small business management to both undergraduate and graduate students at Waynesburg College and the University of Pittsburgh.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Pennsylvania State University
Master of Business Administration, California University of Pennsylvania

Lee Ann is an Environmental Consultant with the University of Pittsburgh Small Business Development Center (Environmental Management Assistance Program (EMAP)), assisting businesses with environmental and health and safety compliance, pollution prevention and sustainability opportunities for new business start-up, overall operation and/or potential expansion.

Lee Ann has over 28 years of environmental regulatory compliance experience in both consulting and industrial capacities. In addition to her experience working as an environmental consultant with the SBDC EMAP program from 2000–2011, she was previously the Manager of Environmental and Regulatory Affairs for a paint and coatings manufacturer, providing full environmental, product safety and employee safety compliance.

Prior to this she was an Environmental Scientist/Project Manager with two different Environmental/Engineering Consulting firms.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Resource Management, Pennsylvania State University
Registered Environmental Manager (REM) with the National Registry of Environmental Professionals

Tara Gerek, Senior Events Manager & Membership Coordinator, joined the Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence in 2012. In her position she is responsible for all of the details and various aspects of event/program logistics for the various centers of the IEE. These details include the planning and execution of educational and social networking events for the Membership Program, and the Entrepreneurial Fellows Center. Specifically, Tara handles items related to venue development, registration, final reconciliation of the event/program and serves as a liaison to existing members and clients of the various IEE centers.

Prior to joining the IEE, she worked for five years at Concord Hospitality Enterprises, coordinating special events in Marriott brand hotels in the Greater Pittsburgh region.

Tara is a member of the Meeting Professionals International – Pittsburgh Chapter and in her spare time serves as a volunteer for the United Way.

Victoria first joined the Small Business Development Center as an intern in Washington. As a Washington County native, she was thrilled to rejoin the team as a consultant in January 2015 managing the Washington and Waynesburg offices. She works closely with both start-ups and existing businesses to help them reach their goals. The majority of her work is focused on assisting clients with strategic planning, cash flow statements, and loan packaging. In addition, she does most of the educational programming within Washington and Greene County. She loves being active with entrepreneurs within her own community.

Prior to her return, Victoria worked as both a Financial Aid Advisor and Career Services Advisor at Penn Commercial Business/Technical School in Washington.

In her spare time, Victoria sits on several boards and committees focused on civic involvement, ball room dancing, and education.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science, Grove City College

Meghan Hillegas is a Management Consultant with the University of Pittsburgh Small Business Development Center.  At the SBDC Meghan works closely with clients in all stages of business growth. With nearly a decade of experience in small business and nonprofit operations and financial analysis, Meghan focuses her consulting work in organizational management and financial forecasting.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Sport Management, California University of Pennsylvania
Master of Business Administration, Waynesburg

As Senior Program Manager, Nicole Hudson is responsible for the recruitment and management of all entrepreneurial activities under the Entrepreneurial Fellows Class and Urban and Community Entrepreneurship Program. She will work closely with the Director to coordinate the administrative function of both centers, and is responsible for planning and maintenance of organizational needs and client and community relationships. Nicole will assist the Director in cultivating and closing leads to ensure quality program execution. Nicole comes to the IEE from within the University of Pittsburgh, Katz Graduate School of Business and College of Business Administration, central administration office.  She is a strong supporter of Pitt and is actively involved in the University’s Staff Association Council, and volunteers her time to University wide events and initiatives.

Terri Kennelly-Cook began her career at the University of Pittsburgh in August 2006 as the Department Administrator in the Swanson School of Engineering Office of Diversity. Ten years later she transferred to the IEE as an administrative assistant handling the front desk duties and projects for the IEE with Pitt students. Prior to the University of Pittsburgh, Terri was a Certified Property Manager (CPM) and Regional Supervisor with Zink Partners, Inc., Johnstown Management Co. and Cushman & Wakefield working in various states in commercial and residential properties.

Zachery Patton is a Management Consultant at the University of Pittsburgh’s Small Business Development Center. Currently, he works with startups and small businesses out of the Washington and Waynesburg offices. Zachery brings experience in the restaurant industry, business development, as well as sustainability initiatives. His focus is to help entrepreneurs position themselves to succeed and prosper.

Before he joined the Small Business Development Center, Zachery was the Technology Transfer Coordinator at the Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Marketing, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Masters of Business Administration, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

Lauren Scholtz joined the Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence in 2007. She is responsible for monitoring and analyzing financial reports, processing accounts payable and receivable documents, and rendering her professional recommendation for cost effective and efficient financial policies.

In addition, she collaborates with the University of Pittsburgh’s Office of Research, Research Cost Accounting and Institutional Advancement departments to prepare essential grant and program reports for proper correspondences with donors, pledges and other stakeholders.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Master of Business Administration, Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business, University of Pittsburgh

As Marketing Director, Brett sets the strategic direction and tactical approaches for the IEE’s marketing efforts. He works across the organization to promote the IEE’s offerings, to build recognition for the Institute and its centers, and to support membership and events. Brett also supports the IEE’s clients through marketing and communications consulting and contributes to the IEE’s educational offerings. He brings a varied and developed background to the role with experience in higher education, consulting, nonprofit, technology, and financial services.

Prior to joining the IEE, Brett served Chatham University for nearly seven years as Web Marketing Manager and was an adjunct instructor for graduate-level communications programs.

Michael joined the IEE to infuse his passion for entrepreneurship and education in support of the University’s mission for regional economic development. Michael’s committed to broadening our region to assist business owners with profitability and sustainability. As an advocate for small business growth, Michael brings value through the delivery of training and counseling.

He will work with the IEE team to achieve its’ goals in fostering innovative ideas to strengthen and expand the University’s strategic outreach. Michael has expertise in entrepreneurship, financing, grant writing and higher education management.

Michael worked previously with the IEE as their Educational Program Manager from 2004 – 2008. For five years he served as a co-owner of a family business in the financial services industry. Michael has previously presented at the ASBDC annual conference. His published research dissertation focused on: Educating Entrepreneurs, Strategic Methods Utilized by Small Business Development Centers in the U.S. to Deliver Educational Programs.

Michael has spoken as a panel member at the U. S. Capitol Building for a Senate sub-committee on SBA financing. He presented a Small Business Development Center (SBDC) client whose commercialized LED lighting sensors were being used in hospitals in the U.S. and internationally as effective cost savings solutions. He guided a start-up venture to receive an investment to launch a company that provides clinical laboratory and toxicology testing for physician-owned practices.

Education

Bachelor of Education, University of Toledo
Masters of Education, University of Pittsburgh
Doctorate of Education, University of Pittsburgh

Christina joined the IEE as a Management Consultant for the Small Business Development Center in January, 2019. At the SBDC, Christina works closely with clients in various stages of their business growth. While working primarily out of the Oakland office of the IEE, Christina also manages the client base at the Riverside Center for Innovation, maintaining strong business relationships and partnerships with the representatives of the Diversity Business Resource Center.

Prior to joining the IEE, Christina was a supervisor for Guardian Protection Services, within the Service Department of Operations. Christina led a team of 5 representatives, specializing in sub-contracting dispatch. She held various positions throughout her 12 years there, and was a member of the New Home Builder Program, Residential Installation, Service Dispatch and Sub-Contracting Dispatch. Prior to Guardian, Christina also spent the early part of her career working for National City Corporation as a Loan Processor.

In her spare time, Christina enjoys spending time with her family, attending sporting events, traveling as much as possible, and getting to the beach at least once a year.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania

Following graduation from Texas A&M University with a B.A. in Business Administration, Cassie started her career in HR managing the onboarding process for new employees at Camden Property Trust, a real estate investment trust (REIT). Staying with the company, she transferred into an operations role where for four years she trained sales teams, managed apartment contracts and rental income, and coordinated vendor and maintenance work at various apartment communities. Cassie went back to school to obtain an MBA focused on Sustainable Business Practices at Duquesne University. While working on her MBA, she gained experience consulting for a variety of companies and learned how sustainability and green initiatives can help companies innovate and gain a competitive advantage. Cassie’s hobbies include hiking, rock climbing, and archery, bowhunting, volunteering with Glade Run Lutheran Services and Meals on Wheels.

A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Lynne began her career in retail management before transitioning to a project management position with PNC Bank. While at PNC Bank she was responsible for implementing bank marketing initiatives at the telebanking center and coordinating all aspects including training, operational support, and telecommunications. She held the position of accounting manager at an automotive dealership and most recently worked as a licensed and certified occupational therapy assistant, providing school-based occupational therapy in local school districts. In her spare time, Lynne enjoys spending time her with family, reading, and walking her two golden retrievers.

Gordon has nearly 10 years of experience working with small business owners. He has worked with entrepreneurs in the capacity as a Business Development Specialist and Micro Business Specialist for two not-for-profit organizations. Gordon holds the designation of Certified Economic Development Finance Professional and Accredited Small Business Consultant. He is also certified to teach the CORE FOUR business planning platform and has trained more than 100 people in the area of entrepreneur and small business ownership.

Gordon has owned several small businesses and served nearly 30 years in the PA Army National Guard and U.S. Air Force Reserves, giving him extensive entrepreneurial and veterans’ affairs knowledge. He also currently serves on PCRG’s Board of Directors.

Janice Crile has a passion for marketing and professional sales, which ultimately lead her into the field of higher education. Most recently, Janice was the Director of Graduate Programs in Business Administration with Waynesburg University. Janice is currently an adjunct faculty member at Waynesburg University, teaching marketing and management courses at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Before academia, Janice worked as a print journalist and then moved to the business side of media. Janice was the Retail Advertising Director and National Sales Manager for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, leading a team of sales professionals who were responsible for 60% of the paper’s revenue. Janice holds an MBA from Waynesburg University and an undergraduate degree in Journalism from West Virginia University along with a master’s certificate in integrated marketing communications.

Brent G. Rondon is currently the Senior Management Consultant for the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence, Innovation Institute at the University of Pittsburgh. In that capacity he consults with export-import clients who want to engage in international trade as well as immigrant/international entrepreneurs who are newcomers to the Pittsburgh region and want to open their own businesses.

Previously, he was the Manager of the Global Business Program at the Duquesne University SBDC. Brent managed export projects to assist U.S. equipment manufacturers to enter Latin American countries of U.S.-Made equipment. He has traveled extensively and led trade missions to countries such as Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, France, China, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Chile and Brazil.

He received a Master’s Degree of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA) and a Graduate Certificate in Latin American Studies from the University of Pittsburgh. His undergraduate studies were in Lima, Peru, receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture Engineering from the La Molina National University. He is a Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) from NASBITE International, on the board of Global Pittsburgh, Mayor Peduto’s Welcoming Pittsburgh initiative, the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Sister Cities International, NASBITE International and the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Diverse Communities Group.  He is fluent in Spanish and intermediate Portuguese.