PENNSYLVANIA SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTERS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Business Consultant, City of Erie
Bill Dietz joined the Gannon University Small Business Development Center in July 2020. He is a marketing professional with over 39 years of experience in digital and print media environments. Bill is proficient in leveraging data and using analytics to create growth opportunities and marketing strategies for clients. Bill provides consulting services to City of Erie entrepreneurs and small businesses from start-up to expansion to acquisition.
Job Titles:
- Junior Business Consultant
Job Titles:
- Director
- Director of Gannon University Small Business Development Center
Margaret (Maggie) U. Horne, MBA, CVA is the Director of Gannon University Small Business Development Center. Maggie earned an associate's and a bachelor's degree in business administration with concentration in marketing and management from Penn State University, and her MBA from Point Park University. She is also an Certified Valuation Analyst. Her background includes experience in law, accounting, education and business valuation. Maggie co-launched the first independent valuation firm in Western Pennsylvania where she consulted with numerous clients, including Microsoft, UPS, Ford, Proctor & Gamble, and Caterpillar. She was involved in over 50 mergers and acquisitions. Maggie developed and conducted numerous presentations related to business valuation and competitive intelligence.
Maggie has published articles and presented locally and nationally on topics including competitive intelligence, business valuation and business management. She has also taught a variety of courses for colleges and universities. The first six years with the SBDC, Maggie provided general consulting services to pre-venture clients and existing businesses in Mercer County and specialized business valuation consulting services to clients in Erie, Warren, Crawford and Mercer counties. She served as Manager of Business Consulting prior to her appointment as Director of the Center. Maggie currently provides strategic planning and valuation services for SBDC clients.
Nadya Makay joined the Gannon SBDC team in August 2022. Nadya graduated from Gannon University in 2021, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting, and obtained her MBA at the university. Nadya was a member of the Gannon SBDC Tech Team as a student for almost two years before joining the team full-time as a business consultant. Nadya specializes in marketing, digital media, and brand development through marketing strategies that are both online and offline. In her spare time, Nadya co-chair's the Erie Food Policy Advisory Council's communications sub-committee. Nadya also enjoys photography, being outdoors, traveling, playing tennis, and spending time with her family.
As a specialist in brand and event management, media relations, and social media outlets, Sandie blazes the trails for Gannon University's Small Business and Development Center as the Marketing Specialist. Sandie joined the team in August 2021, after an extensive career in the nonprofit sector as a Director of Development. Sandie holds a Master's degree in Public Administration from Gannon University.
Job Titles:
- Senior Business Consultant
- Senior Business Consultant, Crawford County
Shane joined the Gannon University Small Business Development Center in November 2017. He is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. Shane was the founder of Yellowletterservice.com, a Meadville marketing agency and consultancy that helped business owners build their brands and sales through creative online and offline marketing strategies. Shane provides consulting services to Crawford County entrepreneurs and small businesses from start-up to expansion to acquisition.