Meet the SHSU SBDC Team
Empowering Entrepreneurs
In the heart of Southeast Texas, the Sam Houston State University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) stands as a beacon of support for local entrepreneurs and small businesses. This center serves a vital mission: to provide expert guidance, resources and training that empowers businesses to start, grow and thrive.
At its core, the SHSU SBDC offers different services tailored to meet the needs of small business owners across five counties including Walker, Montgomery, Madison, Leon and San Jacinto. The SBDC provides personalized, confidential advising aimed at overcoming the countless challenges entrepreneurs face. Whether navigating business planning, accessing funding, or enhancing operational efficiency, the center's expert advisors stand ready to assist.
Rhonda Ellisor
SBDC Director
The Director of the Sam Houston State University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in The Woodlands/Huntsville, she brings extensive experience in higher education, community leadership, and small business support. Before joining the SBDC, she served for 14 years in University Advancement at SHSU and has a professional background that includes small business ownership, real estate, event planning, marketing, and economic development. An SHSU alumna with a BBA in General Business, she is also a licensed Texas Real Estate Broker and a private pilot. She remains actively involved in the Huntsville community through leadership roles with the Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club.
John Fletcher
SBDC Business Advisor
With more than two decades of hands-on small business experience, he serves as a Business Advisor with the Sam Houston State University Small Business Development Center in Huntsville, helping entrepreneurs strengthen and grow their businesses. He joined the center in 2021 after 17 years as Operations Manager and Director of Content for USA Jump Rope and previously owned and operated an award-winning video production company specializing in multimedia and marketing. He holds a BS from SHSU and an MA from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, and has been an engaged member of the Huntsville community since 1990, including service with the Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce
Marian Fletcher
SBDC Business Advisor
Based in Huntsville, Texas, she serves as a Business Advisor with the Sam Houston State University Small Business Development Center. An SHSU alumna with a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Corrections, she brings more than 28 years of experience in small business ownership and management, including leadership roles with a national sports organization. Her expertise includes business startups, operations, event planning, budgeting, branding, media relations, and e-commerce. A Huntsville resident since 1989, she remains actively involved in the Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce and is dedicated to supporting and empowering small businesses.
kim mclerran
SBDC Business Advisor
With more than 15 years of service to the Sam Houston State University Small Business Development Center in Huntsville, she brings extensive experience supporting local entrepreneurs and small business owners. An SHSU alumna with a BBA, she has completed numerous professional trainings and has hands-on experience across business, legal, real estate, education, cattle, and land management fields. A Huntsville-area resident since 1996, she remains actively involved in the community and volunteers with the local Chamber of Commerce.
Eric García
SBDC Business Advisor
A business advisor with the Sam Houston State University Small Business Development Center in Huntsville/The Woodlands, he brings more than a decade of banking experience, specializing in small business, retirement advising, and personal financial services. In addition to his financial expertise, he has successfully owned and operated a seasonal retail business for more than 20 years with four locations. He holds BBA degrees in Accounting and Finance from SHSU, has led financial education seminars for local organizations, and remains actively involved in community and veteran support initiatives.
Sue slater
SBDC Administrative Assistant
She serves as an administrative assistant with the Sam Houston State University Small Business Development Center, bringing 37 years of experience as an owner and manager of family businesses in the retail and college bookstore industries. A Huntsville High School graduate, she also attended Sam Houston State University and Texas A&M University with studies in accounting. She remains active in the community and volunteers with the Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce.
Please visit us
Physical Address
1 Financial Plaza, Suite 300
Huntsville, TX 77340
Call us
936-294-3737
Email Us
sbdcinfo@shsu.edu