Oregon SBDC Network

How do your colleagues describe you?

“Mark is a strong, compassionate leader who understands that great things happen when committed people work together effectively.”

Why do you do what you do?

“I love helping businesses grow and succeed, providing them with the tools that make it happen. As a business owner and former banker in rural Alaska, I’ve seen both the promise and the pain of running a business. I can’t imagine a better job than helping others succeed.”

Bio:

Mark represents the OSBDC Network statewide and nationally with outreach to the Oregon Legislature and U.S. Congress, host colleges, small business, the banking community, and partners.

Mark has more than 20 years of experience with America’s Small Business Development Centers as a regional SBDC director, business adviser, deputy state director and presently as the Oregon SBDC Network’s state director. Prior experience includes eight years as CEO/owner of a popular restaurant chain in Alaska after a successful career in banking. He holds an MBA from the University of Alaska, and a B.A. from Southern Oregon University in addition to an Economic Development Finance Certification from the National Development Council.

How do your colleagues describe you?

When I needed something done right, Kat was the one to do it!

Why do you do what you do?

I know from experience that owning a business can be lonely and terrifying at times. I love being able to provide hope and joy to small business owners and encouragement to entrepreneurs for I believe the entrepreneurial spirit is essential to growing a thriving community!

Bio:

Kat Rutledge has a decade of experience supporting small business owners, entrepreneurs, innovators and those who want to be. She currently serves as the Associate State Director of the Oregon Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network. Prior to this she served double-duty as the Director of the Klamath Community College SBDC as well as the founding Director of Klamath IDEA, an entrepreneurial ecosystem-system building initiative in rural South-Central Oregon.

Kat holds a bachelor’s degree in Business & Economics from Eastern Oregon University and is an Oregon Certified Economic Developer (OCED). Prior to her public service she spent 15 years as an HR professional in banking and corporate America. She then ventured into owning her own business supporting regional employers with HR and conflict management services. She has taught HR, economics and conflict management at the high school and community college levels and has been a judge for InventOR, a collegiate competition for Oregon innovators. She presently volunteers as a pitch coach for Klamath IDEA and serves on the Craft3 CDE Advisory Board.

How do your colleagues describe you?

“He has lots of technical knowledge and is always happy to teach eager learners.”

Why do you do what you do?

I have had a passion for technology since I was a little kid and that has only expanded through the years. I now have the opportunity to combine that passion with the love for my home state and help grow the economy by supporting all 19 Oregon Small Business Development Centers.

Bio

Austin is a recent graduate from the University of Oregon where he obtained a business degree with a concentration in operations and business analytics. While attending school he worked for the Advanced Technology Division at Lane Community College supporting staff and faculty with IT, finance and special projects. He is a native Oregonian from the small town of Pleasant Hill who loves watching sports, coaching, hiking, and photography. He is happy to be a part of the OSBDCN team and excited to see where this next stage in his life takes him.

How do your colleagues describe you?

“Navé strives to exceed expectations in everything she does. Her customer service and positive attitude reflect her passion for people.”

Why do you do what you do?

“I love being a part of a network that is in the business of making people’s dreams come true.”

Bio:

Navé has more than 20 years’ experience in administrative offices and has been with the Oregon SBDC Network for more than seven years. She provides critical support to all 19 centers. Navé manages statewide projects, events, vendors, purchasing and supports network accounting. She also provides support for training, development and reporting. And, keeps the network office running and in compliance.

She enjoys spending every chance she gets outdoors with her husband and two children.

How do your colleagues describe you?

“Laura is one of quiet confidence with a high level of perception and insight. She is loyal, positive, passionate and eager to help those around her.”

Why do you do what you do?

I thrive to create a solid understanding of the benefits of collaboration between teams and individuals. I am proud to support the Network office and the centers across Oregon. I live in an amazing supportive community and I love supporting local businesses. It is gratifying seeing business owners succeed with their passions and dreams.

Bio:

Laura has more than 27 years of experience in the banking industry. Her experience includes administrative roles, human resources, technical support, training and development, management and culture keeper. For seven of those years she was a branch manager at a local bank, where she built close and trusting relationships with small businesses and clients in her community.

She provides exceptional customer service, administrative support, event & meeting planning, marketing and special projects, and more. She holds an associates degree in General Studies from Lane Community College and a bachelors of science in Social Behavioral Science from Linfield College.