Date: 3/10/2025

Title: Lisa Shimkat Appointed Associate Administrator of Field Operations for the U.S. Small Business Administration

AMES, Iowa –The Iowa Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is proud to announce that Lisa Shimkat, State Director of America’s Small Business Development Center Iowa, has been appointed as the Associate Administrator of Field Operations for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Acting Associate Administrator for the Office of International Trade. Lisa’s appointment reflects her exceptional contributions to the advancement of small businesses and entrepreneurship, both in Iowa and across the nation.

Since assuming the role of State Director in August 2014, Lisa has spearheaded transformative initiatives that have positioned Iowa SBDC as a critical resource for small business owners. Under her leadership, the 15 Regional Centers of the Iowa SBDC have:

· Assisted more than 24,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners.
· Supported the launch of 2,500 new businesses.
· Facilitated the creation of over 18,000 new jobs.
· Secured more than $900 million in capital infusion for small businesses.
· Generated $1.5 billion in sales revenue.

Lisa’s dedication and vision have earned her numerous accolades, including her recent induction into the Iowa Central Community College Hall of Fame as a Distinguished Alumni and recognition as a 2023 Woman of Influence by the Des Moines Business Record. Lisa’s professional credentials include an MBA from the Iowa State University Ivy College of Business as well as her contributions on many state and national boards.

In her new role with the SBA, Lisa will oversee Field Operations and International Trade, which is responsible for the direct execution of the Agency’s products and services for America’s small businesses. Her appointment is a testament to her unwavering commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and fostering economic growth.

Alicia Smith, Chief Accountant and Associate State Director of the Iowa SBDC, is serving as Interim State Director. During this transition, the Iowa SBDC remains steadfast in its mission to support Iowa’s small business community. To maintain the organization’s momentum and continue its vital work, a selection committee will be formed to conduct a national search for a new State Director.

David Spalding, Vice President of Economic Development and Industry Relations, and the Raisbeck Endowed Dean of the Debbie and Jerry Ivy College of Business, shared the following, “On behalf of the entire team, I wish to extend our profound gratitude to Lisa for her leadership and dedication over the past decade. Under her direction, Lisa has significantly advanced the growth of small businesses across our state and fostered invaluable partnerships both within the state and on a national level. These efforts have had a lasting and meaningful impact on our community and economy. Her vision, commitment, and leadership have established an exceptional standard for all
of us. As she embarks on the next chapter of her career, we look forward to her continued success and wish her all the best in this new endeavor.”

America’s SBDC Iowa is an outreach program of Iowa State University’s Ivy College of Business and the Office of Economic Development and Industry Relations. Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity, 3410 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, Hotline 515-294-1222, email [email protected].

Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, America’s SBDC Iowa has 15 regional assistance centers located strategically across the state. Since the program's inception in 1981, the SBDC has helped Iowa businesses and entrepreneurs through no fee, confidential, customized, professional business counseling and practical, affordable training workshops.

For more information on America’s SBDC Iowa programs or services, call (515) 294-2030 or visit www.iowasbdc.org, https://www.facebook.com/AmericasSBDCIowa, or https://twitter.com/IowaSBDC.

For more information about this transition or the Iowa SBDC’s ongoing efforts, please contact:

Press Contacts:
Alicia Smith, America’s SBDC Iowa, 515-294-2030, [email protected]
Leah Pitts, America's SBDC Iowa, 515-294-0041, [email protected]