Lindsay Ward
Regional Director |
Lindsay brings more than 20 years of leadership experience across the nonprofit, private, and public sectors to her role as Regional Director of the SBDC. She is dedicated to fostering strategic partnerships, expanding access to resources, and promoting economic growth. Ward has extensive executive leadership and governance experience, having served on several boards, including the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's Government Affairs and Public Policy Board and the Creative Environment Children's Learning Center Board. She holds a Master of Public Administration from SUNY Brockport and a Master of Arts from SUNY Plattsburgh.
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Chloe Anderson
Certified Business Advisor |
Chloe earned a bachelor's degree from SUNY Brockport and a Master of Science in Human Resource Development from Rochester Institute of Technology. An entrepreneur for more than a decade, Chloe owns and operates a wellness center in Rochester, where she provides doula services, wellness consultations, and natural wellness products. As a former Small Business Development Center client, she understands firsthand the opportunities and challenges of starting and growing a business. Drawing on her experience in customer service, product development, funding, business operations, and community engagement, Chloe is passionate about helping entrepreneurs achieve their goals. She works with clients by providing coaching, research, referrals, and guidance to help them build strong, sustainable businesses and succeed at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey.
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Kristine Rudgers
Assistant Director Certified Business Advisor |
Kristine joined the SBDC as a Business Advisor in April 2023. She brings more than 10 years of retail banking experience, specializing in business lending, financial management, and working with small business owners. As a former Senior Branch Manager and a member of the NYSBDC Lender Relations Committee, Kristine helps entrepreneurs navigate financing, business planning, and growth opportunities. She also has firsthand experience operating a family-owned business, giving her valuable insight into the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship. Kris earned a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management from Roberts Wesleyan University.
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Mohammad Fatin Noor Business Advisor |
Fatin brings a strong background in finance, technology, and entrepreneurship to his role supporting small business owners. With experience working with high-growth startups and community banks, he specializes in strategic finance, business planning, and leveraging digital tools to help entrepreneurs make informed decisions. Noor is passionate about helping businesses adopt emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to improve operations, develop financial projections, and enhance overall business strategy. He earned a master’s degree in finance from the Simon Business School at the University of Rochester and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Minerva University.
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Karen Underwood
Certified Business Advisor |
Karen helps entrepreneurs and small business owners start, grow, and manage their businesses by providing guidance in business planning, financial management, and growth strategies. Prior to joining the SBDC, Karen spent more than 20 years in small business banking as an underwriter, specializing in evaluating business credit, financial statements, and lending opportunities. In addition to her financial background, Karen is actively involved in the agriculture industry and brings valuable insight into the unique opportunities and challenges faced by agricultural businesses. She holds a master’s degree in human resources from John Carroll University and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from St. Bonaventure University.
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Hans von Gehlen
Certified Business Advisor |
Hans brings more than 30 years of business leadership experience to his work with entrepreneurs and small business owners. A founder and owner of several Rochester-area businesses, Hans also spent much of his career in leadership roles with international manufacturing companies. He is a mentor, author, leadership coach, and trainer with expertise in business development, lean management, strategic planning, and organizational growth. Hans has held leadership roles with several local organizations, including the Webster Chamber of Commerce, Rochester Professional Consultants Network, and the Rochester Chapter of the Association for Talent Development. Passionate about helping others succeed, he combines creative problem solving, strategic thinking, and practical business experience to guide clients through challenges and opportunities.
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Hannah Rowe
Administrative Assistant |
Hannah joined the Small Business Development Center as an Administrative Assistant, supporting client services, office operations, marketing, and event coordination. She manages client intake, scheduling, website updates, and administrative processes that help ensure a seamless experience for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Hannah earned a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from SUNY Geneseo and brings experience working with nonprofit and community organizations, where she developed strong skills in community engagement, organization, and hospitality.
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