News Release

Gerianne Stevens Appointed Associate State Director of Finance and Operations at New York Small Business Development Center

A Seasoned Financial Administrator with 20+ Years of Experience with Complex Budgets and Sponsored Programs, Stevens Brings a Wealth of Knowledge to the Role
For Immediate Release:
Monday, April 24, 2023
Contact: Renee Goodnow; communications@nysbdc.org, (800) 732-7232
 
Albany, NY – The New York Small Business Development Center (NYSBDC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Gerianne Stevens as Associate State Director of Finance and Operations. Stevens brings over 20 years of experience in financial administration, sponsored programs, and a deep understanding of system operations, grants, and finances.
Stevens has an extensive understanding of the State University of New York (SUNY) System, having worked in various roles throughout the system. Her wealth of institutional and higher education knowledge, her 15 years of working with the SBDC and SUNY Research Foundation, and her commitment will be instrumental in helping to oversee the statewide NYSBDC network.

"I am thrilled and humbled by my new appointment at the NYSBDC, a network I am deeply passionate about and committed to. With my knowledge of the SBDC network and the higher education system that supports it, I eagerly embrace the challenge and look forward to devising innovative and dynamic strategies to bolster our ecosystem," said Stevens. 

Before her appointment, Stevens served as the Finance Coordinator at the NYSBDC since 2020. In that capacity, she managed contracts, sub-agreements, and associated budgets while reconciling expenses, cost share, and program income for all twenty-two New York Small Business Development Centers. 

Jay Barclay, Operations Manager at The Research Foundation for SUNY, said: "Ms. Stevens proved to be a key member of our team. She is detail-oriented and has a strong acumen for financial transactions and analysis. Ms. Stevens understood the importance of compliance while meeting deadlines for the SUNY System Administration portfolio of externally funded programs. She has a proven ability to make strong connections with both internal and external stakeholders, and I feel she will be a great addition to the SBDC leadership team." 

Sonya Smith, New York SBDC State Director, said: "Gerianne has shown a great ability to effectively manage multiple projects and consistently meet deadlines. Her appointment will further bolster the NYSBDC's dedication to supporting and assisting small businesses throughout New York State. I am eager to collaborate with her in her new role and build upon the excellent work we have already begun." 

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The NYSBDC is a state-wide network of 22 regional centers and 74 satellite and outreach locations. Since the beginning of the program, the network has worked with more than 567,000 businesses, helping them to invest $8.4 billion in the state economy and create more than 260,000 jobs.

In addition to no-cost business counseling from full-time professional business advisors and free and at-cost business training, the NYSBDC provides services in market research, international business development, government procurement, online entrepreneurial education, and MWBE advising and certification.

The NYSBDC works closely with state economic development agencies, faculty, students at host institutions, and representatives from private industry and business to focus resources on assisting NYS small business owners and entrepreneurs. It is funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the State of New York, and regional centers' host campuses.

To learn more about the NYSBDC, visit nysbdc.org.

The New York Small Business Development Center (NYSBDC) is a Partnership Program with the SBA, administered by the State University of New York. Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. All SBA-funded programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.