The Alaska SBDC Operations Office supports all regional centers, business advisors, directors, and clients across the state. The Operations Office oversees the management of Alaska SBDC marketing and communications, client onboarding, support and relationships, events and workshops, and data and reporting.
Alaska Small Business Development Center
About Us > Our Team
Operations Staff
Jon Bittner
Jon Bittner is the Executive Director of the Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC), where he leads a statewide network of seven regional centers dedicated to delivering accessible, high-quality business assistance to entrepreneurs and established businesses alike. In his role, Jon has helped to launch the $59 million State and $83 million Tribal SSBCI capital programs, the AI Center, as well as relaunched the BuyAlaska and TREND programs. His extensive background in economic development includes previous roles as Vice President of the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation (AEDC), where he launched a variety of entrepreneurship and innovation programs, including Entrepreneurship Week, the Alaska Pitch on a Train competition, Anchorage Maker Faire, and the Alaska Innovator magazine.
He also served as the Deputy Commissioner for the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, where he served on the boards of AIDEA, AEA, ASMI, and oversaw the Division of Economic Development, the Division of Banking & Securities, and the Alcohol Beverage Control Board. Through his leadership, Jon continues to drive innovation and support for Alaska’s small business ecosystem.
Kendra Conroy
With over 18-years of Alaska SBDC experience under her belt, Kendra Conroy is an integral leader of the Alaska SBDC team. As the former SBDC Operations Manager and current Associate State Director, she oversees the day-to-day functions of the Executive Office, serves as the HR liaison, and maintains Alaska SBDC policies and procedures. Kendra also manages the Alaska SBDC’s vast client database and ensures proper and timely reporting of all Alaska SBDC metrics.
Gretchen Fauske
A marketing minded economic developer fueled by a passion for entrepreneurship, innovation, and small business, Gretchen is the SBDC Director of Special Programs & Strategy. She oversees the TREND, Buy Alaska, SSBCI Technical Assistance, and Mentorship programs, with more on the horizon! Prior to joining Alaska SBDC, she was the Associate Director for the University of Alaska Center for Economic Development, worked in the State of Alaska Division of Economic Development, for U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski, and in the private sector.
Gretchen has worked on a number of award-winning economic development projects, spoken at TEDx Anchorage, and was named to Alaska’s Top Forty Under 40 in 2013. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Whitman College and is currently enrolled in the University of Alaska Fairbanks Arctic and Northern Studies masters program, where she’s focusing on Arctic entrepreneurship. Additionally, Gretchen is a Gallup-certified Strengths Coach, and earned her “Advanced Design Thinking,” “Human Centered Strategy,” and “Business Innovation” certifications from IDEO U. She is a member of the Anchorage Downtown Partnership board, and previously chaired the Launch Alaska board and the Municipality of Anchorage Library Advisory Board.
Carlos Machuca, MBA
Carlos has 28 plus years of experience as a business developer/owner in a variety of industries including industrial and security printing, manufacturing, ERP software consulting, OSHA compliance training, and financial instruments consulting. For over 12 years, he has worked internationally in countries such as Argentina, Chile, Honduras, Mexico, and France.
Carlos has been responsible for developing several successful business divisions for small and mid-size companies in a variety of industries. He has a passion for helping small businesses grow by searching and exploiting hidden competitive advantages.
Carlos holds a Bachelor of Business Administration – Finance and a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis on entrepreneurship from the University of Alaska Anchorage. He is bilingual in Spanish and the current president of the Anchorage Midtown Rotary Club.
Frances Wesley
Frances Wesley, a long-time Alaskan has over 30 years of administrative experience including Operations Analyst, IT Project Management, and Human Resources. She takes pride in being an effective team worker, customer service, and helping to ensure projects are completed. She has done various volunteer work at many nonprofit organizations in Anchorage and is currently an officer on the board of a nonprofit organization that is helping to serve the community housing needs.
Frances received her Bachelor of Arts degree with an emphasis on Human Resources Organizational Development from Alaska Pacific University.
MaryAnne LeMaitre
As Learning & Development Manager, MaryAnne LeMaitre manages all of our trainings offered by the Alaska SBDC statewide. She was born and raised in Anchorage; attended the University of Alaska – Fairbanks (UAF) for her Bachelors of Business Administration, majoring in Finance; and attended the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa’s Masters of Urban & Regional Planning Program, working on projects with Native Hawaiian communities on the islands of O’ahu, Maui, and Hawai’i.
MaryAnne has worked as a Peace Corps Volunteer (PCV) – Small Business Development Advisor in the Republic of Palau where she co-developed and managed the Palau SBDC, volunteered her assistance at the Palau Chamber of Commerce, and co-wrote the Peace Corps Micronesia Small Business Development Program’s 5-Year Strategic Plan for the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and Palau. While in Palau, she also lived with a Palauan family; learned the language, culture, and open-water diving; and sang the US National Anthem for Palau’s Independence Day when Palau became a sovereign nation.
Back in the USA, MaryAnne worked as the Director of the Moab Business Resource Center (BRC) at the Utah State University – Moab Campus and was an avid mountain-biker. Prior to her role as Learning & Development Manager, MaryAnne also worked with community councils and federally-recognized tribes across Alaska on a variety of economic development planning, transportation planning and housing development projects. She has traveled to over 40 rural communities and villages across our beautiful state. MaryAnne loves mountain biking, kayaking, fishing, racing sailboats, and having her trusty dog, Kai, with her on all her adventures!
Harley Tennant
As Alaska SBDC’s Director of Marketing & Communications, Harley brings a decade of experience at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) and over eight years dedicated to the Alaska SBDC to champion its mission. Her passion and purpose fuel her work in new media management, intentional outreach, and crafting engaging communication that resonates with a wide-ranging, diverse, and engaged statewide audience. She excels at showcasing the triumphs of the Alaska SBDC’s clients and program initiatives.
Her dedication to Alaska’s entrepreneurial ecosystem was recognized in 2024 when she was named one of America’s SBDC National Top 40 Under 40. Harley holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Alaska Anchorage and a Master of Arts in Communication, specializing in New Media and Marketing, from Southern New Hampshire University, which equips her to navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Sami Jo Lewis
Sami Jo Lewis is the Communications Specialist for the Alaska SBDC, where she brings a passion for creative storytelling and a commitment to celebrating Alaska’s small business community. With nearly a decade of experience in public relations, outreach, and content strategy, she crafts messaging that connects, informs, and inspires.
Before joining the SBDC, Sami Jo led statewide communications for Alaska MEP, where she launched a video series spotlighting local makers, built a strong digital presence, and supported outreach efforts across the state. Along the way, she discovered a love for event planning and community-building—skills she’s excited to bring to the SBDC team.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Strategic Communication from Northern Arizona University and is driven by collaboration, creativity, and a genuine belief in the power of Alaska’s entrepreneurs.
Dante Medema
Dante Medema is a Communications Specialist who has worked with the Alaska Small Business Development Center since February 2024. An award-winning author and playwright, Dante has a background in storytelling and artist-branding, focusing on Young Adult fiction and theatre arts, and has presented at conferences all over the US. Passionate about local art and artists, Dante loves working with the SBDC to help people tell their stories.
Jay Halverson
Jay has been part of the lending industry for more than 30 years starting as a construction lending officer and working his way to the executive office and consultant. In the past he has worked diligently as a liaison between lenders and governmental agencies helping the organizations work together to reach their common goals. Being part of Alaska for the past decade both in the southeast and south central area, Jay understands the uniqueness, great gifts and challenges the State offers. Assisting business/agencies/organizations in working together is his personal aspiration to positively affect communities and individuals in Alaska. As the director of the Alaska SSBCI lending programs, Jay is working to bring the current initiative to the banking and credit unions with the same innovation, coordination and commitment of previous successes.
Aurora Agee
Aurora comes to Alaska SBDC with a decade of experience in consumer lending, commercial lending and rural banking and a deeply held commitment to community service. Aurora utilizes her financial management expertise to empower businesses in urban and rural Alaskan communities.
Aurora is a former small business owner herself, she understands the challenges and triumphs that accompany entrepreneurial endeavors in Alaska’s dynamic economic landscape. She has a passion for championing the interests of small businesses, and advocates for their growth and prosperity. She is excited to leverage her knowledge and the resources of the SBDC in navigating the financial, legal, and accounting needs of Alaskan small businesses!
Complementing her professional experience, Aurora has volunteered as a Nordic ski coach across Alaska for an impressive quarter-century, fostering a love for athletic endeavors and lifelong fitness. She serves on the board for FOCUS (Family Outreach Center for Understanding Special Needs), Chugiak Eagle River Women in Business, Chugiak Eagle River Nordic SKi Club, and serves as her local Rotary president, underscoring her dedication to serving her community. Aurora is a lifelong Alaskan who has had the pleasure of living in many Alaskan communities such as Anchorage, Juneau, Soldotna, Healy & Denali reflects her profound understanding of the diverse needs of Alaskan communities. She respects the uniqueness of Alaska’s various regions, finding professional success and adventurous fun in all regions of the State.
Viola S. Smith MHA, MBA
My name is Viola Smith, I am a Cup’ig Alaska Native originally from Nunivak Island, the village of Mekoryuk. In our Cup’ig culture we also introduce our parents, so our elder generation will know who you are related to from our region. My mothers name is Alice Smith and my fathers name is Dale T. Smith Sr. of Mekoryuk. I am Cup’ig, a tribe that is an extension from the Yup’ik tribe in the Southwestern region of Alaska. I was raised in Mekoryuk for 18 years and left the Island of Nunivak to attend Alaska Pacific University (APU) and achieved a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. I furthered my educational endeavors and acquired 2 Masters degrees; Masters degree in Healthcare Administration from Seton Hall University at South Oregon New Jersey and a Masters degree in Business Administration from APU.
I have utilized all of what Alaska has to offer, by attending both University’s in Anchorage, with that credential, I have 20 years of experience as a prior board member for our village corporation and 15 years of experience working for our Tribal Healthcare System. I have lived here in Anchorage for over 25 years and made it my home as an Alaskan. I enjoy the subsistence way of life by fishing and berrypicking. I enjoy the simple life as an Alaskan, making arts and crafts, visiting with friends and family. I also like to meet new Alaskan friends during State of Alaska’s big events; AFN, Fur Rendezvous, Camai, WEIO, NYO, State Basketball Tournaments at the Alaska Airline Center. See you all there!
Dawn Humenik
Dawn joined the University of Alaska Anchorage in 2017 and has been an integral part of the Alaska Small Business Development Center SSBCI team since early 2023. With a passion for governance, volunteering, and small business, Dawn is highly regarded for her ability to forge connections, provide exceptional customer service, and think creatively to solve problems. Her diverse professional experience includes working with a broad range of clients, from large federal agencies to startups. Dawn’s ultimate goal is to have a positive impact on Alaska’s economy and workforce. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, and exploring different aspects of well-being, such as gardening, physical fitness, and mindfulness.
Genta Lena
As the SSBCI Tribal Operations Specialist at the Alaska SBDC, Genta Lena manages the administration of tribal lending programs. Her responsibilities include overseeing database operations, ensuring compliance with loan documentation standards, and optimizing program processes to enhance access to financial resources for Alaska Tribal communities. Genta is committed to advancing economic development and operational efficiency within the program, utilizing a strategic, results-oriented approach.
In addition to her role at the Alaska SBDC, Genta leverages her marketing expertise to support her mom’s business, ‘Mom’s Golden Layers,’ a producer of traditional Albanian baklava. She plays a critical role in the business’s branding, marketing, and growth.
Outside of her professional work, Genta is an avid runner, hiker, and climber with a deep passion for outdoor pursuits. She also serves as a board member for Girls on the Run Alaska.
Geoff Wright
Geoff Wright is a seasoned executive and information technology consultant with deep roots in the Alaska business community. Early in his career, Geoff worked for organizations, including the Institute of Social & Economic Research (ISER), Internet Alaska, and Integrity Solutions, doing a combination of software development and systems administration. In 2002, he started working at Pango Technology, where he served as a managing partner until 2023. During that time, he helped transform Pango from a boutique website design shop to one of Alaska’s premier information technology consulting firms.
Geoff has always been a passionate local volunteer and advocate for Alaska. He recently sold his share of Pango to its remaining partners so that he could dedicate his professional time and energy to building a better, stronger, and more forward-thinking community. As part of that effort, Geoff is now working with the Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC), helping entrepreneurs across the state prepare for federal funding.
In his spare time, Geoff enjoys mountain running, biking, sailboat racing, reading science fiction, woodworking, open-source software development, and spending time with his family. He’s also a Site Director for NSAA’s Junior Nordic program, where he manages a team of coaches who teach kids aged 6–14 how to cross-country ski. Learn more about the Funding Support Program.
Casey Pape, MBA
Casey Pape joins Alaska SBDC as a funding specialist through the technical assistance program within SSBCI. A resident of Alaska since 2010, Casey has adept knowledge of the small business landscape in Alaska with a passion for serving rural communities in Alaska and around the Arctic. A commercial
fisherman within the Prince William Sound, he and his family purchased their fishing boat and research seiner the R/V Montague in 2024.
Casey holds a Bachelor of Science from Western Washington University and a Master of Business Administration from the Norwegian School of Economics.
Dan Golden
Dan Golden earned a full-ride football scholarship to attend North Carolina State University where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Parks and Recreational Administration. After graduation, Dan was commissioned in the US Air Force and served four years as a financial officer and squadron commander.
After his military service, Dan joined a leading Anchorage real estate company for seven years as an independent agent, focusing on commercial transactions, subdivisions, and staff management. Later, Dan became a private consultant, providing problem-solving and project management services in real estate, broadcasting, natural resources, government, court systems, and a variety of other industries throughout Alaska. Along the way, Dan earned an MBA from Alaska Pacific University.
Dan’s lifelong learning includes a private pilot’s license, realtor designations, forest service project successes, environmental protection documentation, and public participation training. All his professional efforts have been directed toward helping his clients be successful. Dan looks forward to assisting the SBDC clients with business plans, marketing, financial projections, cash flow management, expansion, and exit strategies.