Our Team

Connecticut Small Business Development Center advisors each bring a unique set of skills and professional experience to their relationship with our clients.  Advisors have specialty areas in needs such as pre-venture businesses, capital access, marketing, government contracting, international trade, growth strategy, financial management and business strategy.  Our advisors take a team approach to ensure a client will have the ability to work with more than one advisor to best support reaching their goals.

Business Advisors

CTSBDC Business Advisor Scott W. Arnold

Scott W. Arnold

Business Advisor

Mary Kay Della Camera

Business Advisor

Christine Sullivan

Business Advisor

Denise Whitford

Business Advisor

Michelle Augustyn, CTSBDC Business Advisor

Michelle Augustyn

Business Advisor

Jon Carlisle

Business Advisor

Tammy Eldredge

Business Advisor

Murray Gates HEADSHOT CTSBDC Agricultural Business Advisor

Murray Gates

Agricultural Business Advisor

Val Gomez, CTSBDC BUSINES ADVISOR

Val Gomez

Business Advisor

Jim Jackson

Business Advisor

Shelly Koehler

Business Advisor

Gregory Lewis

Business Advisor

Patty Meagher

Technology Business Advisor

Nelson Merchan

Business Advisor

Shay Nagarsheth, CTSBDC Business Advisor headshot

Shay Nagarsheth

Business Advisor

Business Advisor Dean. Dean brings over 20 years of expertise in marketing operations, digital marketing, CRM administration, manufacturing, and sales enablement to his role as a Small Business Advisor at CTSBDC. With a proven track record of driving millions in revenue growth, he leverages his unique blend of client-side marketing leadership, CRM and technology development, and manufacturing operations experience to help businesses implement effective strategies, streamline operations, and achieve their goals. As a former president with extensive expertise in manufacturing operations, Dean understands the challenges and opportunities businesses face in this sector. An expert in digital marketing and marketing technology, he has developed and executed strategies that enhance visibility, drive lead generation, and boost sales. His skills include crafting compelling content, managing advertising campaigns, optimizing SEO/SEM, and designing websites. Dean also specializes in leveraging technology solutions and SaaS platforms to enhance team productivity and support smarter decision-making. Dean holds a BBA in Marketing from the University of Georgia and is passionate about helping small businesses grow and thrive. Outside of work, he enjoys road cycling, healthy cooking, Broadway shows, DIY projects, and cheering for his favorite teams—the Georgia Bulldogs and UConn Huskies..

Dean A Schwartz

Business Advisor

Valeria Bisceglia

Education & Training Programs Advisor

Lead Office

Joe Ercolano

State Director

Begona Sevilla Fernandez, CTSBDC Communications and Marketing Analyst

Begoña Sevilla Fernández

Marketing & Communications Specialist

Curtis C. Battles- Minority Business Growth Program Coordinator

Curtis C. Battles

Minority Business Growth Program Coordinator (MBGP)

Laura Feliciano

Database Administrator

Pilar Illanes headshot, Training, CTSBDC Learning, and Outreach Facilitator – Immigrant Entrepreneur Program

Pilar Illanes

Training, Learning, and Outreach Facilitator – Immigrant Entrepreneur Program

Angela Rodriguez

Training & Learning Coordinator

Steven Semaya

Associate State Director

Amanda Tronchin

Training and Learning Facilitator – Financial Literacy Program

Rod Woody

Intake Specialist

Miriam Blake

Financial Analyst