Shirie Hawkins has been with the Bluegrass SBDC for more than 5 years. Shirie brings more than 10 years business and banking development experience including development of mutually beneficial partnerships with area businesses and educational institutions, as well as training and consultation for entrepreneurs and first-time homeowners. She is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati and an active member of the Bluegrass Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Sean Moore has worked with the KSBDC for 5 years. Prior to joining the KSBDC, Sean served as head of marketing and promotion for a small media group, executive director for a Chamber of Commerce and Tourist Development Council and general manager of a retail sporting goods chain, all in the state of Florida. Sean most enjoyed the training element of his previous jobs and today brings that love to the KSBDC through seminars on a variety of topics of value to both the small business owner or to a full corporate organization. Sean is currently pursuing a degree in Human Resources with a focus on Team Management at the University of Louisville. When not at work, Sean ‘lives and breathes Red Sox baseball.’ He and his wife have three cats and two dogs who keep them more than busy.

Jay Houston joined the Bluegrass SBDC in 2011. Jay has more than 30 years experience in strategic planning and marketing. Before joining the KSBDC, Jay was a serial entrepreneur, having started and managed half-a-dozen successful small businesses of his own. His specialties are: niche marketing, Internet marketing, product development, distribution network development, negotiations and organizational planning. Jay is a former United States Air Force officer and aviator whose specialty was in tactical and strategic planning. He has a B.S. in organizational management from Colorado Christian University. When not at work, Jay enjoys spending time with his family, writing and hunting in his home state of Colorado. He is the author of six top-selling books.

Becky Jo Marefat has worked with the Bluegrass SBDC for less than a year. Currently Becky manages a family business which has previously utilized KSBDC services. Prior to this, Becky has worked as a bookkeeper and paid tax preparer, taught technology at the elementary level and spent 15 years as Data Processing Manager for a Kentucky- based retail company. She has an A.D. in business management and is certified in Quickbooks. Becky remains active in her community, volunteering with the United Way of Bluegrass and serving as a volunteer tax preparer. When not at work, Becky enjoys boating and spending time with her family and friends.