Trish Watkins, the longtime director of grants and finances at the World Trade Center Arkansas, has been promoted to the center's chief of staff. 

"I'm looking forward to continuing the mission of WTC Arkansas, which is to grow bilateral trade and promote economic development for Arkansas," Watkins said. 

Since joining WTC Arkansas in 2016, Watkins has also overseen human resources and the center's participation in the State Trade Expansion Program Grant. Provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration, WTC Arkansas secures funding for Arkansas companies and awards it to eligible small businesses to fund export initiatives. 

"What I enjoy most about working for WTC Arkansas is helping Arkansas small businesses enter and expand into international markets," Watkins said. "Being able to apply and be awarded grants that directly benefit eligible small businesses in the state is very rewarding for me." 

Watkins' efforts have helped secure more than $1 million in funding for WTC Arkansas, which is being reinvested into Arkansas businesses. 

Denise Thomas, chief executive officer of WTC Arkansas, has worked with Watkins for nearly a decade. 

"Trish has been a dedicated and invaluable asset to the World Trade Center Arkansas," Thomas said. 

"Trish will excel in her new role thanks to her hard work ethic, eye for detail and dedication to help small businesses across the Natural State." 

Watkins has nearly 40 years of experience working for the U of A. She has worked in the U of A Division of Agriculture Research and Extension, the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center and the University Development office. 

She currently serves as chair of the U of A Staff Senate, a role which she has previously held for three years. Watkins was also the Division of Agriculture Employee of the Year in 2012 and U of A Employee of the Year in 2009. 

About the World Trade Center Arkansas: The mission of the World Trade Center Arkansas is to grow trade and increase Arkansas exports by connecting Arkansas businesses to the world through international trade services. The center is part of the University of Arkansas and serves as the trade promotion arm for the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. For more information and valuable updates, please follow the center on Facebook and Twitter or subscribe to the World Trade Center Arkansas newsletter.