Mary Beth Brooks of the U of A was recognized as a 2024 State Star at the 45th annual America's SBDC Conference held in Atlanta, Georgia, Sept. 9-12.

Brooks is director and executive-in-residence of the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center at the U of A. With ASBTDC since 2018, she manages center operations, consults with current and prospective small business owners, plans training sessions and engages in community outreach in Northwest Arkansas.

"I'm thrilled that Mary Beth Brooks is being recognized for her important work supporting small businesses across the region," said Mike Malone, vice chancellor for economic development at the U of A. "Mary Beth regularly champions the role of small businesses in our economy and works tirelessly to ensure her clients are successful. She's built a fantastic team that produces real results for Arkansas' economy, year in and year out."

The State Star award is the highest accolade for SBDC employees. The award recognizes extraordinary performers who make significant contributions to their state network, acknowledging their strong commitment to the state's small business and entrepreneurs.

Winners were honored at a special ceremony and reception Sept. 10 at the Georgia Aquarium.

Under Brooks' direction, the U of A center serves aspiring and established small businesses in six counties in Northwest Arkansas.

"Mary Beth has been an instrumental force in boosting the UA ASBTDC's funding, directly enhancing the ability of her regional office to support small businesses through training and consulting. Her focus on digital marketing and the Hispanic business sectors has been particularly impactful," said State Director Laura Fine.

"Under her leadership, over the past five years, clients have secured an impressive $114.6 million in capital and launched 243 new businesses in Northwest Arkansas. Her outstanding leadership and the excellent team she has cultivated are truly driving forces behind their success." 

The combination of professional experience and dedicated community service enables Brooks to share her knowledge and business savvy with small business clients across a wide variety of industries and services.

Brooks served as president and CEO of the Bank of Fayetteville from 2004 to 2015 and held executive roles at Arvest Bank Group earlier in her career. She has served on the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, Northwest Arkansas Council and on the boards of the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce, Fayetteville Public Education Foundation, Yvonne Richardson Community Center, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and UAMS Northwest and helped found the Sam M. Walton College of Business Alumni Society.

A graduate of the U of A, Brooks also holds a Master of Business Administration in finance and banking from the University of Wisconsin.

With around 1,000 centers across the nation, America's Small Business Development Center network is a partnership uniting private enterprise, government, higher education and economic development organizations. It is the SBA's largest partnership program, providing management and technical assistance to help Americans start, run and grow their own businesses.