Our Staff

As the manager of the Small Business Development Program in Loudoun, Eric Byrd leads a team of experienced business advisors and educators to help small businesses thrive and grow. With 30 years of business experience, he has worked with companies and organizations of every size and structure. Melding strong storytelling skills from his days as a television editor, producer, director and screenwriter with skills learned from 20 years as a technology sales professional, Byrd uses proven tools to help business owners identify key areas of opportunity and challenges. 

Cort Maddox draws from an extensive professional experience in finance and management, where he spent 17 years of his career.  Using his knowledge gained working in the credit card industry, finance companies, as well as both large and small banks he specifically helps small businesses focus on their finances and funding strategies. He brings real world experience to help business owners evaluate and plan for financial and operational processes in their company.

With more than 25 years’ experience with all facets of account supervision and project execution, Mary brings an exceptional knowledge base to marketing activities, including branding, positioning, strategic planning, corporate identity, event planning, executive and internal communications, web presence, advertising, direct marketing, content marketing, and budget oversight. Mary has supported clients ranging from small boutique companies to Fortune 500 corporations. Her work on behalf of her clients has earned her several awards including a Stevie Award, Hermes, Spotlight and Communicator Award.

Demetrios Sapounas is a business leader who bridges the gap between business and technology and knows how to leverage emerging technologies to enhance company value. He makes product ideas come alive and delivers solutions that solve real problems and create competitive advantages. His broad background includes corporate strategy and planning, operations, M&A integration, full lifecycle product development and commercialization. 

A 20-year veteran in business, Tom Solitario is an advisor to various technology startups in artificial intelligence, Blockchain, and international development. Fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, and French, Solitario has delivered strategic global partnerships, expanded international markets and sold high value deals in marketing and sales positions at: Ligado Networks, Philips Electronics, Loral, and CISCO.

Subodh Nayar uses decades of successful consultative sales experience covering business needs analysis, systems integration and product design to help entrepreneurs form, grow and reimagine their companies’ revenue and cost model. Nayar focuses on needs articulation to benefits quantification through program implementation.

Terry Saeger is an accomplished CEO with a consistent record of accelerating the P&L performance of companies ranging from hardware and software, to financial services, to advertising and media. He is experienced in all stages of growth including substantial global leaders ($2.6 billion), mid-caps, and start-ups, in public company, private, and private equity ownership structures. 

Elis Devlin has more than 20 years of marketing and communications experience working for both large and small companies in banking, industry, retail, telecommunications and consulting. She is multilingual (English, Spanish, Portuguese) and multicultural with extensive experience working with clients throughout Latin America and most recently in the United States.

Kindra Dionne is a visionary Business Development Consultant, Speaker and Author whose focus is on empowering entrepreneurs to thrive in an ever-changing business world. With over 15 years’ experience, she is fueled by a passion for ensuring mission-driven entrepreneurs enter new markets with excellence so they can make a dollar and a difference.