8a Small Business Development Seminar

Diane Ridley Roberts, MPA

GEARS Inc.

Diane Ridley Roberts is co-founder and President/CEO of GEARS Inc, a consulting firm specializing in program evaluation and organizational development headquartered in Decatur, GA. Prior to founding GEARS, Diane worked for the federal government for 15 years, the last eight as a liaison to the Office of Management and Budget for research activities. This position taught her that successful programs are the result of effective organizational infrastructure, program planning and implementation, and objective evaluation. In this position, she also received training and mentoring in program planning, policy and evaluation. Her experiences inspired her to develop a seminar about personal and professional empowerment, entitled Empowering You, Because You Deserve Success!, which she presented throughout the US from 1994 -1999. Using the same title, she authored a book, produced a radio motivational minute and television program that ran for over a year. Diane holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Master of Public Administration degree, both from Georgia State University. Her tenure with the government committed Diane to several ideals: service, excellence and quality and a strong belief in government’s accountability to US tax payers.

Additionally, Diane plays an intricate role in coaching senior level federal employees on enhancing management effectiveness and organizational efficiency. Diane works with the employees to tailor the coaching in required skill areas such as: communication, strategic planning, motivation and translating the organizational vision. She leads managers to make behavioral changes needed for growth and helps to strengthen their competencies that have an impact on the bottom line. She pushes the window with each employee to assist in professional growth and promote the success of the organization and of the individual. She forms a partnership with the manager that results in good choices for the organization, as well as personal growth.

Tanzee Hall Jones

Small Business Administration

She is currently and has been employed with the Small Business Administration (SBA) for over 24 years. Her employment history with the SBA is diverse in administration, federal government contracting assistance, financial guidance, and the business development of ever increasing portfolio of 8(a) participants as well as other small businesses.

She enjoys working to help others reach their goals, potential and destiny. Tanzee Jones is a native of Georgia.

Donna L. Johnson, P.C.

Donna Johnson is an attorney who represents and counsels small business clients in litigation and transactional matters. She earned her J.D./MBA from Georgia State University in 1999, after which she worked for a  large, international law firm where she developed experience in employment  law, commercial litigation, health  law and intellectual property law.

In May 2003, Ms. Johnson formed a solo practice dedicated to the representation of small businesses. Since then, she has represented government contractors, physicians, IT experts, and other small business owners.

Kevin Duncan, CPA, MBA

K Duncan & Company

Kevin Duncan, CPA, MBA has over 25 years of experience in areas of accounting and financial management in the government contracting industry.

Since 1994, Mr. Duncan has served as principle of K Duncan & Company, a CPA and consulting firm specializing in providing accounting systems, indirect rate development, cost proposal, FAR compliance, and DCAA interface services to government contractors.  His specialty has been in supporting successful growth of small businesses, many sanctioned by the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) program.  Since 1994, Mr. Duncan and K Duncan & Company, have prepared and submitted hundreds of cost proposals for clients.

Mr. Duncan specializes in implementation and enhancement of accounting systems and has successfully implemented and overhauled over 75 systems since 1994.  Software utilized in these implementations has been Deltek, MAS90, and QuickBooks Pro.  KDC has a 100 percent success ratio in having the accounting systems of their clients approved by DCAA and other government agencies.

Mr. Duncan is the Executive Associate and key instructor with RGF Consulting Corporation (RGFCC) on the subjects of indirect rates, budgets, government audits, cost proposal preparation, GSA schedules, and financial accounting systems. Mr. Duncan also conducts workshops on QuickBooks Pro accounting system and set-up.  As a subcontractor, Mr. Duncan has conducted training programs for the U.S. Small Business Administration under its 7(j) program, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration, National Institutes of Health, the Contract Services Association of America, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, and the Georgia Department of Transportation.  As a prime contractor, Mr. Duncan has conducted trainings for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Baltimore Office, the National Women’s Business Center

Mr. Duncan has Bachelors of Business Administration degree from the George Washington University, a Masters of Business Administration Degree from the College of William & Mary, and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the state of Maryland.  Mr. Duncan is a member of the Greater Washington Society of CPA’s.

He has served as treasurer for a number of not for profit organizations including, the Maryland/DC Minority Purchasing Council and Byte Back, Inc.

Anthony “Tony” A. Rhudd, MS

Creative Computing Inc.

Tony Rhudd is a highly regarded Business and Computer Engineering Consultant, with 20 years of successful experience as a Business Consultant, IT Systems Developer and Systems Integrator, and Engineer.  Tony is known for his innovative and solution-oriented approach, and his strong analytic and problem-solving skills.  He has earned a reputation for his customized design and development of database-driven web applications, and building of server infrastructures supporting the specialized business needs of diverse domestic and global industries. 

Tony created his own consulting business, Creative Computing, in 2000, with clients ranging from start-up companies, to established high-profile industries. His clients represent varied industry settings, including pharmaceuticals, apparel, banking, legal, and information technology.  A sampling of some of his more recent work includes:

§  Customizing web applications for industries across the United States including DuPont (pharmaceutical, chemicals, apparel), Citibank (banking), AstraZeneca (pharmaceutical), ArentFox (legal), and the University of Delaware (Apparel Design).

§  Serving as a Senior Developer/Web Architect for Yellowbook, in King of Prussia, PA, leading the company’s Web Development Team’s improvement in content delivery; achievements include improving site accessibility to the visually impaired, and implementing a click-to-call solution for all customers.

§  Creating an external infrastructure for a large AstraZeneca brand, and overseeing its operation for 2 years.

§  Developing software for Lee Jeans.

Tony’s proven success in driving results is due in large part to his determination and relentless energy; his collaborative leadership style, and his effectiveness working with culturally diverse teams.  He has a wealth of knowledge, and has a unique blend of business acumen, technical expertise, as well as a mechanical engineering background.

Tony originally started a career in engineering with DuPont, in Wilmington, DE, where he held progressively responsible positions over his 12-year history with this Fortune 500 company.  As an Engineer, he worked on the development of mechanical equipment to support varied business unit objectives, which included developing a machine for creating holograms and a CAD system. 

At DuPont, Tony was promoted to a Business Consultant position, in which he provided both internal and external consulting, and received multiple cash awards in recognition of his successful management of complex business process re-engineering projects from inception through completion.

Tony holds a Masters in Science in Mechanical Engineering from Clemson University, in Clemson, SC; completed the coursework for the Masters in Economics Program from the University of Delaware; and has a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies from the University of the State of New York, in Albany, NY.  Tony is a member of the Professional Association for SQL Server, as well as a member of the SANS Institute in Bethesda, MD, where he completed Systems Security Courses.

Rodney Baker

Ideas 4 Success, LLC

Rodney Baker has over thirty years experience in business development and economic development in the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Small Business Administration and The Housing Authority of the City of Atlanta, Georgia.  Mr. Baker has exceptional public speaking, team building, and marketing skills to the project team and has served as a Minority Business Program Specialist, Supervisory Minority Business Program Officer, Regional Marketing Technical Support Specialist, Supervisory Business Opportunity Specialist, and Manager of Economic Development. In addition, Mr. Baker has conducted seminars and workshops for business owners and is skilled in designing, developing and implementing economic development program functions, coordinating workloads and projects, and ensuring compliance with regulations and quality control. 

Bridget Hardaway, MPA

GEARS, Inc.

Ms. Hardaway is a seasoned consultant, working with GEARS for more than five years. She has served as Project Director on various types of federally-sponsored projects,  including research projects, nationally-focused conferences, and expert panel reviews. Ms. Hardaway has experience with multiple federal agencies including CDC, EPA, HHS, and NOAA. She also has served as Proposal Manger for GEARS for the past two years, focusing on outreach and partnership development. Ms. Hardaway currently serves as GEARS Business Development Manager.