Kentucky SBDC State Office, Lexington, KY
Kristina Joyce
State Director
Kristina Joyce took on the role of Kentucky SBDC State Director in the fall of 2018. She brings with her over 30 years of experience in entrepreneurship, business analysis and economic development. Joyce earned a bachelor’s degree in art and education from Marshall University and a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Grand Canyon University. She has completed professional graduate studies from Harvard University Extension School and earned a certified training certificate from the Entrepreneurial Learning Initiative. Her experience with small business and economic development include roles as state director of the West Virginia Small Business Development Center and program administrator for the Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College Entrepreneurship and Business Coaching Center. Committed to her community, Joyce has served on numerous boards and has been active in many associations.
Scarlett Consalvi
Associate State Director of Programming & Outreach
Scarlett Consalvi joined the Kentucky SBDC team as Program Coordinator in 2017.
Prior to joining the Kentucky SBDC, Scarlett served as the Communications Director for Kentucky Retirement Systems and brings over 20 years of government relations, data analysis, and project management experience to her new role.
Scarlett received her B.S. in Journalism from the University of Kentucky and has been professionally active in the Kentucky Association of Government Communicators, the International Association of Business Communicators, and the National Pension Education Association.
Outside of the Office Scarlett enjoys spending time with her family enjoying the outdoors and is an avid supporter of local theater.
Kevin Norvell
Statewide Program Coordinator
Kevin has worked with the Kentucky SBDC since 2007 as director of the Kentucky SBDC in Richmond, program manager of KyBizInfo, director of the Kentucky SBDC in London, and now as statewide program coordinator. Kevin is certified as a SEO/Social Media specialist by the Edward Lowe Foundation. Kevin’s real-world experience in entrepreneurship, combined with a passion for information technology, digital media, and the web, provides a unique perspective from which he offers support to Kentucky SBDC business coaches throughout our network.
Away from the office, Kevin enjoys spending time with his wife and 3 kids, is an avid sports photographer and is actively involved at his church and with his kids’ soccer teams.
Kayla Keeton
Strategy Analyst & Outreach Coordinator
Kayla started with the Kentucky SBDC as a Business Coach in the Ashland Center in 2018. In 2020, Kayla transitioned to the State Office and serves as an Outreach Coach for the entire Kentucky SBDC network. Kayla studied Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship and has an MBA from Morehead State University. She has a background in human resources and program development. She comes from a strong family of entrepreneurs and she enjoys getting to help other small business owners succeed.
Outside of work, Kayla enjoys spending time with her son, reading, and being outdoors.
Isaac Jones
Administrative Assistant/Office Manager
Isaac comes to the Kentucky SBDC with expertise in administration, public service and communication. A native of Lexington, Kentucky, he is a graduate of the University of Kentucky with a bachelor’s degree in music education. Previously, he held ten years’ experience as an educator in Fayette County Public Schools, in addition to organizational work with University of Kentucky Opera Theatre. Most recently, he assumed the roles of office assistant and sales associate at La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries, he was recently granted a certificate of sales achievement as a peak performance salesman during 2023.
In his free time, Isaac is a freelance musician, actor and composer, with particular interest in writing game music. He enjoys tabletop games, theater, cooking, and spending time with his orange cat, Alvin.
JC Phelps
Training Coordinator
JC joined the Kentucky SBDC Network as a Business Coach in November 2019. In 2023, JC transitioned to the Kentucky SBDC State Office, where he serves as the Statewide Training Coordinator. In this role, JC coordinates education for both emerging and current entrepreneurs. Training is designed to assist in launching new Kentucky ventures and augment the acumen and skills of existing business owners.
JC is a proud alumnus of Centre College (Danville, KY), where he received a BS in Economics and Finance. He also holds an MBA from the Gordon Ford College of Business at Western Kentucky University (Bowling Green, KY). He is currently a candidate for a Ph.D. in Business from the University of the Cumberlands (Williamsburg, KY).
Ryan Ferguson
Marketing Specialist
Ryan joined the Kentucky SBDC team in 2020 as the Marketing Assistant. After earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Media Arts and Studies from the University of Kentucky, Ryan worked as a graphic artist for Paxton Media Group in Owensboro, Kentucky. Ryan brings his experience working in graphic and layout design as well as social media management.
Outside of the office, Ryan enjoys UK sports, board games, cooking, and spending time with his family.
Johnna Wilford
Business Officer
Johnna Wilford is the Business Officer at the Kentucky Small Business Development Center. She has previously worked for faith-based nonprofits and higher education institutions that impact and improve individual and community health through innovative and collaborative practice and research. Johnna specializes in education and training, project management, and finance. Johnna also owns her own service-based small business focused on women’s reproductive health. Johnna lives in Lexington, KY with her husband and is currently expecting her first child. In her free time, Johnna likes to read and teach group fitness classes.
Becky Marefat
Communications Coordinator
Becky joined the Kentucky SBDC in Lexington in 2011. 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. A. in business management and is certified in QuickBooks. Away from work, Becky enjoys boating and spending time with her family and friends.
Phone:
(859)-785-8589