LEXINGTON, Ky., — Kristina Joyce, who has more than 30 years of experience in entrepreneurship, business analysis and economic development, has been named director of the Kentucky Small Business Development Center.

“KSBDC’s programs reach many in Kentucky with unique and essential services,” said Nancy Cox, dean of the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. “We are happy to be the administrative host for the program and look forward to Kristina Joyce’s leadership.”

The Kentucky Small Business Development Center is a network of 12 offices located throughout the state. The center helps existing and start-up businesses succeed by offering high quality, in-depth and hands-on services. KSBDC is an accredited partner program with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

“We are happy to welcome Kristina to Kentucky as the next Small Business Development Center state director,” said Alison Davis, interim KSBDC director and director of the University of Kentucky’s Community and Economic Development Center of Kentucky. “Kristina brings experience both in the public and private sectors as well as a deep knowledge of Appalachia. At the end of the day, KSBDC’s primary focus is on helping individuals create new businesses and providing support to expand existing businesses across the entire state. With Kristina’s leadership, we are certain the program will continue to build upon a reputation of excellence.”

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.

From 2009 through 2017, Joyce was the state director of the West Virginia Small Business Development Center. During her time as state director, she was elected to the America’s SBDC Foundation, America’s SBDC board of directors and the America’s SBDC Accreditation Committee.

Her most recent position was program administrator for the Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College Entrepreneurship and Business Coaching Center.

Joyce is also CEO for two companies. KJoyce Enterprises LLC is a consulting firm that provides professional advice, training and deliverables in the areas of business development, project planning, strategic execution and entrepreneurship for private, public and academic organizations. KristinaKreative LLC is a creative arts business, specializing in commissions, art instruction, workshop design and delivery.

Her past board appointments include TechConnect WV, West Virginia Regional Contracting Assistance Center, West Virginia District Export Council, BridgeValley Community and Technical College Advisory Board, West Virginia State Curriculum Advisory Board for Career and Technical Education, Tamarack Foundation for the Arts, and West Virginia University BrickStreet Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Advisory Council. She has been a member of the U.S. Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship, the Central Appalachian Network Entrepreneurship Support Group, Public Relations Society of America, Toastmasters International, Rotary International and various arts associations in several states.

Joyce designed entrepreneurship curricula and training programs for Michigan State University, West Virginia University, West Virginia State University and the University of Charleston.

She’s looking forward to enhancing the prospects for Kentucky’s small businesses.

“Entrepreneurship and small-business success is vital to a thriving economy,” Joyce said. "The Kentucky Small Business Development Center has played a major role in supporting the state's businesses for over 35 years with trusted advising and expert education. As the new state director of KSBDC, my goal will be to heighten the visibility of small businesses and partner with others who understand the economic impact of entrepreneurship."

Joyce’s first day on the job is Oct. 1.

For more information on KSBDC, visit http://www.ksbdc.org.