Joplin woman among SBDC’s 40 Under 40 Young Professionals

Two members of the Missouri Small Business Development Center team will be recognized by America’s SBDC as among its top 40 Under 40 Young Professionals. 

One is Joplin’s Sherry Noller, interim state director.

The other is Travin Shelton, director of business growth services.

The America’s SBDC national Top 40 Under 40 Young Professionals Award recognizes SBDC staff who demonstrate innovation, leadership and commitment to the SBDC mission.

Sherry Noller joined Missouri SBDC in 2012 as a research associate. She served in a variety of roles before becoming interim state director in May 2022 following the retirement of longtime Missouri SBDC leader Greg Tucker.

“Noller has shown incredible drive and initiative as she moved into a leadership role far beyond the expectations of the associate state director of marketing and communications,” Tucker said. “During the global pandemic, she stepped up without being asked to serve a leadership role that allowed the Missouri SBDC to be a better organization coming out of the pandemic.”

Noller and Shelton will be recognized Sept. 8 during the America’s SBDC annual conference in San Diego, California.