Campus Life

Florida Small Business Development Center at UWF names new director

The Florida Small Business Development Center at UWF recently named Kelly Massey as its new director. In this position, Massey will oversee the operations of SBDC offices located in Pensacola and Fort Walton Beach, Fla.

“The great work of our search team of local business leaders, College of Business faculty and FSBDC staff has landed us a nationally recognized leader in small business consulting,” said UWF College of Business Interim Dean Dr. Tim O’Keefe. “With his years of business and industry experience and his established record of leadership as a center director, I’m confident that Kelly Massey will prove to be a valued contributor to economic development in Pensacola and the Northwest Florida region.”

Previously, Massey served as the Center Director for the Henderson State University Small Business Technology Development Center, where he was responsible for all operational aspects in budgeting, center management, goal setting, client consultations and client analysis. Additionally, he served as an adjunct faculty member in the HSU School of Business, where he provided instruction on topics in strategic management, business planning and analysis, financial analysis, basic accounting, marketing and human resources management.

“I am excited about the opportunity to join the UWF SBDC team,” said Massey. “During the interview process, everyone made me feel welcome, provided valuable information and took time to get to know me. It was an easy decision to join UWF. I look forward to making positive contributions to UWF, the FSBDC network, our small business clients and other partners in our territory.”

Before his role at HSU, Massey held several positions in the human resources management field for large manufacturing companies such as Georgia Pacific (formerly International Paper – Gurdon Wood Products), Stant Manufacturing, Inc. (subsidiary of Tomkins Group), Delta Plastics, Inc. and Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa/Majestic Resort Hotel & Spa.

In 2012, Massey was awarded the National Small Business Administration Counselor of the Year for SBDCs at National Small Business Week in Washington, DC.  He is a Certified Global Business Professional, a Senior Professional in Human Resources and a Certified Business Advisor.

Massey is a graduate of Henderson State University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, and a master’s degree in Business Administration.