Centers located on 11 Universities of Wisconsin campuses
(MADISON, WI) – The Office of Business and Entrepreneurship (OBE) announces the appointment of Gina Ferraro as the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC) State Director. Ferraro served as interim state director since December 2024 and was hired as permanent director on June 12, 2025, following a nationwide search.
“It’s a true privilege to lead the Wisconsin SBDC Network,” said Ferraro. “I’m excited to work alongside a dedicated team and incredible partners across the state to support the dreamers, doers, and risk-takers who make Wisconsin thrive. This role is more than a job—it’s a chance to make a meaningful impact every day.”
Ferraro is a seasoned leader with over two decades of experience in public administration, fiscal management, and strategic operations. She brings a deep understanding of the SBDC network’s mission, operations, and impact across the state. Her leadership is marked by a commitment to collaboration, innovation, and excellence in service delivery.
Ferraro’s career spans key leadership roles within the Universities of Wisconsin, including her tenure as Chief Financial and Operations Officer, where she oversaw multimillion-dollar budgets, ensured federal and state grant compliance, and led cross-functional teams to align financial strategy with institutional goals. Her ability to build consensus, manage complex funding structures, and foster high-performing teams has been instrumental in advancing statewide program initiatives.
“We are so fortunate to have the opportunity to continue working alongside Gina Ferraro within our division at OBE’s Small Business Development Centers,” added Bon Wikenheiser, executive director, Office of Business and Entrepreneurship, Universities of Wisconsin. “Gina was recognized with the 2024 President’s Award of Distinction and the 2017 Chancellor’s Award of Excellence, and is known for her integrity, strategic foresight, and unwavering dedication to empowering those around her. Her proven track record of visionary leadership, fiscal stewardship, and stakeholder engagement makes her an invaluable asset to our mission and our future.”
Ferraro has been with OBE for 16 years and will be managing a statewide network of centers located on 11 of 13 UW campuses including Eau Claire, Oshkosh, Stevens Point, Superior, Parkside, Milwaukee, Madison, La Crosse, Green Bay, River Falls, and Whitewater. She will oversee a network of 40 people statewide. Ferraro graduated Butler University with a BA in Economics, and she has a MPA from Upper Iowa University. She lives in Madison, Wisconsin, with her family and is most at peace when surrounded by the beauty of nature, laughter with family, and enjoying music.
About the Wisconsin SBDC
The Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is a nationally accredited statewide network supporting entrepreneurs and business owners through no-cost, confidential consulting and business education. Regional SBDC experts facilitate improvement and growth for small and emerging mid-size companies and help launch successful new enterprises. The Wisconsin SBDC is hosted by the Universities of Wisconsin within the Office of Business & Entrepreneurship (OBE). It is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. www.wisconsinSBDC.org
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