Organization Chart
 Rodney L. CarsonDirector / CBA |
|
 Adrienne Darby CBA |
 Priscilla Grant Program Assistant |
 Karen Samulak Secretary |
 Dawn Decaminada CBA |
Rodney L. Carson
Director, Certified Business Consultant
As Director of Economic Development, Rodney is responsible for the development and implementation of the organization’s overall economic development strategic plan including, the formulation of target industry strategies for marketing of new business recruitment (domestically and internationally) as well as local business expansion.
Prior to joining the CFDC, Rodney has served as vice president for a 3 state – 15 county regional economic development program, a senior economic development representative with a Fortune 250 company, an international business consultant, an internet international operations manager and a corporate banker. He is also an accomplished entrepreneur, having started and sold several different small businesses in Texas and Hawaii.
Rodney obtained his undergraduate degree, with a double major in international business management and business finance, from the University of Hawaii. He holds an MBA with a focus in international internet and e-commerce management from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. In addition to his degrees, Rodney is a certified economic developer. Rodney is also a recipient of Progress Energy’s highest employee award – the Pinnacle Award –– for his leadership work with Entergy-Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina.
Rodney is actively involved in local, regional and state economic development organizations, having held various board positions with Tampa Bay Partnership, Florida’s Great Northwest, Opportunity Florida and the Haines City Economic Development Council. He is currently a board member on the Polk Works Workforce Board and is an active member of the Florida Economic Development Council and the International Economic Development Council.
Rodney is an accomplished scuba diver, having reached the ranks of master scuba instructor, and now spends his free time spear fishing, running and keeping up with his children.
Adrienne Darby
Certified Business Consultant
Ms. Adrienne Darby, Certified Business Consultant, comes to the Small Business Development Center at the Central Florida Development Council Polk County, following a 26 year career in the travel industry. During that time, she worked for a major air carrier and later as an Account Executive for one of the leading corporations providing electronic travel distribution systems. These opportunities allowed her to gain experiences in customer service, training, sales, contract negotiations and business consulting.
Adrienne is well equipped to roll-up her sleeves and work one-on-one with business owners, learning their core operational structures and challenges. While presenting educational seminars, and counseling small business owners through start-up and expansion challenges, Adrienne taps into her wealth of experience and breadth of acumen. Reviewing business plans and helping small business owners create viable loan proposal packages is one of the most fulfilling aspects of her job as Certified Business Consultant. Her areas of expertise also include Minority Certification and Sales.
Adrienne earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Minnesota. She is also a Certified Fast Trac (Entrepreneurial Training) facilitator.
Dawn Decaminada
Certified Business Consultant
Dawn Decaminada a Certified Business Consultant with the Small Business Development Center of Polk County has been with the Central Florida Development Council for 4 years. Prior to joining the Small Business Development Center, Dawn worked for the CFDC in the role of Sales and Event Representative for Central Florida Sports Marketing. In that role Dawn helped recruit and manage both large and small sporting events located in Polk County, including her role as onsite coordinator for the 2008 ESPN Bassmaster Elite Citrus Slam and as Convention Director for the 52nd Annual Road Runners Club of America National Convention. Dawn’s background in marketing allows her to help businesses develop successful marketing strategies for both start up and businesses looking to expand and reach a larger audience. In addition Dawn enjoys working with the many entrepreneurs that come through her door seeking guidance on issues ranging from developing a business plan to brainstorming solutions to various issues business owners face.
Dawn has an undergraduate degree in Communication from the Ohio State University and has lived in Florida for 11 years. Dawn is also a personal running and triathlon coach and is a 4 time Ironman finisher. In her spare time she likes to participate in triathlons and give back to the community by participating in charitable events.
Karen Samulak
Secretary
Whether you hear her smile through the telephone lines or see her smile as you enter the Small Business Development Center, Karen is always willing and ready to give you information on the SBDC services and schedule appointments.
Call Karen today to make an appointment with one of our consultants.
Priscilla Grant
Program Assistant
Priscilla is a fourteen year veteran with the Small Business Development Center. She serves as Co-Director of First Impressions. Her guidance and wealth of information gives clients insight into the assistance that they can receive from the SBDC. Priscilla is responsible for the scheduling and coordinating of all seminars.
