Donna Holmes
Penn State Small Business Development Center

Donna Holmes has been the director of the Penn State Small Business Development Center (SBDC) since its inception in 1997. Under her direction, the center has grown from a one-person operation to having 10 full-and part-time staff and students working to assist small businesses. The center, part of a nationwide network, provides one-on-one consulting for small business owners and conducts small business seminars on practical business topics. The consulting services of the center are free and confidential. The services of the SBDC can be accessed through their website: www.sbdc.psu.edu.

Prior to her current position, Donna was a Commercial Loan Officer and Assistant Vice President at Mellon Bank. She has over 14 years of banking experience in the commercial, mortgage, and consumer areas of lending, as well as experience in management and loan review. In addition to being an alumnus of Penn State, Donna also graduated from the Pennsylvania Banker’s Association School of Banking and School of Commercial Lending. Donna has taught classes for the SBDC as well as the American Banker’s Association.

In addition to her work experience, Donna also owned a small home-based business in Centre County. Donna is currently the secretary of WiNGs and has been active in her church and in her children’s school activities.