The Florida SBDC at FGCU is pleased to welcome Jerry Martin as its new Regional Director. Jerry officially joined the organization on July 6, 2026, bringing more than three decades of leadership experience in entrepreneurship, small business consulting, economic development, higher education, and technology commercialization.
Jerry has relocated to Southwest Florida following a distinguished career that has spanned universities, economic development organizations, and the Mississippi SBDC networks. Throughout that time, he has worked closely with entrepreneurs, startup companies, researchers, manufacturers, and small businesses to help launch new ventures, strengthen existing companies, commercialize innovation, and foster regional economic growth.
Most recently, he served as Associate Director of Technology Transfer and Economic Development and SBDC Center Director at Missouri University of Science and Technology, where he combined technology commercialization with direct business consulting to help entrepreneurs transform ideas into successful enterprises. His career also includes leadership positions with the University of Mississippi, the Mississippi Small Business Development Center Network, Miami University, and several institutions in the United States and abroad. Along the way, he has led multidisciplinary teams, developed strategic partnerships, expanded entrepreneurial ecosystems, and worked extensively in intellectual property, innovation, workforce development, and commercialization. Martin’s career reflects a longstanding commitment to helping entrepreneurs navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build stronger businesses.
As Regional Director, Jerry Martin will oversee the Florida SBDC at FGCU’s continued efforts to serve entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Glades, and Hendry counties. Working alongside the center’s experienced team of consultants and staff, he will help advance the organization’s mission of providing no-cost consulting, training, market research, and resources that strengthen businesses and support the regional economy.
Jerry succeeds an esteemed legacy of leadership that helped establish the Florida SBDC at FGCU as one of Southwest Florida’s most trusted resources for entrepreneurs and business owners.
The Florida SBDC at FGCU extends its sincere gratitude to former Regional Director Dorian Zwierewicz for his years of visionary leadership, service, and dedication. During his tenure, the center expanded its regional reach, strengthened partnerships throughout Southwest Florida, and significantly increased its impact on entrepreneurs and small businesses. His commitment to excellence, innovation, and client service helped shape the organization into the respected center it is today and leaves a lasting legacy for the business community and the Florida SBDC Network.
The center also recognizes Suzanne Specht for serving as Interim Regional Director during the leadership transition. In addition to her nearly three decades of dedicated service to the Florida SBDC at FGCU, Specht provided continuity, stability, and steadfast leadership throughout the search process, ensuring uninterrupted support for the entrepreneurs, business owners, and community partners who rely on the center every day.
With a strong foundation, a talented team, and an unwavering commitment to serving Southwest Florida’s entrepreneurial community, the Florida SBDC at FGCU looks forward to the experience, perspective, and leadership Jerry Martin brings as the organization begins its next chapter of service and growth.