East Central Indiana SBDC
East Central SBDC Staff
- Judy Porter, Regional Director
- James Womack, Business Advisor
- Clint Albert, Business Advisor
- Claudia Metzger, Small Business Program Specialist
- Sherri Maslanik, Office Administrator
- Vacant, Ecosystem Navigator
Regional Director
Judy Porter has dedicated her career to serving her community in various capacities. Her background in banking, retail, and management serves as a solid foundation as she leads the East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center. Judy grew up in New Castle, Indiana, and graduated from Indiana University. She is actively involved with leadership groups including the Chic Innovate group in Muncie. She is passionate about connecting small businesses and entrepreneurs, providing them with essential resources to fuel their growth and ensure their success.
Business Advisor
James is a business advisor for the East Central Indiana SBDC. In this position, he is responsible for covering Madison, Grant, Blackford, and Delaware Counties. He is responsible for meeting with clients and helping them to overcome any obstacles they face throughout their entrepreneurial journeys. James was introduced to entrepreneurship at a young age where he aided in the operations of his family's excavating business. James received a bachelor's degree in Entrepreneurial Management at Ball State University. He then returned to Ball State to complete his master's degree in Information and Communication Science. James really enjoys music, sports, and helping others. He believes this role allows him to better the world by helping small business owners turn their dreams into reality.
Clint Albert
Business Advisor
Clint is a business advisor for the East Central Indiana SBDC. In this position, he is responsible for meeting with clients and helping them to overcome any obstacles they face throughout their entrepreneurial journeys. Clint was an Insurance Agent at AAA and Process Specialist for new All State agency owners for the past 10years. He received a degree in physical education from Urbana University. Clint served as an Assistant Baseball Coach at Carson Newman College, University of Dayton, Xavier University and Ball State University. Clint enjoys spending time with family and playing golf.
Claudia Metzger
Small Business Program Specialist
Claudia is the Small Business Program Manager for the East Central Indiana SBDC. In this position, Claudia is in charge of programs for small businesses in the East Central region. Claudia recently graduated Cum Laude from Ball State University with a bachelor’s degree in Interpersonal Communication Studies and Sociology. In July, she will graduate with a master’s degree in Information and Communication Sciences, also from Ball State University. Claudia has lived in East Central Indiana nearly all her life. Claudia loves to spend time with family and friends and her 16-year-old dog, Mardi!
Sherri Maslanik
Office Administrator
As the office administrator, Sherri will ensure smooth daily operations, support the staff, and assist area small business owners with resources and services.
Sherri operated a small photography business while also playing an integral management and bookkeeping role in her family’s electrical contracting business, which they successfully owned and operated for more than two and a half decades.
Throughout most of her adult life, she has been raising and homeschooling her five children, instilling in them a strong work ethic and a passion for lifelong learning.
“I have a love for all things entrepreneurial, and so I am looking forward to working in this environment,” Sherri noted.
She is excited to be part of individuals and companies growing and contributing to the economic development of East Central Indiana. Outside of work, Sherri enjoys spending time with her family, playing racquetball and pickleball, and nurturing her love for plants – yet another way she enjoys watching things “grow.”
East Central Small Business Spotlight
Your Dad's Beef Jerky
Your Dad’s Beef Jerky specializes in premium, handcrafted beef jerky made with high-quality ingredients, available in many flavors. They take pride in offering customer service rooted in quality, integrity, and strong family values.
Grace & Co Coffee
Brewing something special in a revitalized local building, soon to become Middletown’s very first coffee shop.
Elkins Mowing and Landscaping
By age 12, Austin was waking up early, mowing yards before school, and returning to mow lawns in the evening. His work ethic and dedication evolved into Elkins Mowing and Landscaping.
Hines Homestead and Sweet Treats
specializes in cake pops, rolled buttercream sugar cookies, and cookie cakes. Using two edible image printers, she can turn any design or logo into a fully customized treat perfect for corporate events, themed parties, or personal celebrations.
Hosted by Ball State University
