College Announces New Small Business Center Director

Katelyn Whitehead Edmondson, an entrepreneur and college instructor, has been named director of the Small Business Center at Edgecombe Community College.

Katelyn Whitehead Edmondson has been named director of the Small Business Center at Edgecombe Community College.

The Small Business Center is part of a statewide network designed to promote and support small business ownership. In her new position, Edmondson will develop and direct Small Business Center seminars and initiatives.

“We are pleased that Ms. Edmondson has joined Edgecombe Community College to lead the Small Business Center,” says Michael Starling, dean of Business, Industry, and Technologies at ECC.

“She has worked at several small businesses and has taught business courses at the College, so her experience is an ideal blend that will greatly benefit our Small Business Center clients and programs.”

The Small Business Center offers seminars and workshops designed to support prospective and current small business owners. Free, one-on-one counseling also is provided by appointment at both the Tarboro and Rocky Mount campuses.

“I’ve always had a passion for small businesses, as I know firsthand the dedication and hard work required to be successful,” Edmondson says.

“I’m continually inspired by those who have the courage to create their own businesses, and I look forward to growing with the small businesses of Edgecombe County through the outreach of the ECC Small Business Center,” she adds.

Edmondson has worked at several small businesses, including a clothing boutique, an online box subscription service, and an insurance agency. She also has served as an adjunct business instructor at ECC, teaching courses in management, marketing, and business math.

She attended Meredith College, earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture business management with a minor in economics from North Carolina State University, and earned an MBA from East Carolina University. She also holds a North Carolina Property and Casualty Insurance License.

Edmondson played softball at Meredith and was named Academic All-Conference in 2011. She is the varsity softball coach at Hobgood Academy.

A native of Scotland Neck, Edmondson lives in Oak City with her husband, who manages the family farm.