Southeastern Oklahoma State University
10/15/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/15/2024 08:51
OKSBDC’s Hugle named to 37th Class of Leadership Oklahoma
OKLAHOMA CITY - Dana Hugle, Assistant State Director of Performance and Operations at the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center hosted by Southeastern Oklahoma State University, has been selected to participate in the 37th Class of Leadership Oklahoma.
The Leadership Oklahoma program is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore Oklahoma's key issues and challenges with authorities from every industry in Oklahoma-military, sovereignty, tourism, criminal justice, state government, education, economic development, agriculture, energy, and more, with approximately 50 people are chosen from across the state for the 10-month program.
Hugle is the Assistant State Director over Performance and Operations for the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center, where she oversees and supports the performance of the advising team statewide. A native of Wilburton, she began her career with OKSBDC in 2016 as a Business Development Specialist before transitioning to Center Director at the Eastern Center and more recently to her current role.
"I look forward to the immersive educational experiences across Oklahoma to broaden my understanding of issues impacting our state," Hugle said. "As I learn more about the members of Class 37, I am impressed by the quality of individuals and the wide range of skills and experience that enrich the discussions in each session. I am grateful for the opportunity to connect with the class, the organization and participate in thoughtful ways to move Oklahoma forward."
Hugle's training includes becoming an Economic Development Finance Professional and completing intermediate export training via the U.S. Small Business Administration. She is also a certified business adviser. In 2019, Dana was named the Oklahoma State Star by America's Small Business Development Center, recognizing her contributions to the field.
Before joining OKSBDC, Dana spent over 14 years in healthcare, managing physician offices, building a physician services program, and working on turnaround projects for small rural hospitals. She also served as a Main Street Manager and the Latimer County Tourism Director, focusing on small business support, community building, and tourism. Her entrepreneurial background includes owning and managing an agri-tourism business and a consulting business, and she continues as a small business owner in the tourism and hospitality industry.
Southeastern Oklahoma State University (SE), in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), established the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center Network (Oklahoma SBDC) in 1984. SE continues to serve as the lead university in a statewide consortium of private and public partners including the SBA, tribal nations, as well as many other entities and organizations including chambers of commerce, economic development organizations and Main Street programs. Banks and commercial lenders across the state are also key supporters of Oklahoma SBDC.
Oklahoma SBDC is one of 62 SBDC programs existing in every state in the nation as well as in many U.S. territories. Similar entrepreneurial development programs in other countries have been modeled after the SBDC program in the United States.