Margaret (Maggie) U. Horne, MBA, CVA is the Director of Gannon University Small Business Development Center. Her background includes experience in law, accounting, education and business valuation. The first six years with the SBDC, Maggie provided general consulting services to pre-venture clients and existing businesses in Mercer County and specialized business valuation consulting services to clients in Erie, Warren, Crawford and Mercer counties.  She served as Manager of Business Consulting prior to her appointment as Director of the Center. Maggie currently provides strategic planning and valuation services for SBDC clients.

Jenessa Norton joined the Gannon University Small Business Development Center as the Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance (HDBA) Consultant, bringing more than a decade of experience in finance, business development, economic development, and community-focused initiatives. In this role, she works with entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout the region, helping clients identify opportunities, overcome barriers, and build stronger, more sustainable businesses.

Bill Dietz joined the Gannon University Small Business Development Center in July 2020. He is a marketing professional with more than 39 years of experience in digital and print media environments. Bill specializes in using data, analytics, and market insights to identify growth opportunities and develop effective marketing strategies for entrepreneurs and small businesses. His experience in business development, database marketing, market research, and strategic planning allows him to help clients make informed decisions and strengthen their businesses from start-up through expansion and acquisition.

Mary Beth Wilcher joined the Gannon University Small Business Development Center in July 2025. She is a trusted Business Consultant and Strategist with executive-level experience across finance, marketing, data analytics, CRM, wealth management, and the insurance industry. Mary Beth specializes in leveraging market research and data insights to identify growth opportunities and develop targeted marketing strategies. She provides consulting services to entrepreneurs and small businesses in Erie and Warren Counties, supporting them through start-up, expansion, and acquisition stages.

Mike Blaurock is the Mercer County Outreach Business Consultant of Gannon University Small Business Development Center. Mike has a Mechanical Engineering Degree from YSU and his MBA from John Carroll University. He is a business professional with over thirty years of experience in engineering, operations, marketing, and sales. Mike is the current small business owner of Blaurock Brats LLC in Mercer County. Mike provides consulting services to Mercer County entrepreneurs and small businesses from start-up to expansion to acquisition. 

Jeanne Best joined the Gannon University Small Business Development Center as the Program and Project Coordinator in April 2026, bringing more than eight years of experience within the PASBDC network. In this role, she coordinates programs, trainings, special projects, outreach, and client engagement initiatives while supporting the center’s marketing, communications, and technology efforts. Jeanne also serves as the lead for the Gannon SBDC Tech Team, working with entrepreneurs and small business owners to strengthen their marketing, online presence, and use of technology. She is focused on connecting businesses with practical resources, educational opportunities, and tools that help them move forward with greater confidence and clarity.