GRANTS PASS — Rogue Community College announces Ruth Swain as new director of the RCC Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Swain, who recently served as interim director of the Mt. Hood Community College SBDC, brings nearly 30 years of success in managing and leading initiatives for business and community development. She succeeds Ron Goss who recently retired after more than a decade with the RCC SBDC.
Swain has extensive training and success in securing funding for small business and regional economic growth. While working for the Mt. Hood SBDC in Gresham, she assisted more than 300 small businesses in all types of industries. During the pandemic, she has helped businesses acquire nearly $4 million in CARES Act emergency loans and grants. She has received national awards for excellence in marketing and branding.
Goss, who served as SBDC director since 2013, retired Jan. 31. He first joined the SBDC in 2009 as coordinator of the Small Business Management program. Last year, Goss received the Cutler Award from the Oregon SBDC Network for exceptional leadership.
The SBDC has another new face. Monica Merrill recently joined the staff as administrative assistant, replacing Dana Jacklin who held the position since 2009. Jacklin retired in January.
For more about the SBDC, visit sbdc.roguecc.edu or contact the center at 541-956-7494 or sbdc@roguecc.edu.