Dr. Mercedes Sanchez-Moore Appointed as Director of International Trade at the New York SBDC

New York, NY – The New York Small Business Development Center (NYSBDC) proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Mercedes Sanchez-Moore as its new Director of International Trade. In her new role, Dr. Sanchez-Moore will oversee the organization and management of statewide SBDC international business and trade services, extending essential support to New York-based companies that work with the SBDC.

Sonya Smith, State Director of the New York Small Business Development Center, said: “Mercedes’s experience is vast and incredibly impressive. We believe she will be critical in re-imagining and opening international trade opportunities for NYSBDC clients and connecting them to a global network and supply chain. We are lucky to have her on board to help build our International Trade Program’s future and work with our incredible partners across the state.”

A bilingual English/Spanish professional and a native of Spain, Dr. Sanchez-Moore boasts an impressive background in international economic development. Her extensive experience encompasses international trade development, foreign direct investment attraction, small business development, and retention and expansion strategies. She earned her Ph.D. and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus on International Business from The Ohio State University and her Master’s in Business Administration from Capital University, graduating with Summa Cum Laude Honors.

With a track record spanning over two decades in international and economic development both in the U.S.A. and Spain, Dr. Sanchez-Moore’s prior roles include International Trade Manager at VEDP in Virginia, Director of the Central Ohio Latino Small Business Development Center, International Trade Manager at the City of Mentor and the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, Director of the SBDC International Trade Assistance Center of Central Ohio, and International Counselor for the Agency of Economic Development of Murcia, Spain.

Aaron Miller, SBDC Director of International Business Development at George Mason University, said: “I have had the chance to work with Mercedes for the last two years and am impressed by her knowledge of business and trade, her collaborative spirit and follow through, and her go-getter mentality. She brings a lot of energy and a very practical skillset to business consulting. Her advice is applicable across a wide range of sectors.”

She has undertaken rigorous training in export and import development, operations, and compliance throughout her career. Among her many certifications, Dr. Sanchez is a NASBITE Certified Global Business Professional, an Ohio Certified Economic Developer, and a Certified Business Advisor of Small Business Development Centers.

In addition to her work and education, Dr. Sanchez-Moore has been actively involved in building the communities that she has been a part of. She has served on the Board of Directors of the Ohio Economic Development Association, held the position of Vice President with the Columbus Importers and Brokers Association (CIBA), and functioned as Secretary of the Board for the Columbus Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

About the New York Small Business Development Center (NYSBDC)

The NYSBDC works closely with other state economic development agencies, host institution faculty and students, and private industry and business representatives to focus resources on helping small businesses and entrepreneurs. The NYSBDC emphasizes counseling and training services for women, veterans, people with special needs, and minority clients. Its work also includes connecting potential employers with job placement offices on SUNY campuses. This effort links SUNY students and alumni to jobs in the community.

The NYSBDC’s full-time professional business advisors undergo rigorous professional certification to keep their business knowledge up-to-date and their counseling skills sharp. The services of the New York SBDC Research Network—one of the country’s most advanced business information resources—augment advisors’ skills. The Research Network, located in Albany, New York, provides NYSBDC business advisors with the latest economic, demographic, regulatory, and other data that impacts small business success.

Established in 1984, the NYSBDC has worked with more than 576,000 businesses, helping them to invest $8.4 billion in the state economy and create more than 262,000 jobs.

To learn more about the NYSBDC, visit nysbdc.org.