Our volunteer advising team is made up of industry authorities with decades of experience and expertise in small business. Are you interested joining the team or know someone who might be? Please contact the SBC Director at 252-638-1088. You can also with one of our team members.
Dr. Jeff Wilke, SBC Director
Dr. Jeff Wilke holds a doctoral degree in business administration and marketing and a master’s degree in business administration. He served 21 years with the United States Navy and is currently the president and owner of Easy Step Solutions, LLC, a consulting company that works closely with the Small Business Administration and small businesses. He is also an adjunct professor at Campbell University and Webster University, both located at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, the latter for which he previously served as director.
Kendall Harris, Business Analyst/Trainer
Kendall Harris has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Management from East Carolina University (ECU). He has more than 20 years of customer service and retail management experience. He spent more than 15 years as a retail store manager for Eckerd Drugs and Rite Aid Pharmacy, managing stores in Pitt and Martin County here in Eastern North Carolina. He served as a resident advisor and student mentor while at ECU and later as a student tutor to a non-traditional student, demonstrating a personal commitment to helping others meet their academic and professional goals.
Kassandra Smith, Business Analyst/Trainer
Kassandra Smith holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. She is an alumni of »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ, where she received her associate in science in Business Administration in 2016. Originally from New Jersey, she has been a resident of »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ County since 1997. She has been working at the SBC since the beginning of 2023, where she contributes her expertise in business administration to support local entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Bruce Simel, Volunteer Advisor
Bruce is passionate about helping entrepreneurs navigate their challenges and seize opportunities. With a background in management, marketing, sales, and finance, along with a solid academic foundation (BA from UNC-Chapel Hill and MBA from Wake Forest), he has a unique blend of practical experience and business expertise. Every business has a unique story, and he is eager to hear yours. Bruce’s approach begins with listening attentively to your challenges and goals. Through collaborative brainstorming, you will develop a strategic roadmap that breaks down your challenges into an actionable plan that drives results. He will help you uncover the resources, knowledge, and strategies needed to achieve your business goals. Having spent years managing radio stations here in Eastern NC and elsewhere, Bruce has worked directly with thousands of small businesses. He is an optimist and thrives on helping clients find and seize opportunities.
Ellen Wilkinson, Administrative Assistant
Ellen joined the Small Business Center as an Administrative Assistant in February 2026, where she provides organizational support, coordinates administrative tasks, and helps ensure the smooth operation of the office. She previously worked at »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ in the Public Radio East offices. Ellen holds an associate degree from Anne Arundel Community College with an emphasis in Administration and Accounting and has continued her education at University of Maryland Global Campus and UNC Charlotte.