WORCESTER—Thomas A. Herald has been named the regional director of Clark University’s Small Business Development Center.
According to an announcement, Herald replaces Robert P. Spellane, and began his post on Nov. 13. Herald leads the Center’s initiatives, guiding and supporting aspiring and existing small business owners, as well as Clark students.
“I have the greatest job ever,” Herald said in a statement. “I get to coach entrepreneurs and students daily and help them develop their version of the American Dream. I am excited to work with a talented team of advisors and professionals across Central Massachusetts to ensure this region of the Commonwealth remains a premiere location for innovation and sustainable business.”
Thomas Herald has helped launch and grow more than 100 small businesses and several community-based service organizations over the course of his career, sharing his leadership development, strategic planning, team building, and sales and marketing expertise with business owners in greater Worcester.
He also served as the senior business advisor to SBDC and is an adjunct faculty member at Clark’s School of Management, as well as the CEO and co-founder of Herald and Associates and executive coach to CEOs at Vistage Worldwide, among a list of positions and accomplishments related to the business world. Herald also spent nine years as an officer and squadron commander in the U.S. Air Force before dedicating himself to helping small business owners.
“Tom brings a wealth of business acumen to this office,” said David Jordan, interim dean for the School of Management, in a statement. “He has been remarkable in his efforts to support small businesses in Central Massachusetts and has mentored many students in the School of Management as part of the consulting work offered by the SBDC. I’m confident Tom will be an asset not only to business owners in our region, but to the entire MSBDC network.”
Herald received his bachelor’s degree from Indiana University Bloomington and his MBA from the University of West Florida College of Business.
The Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network comprises six regional offices and several specialty centers located strategically throughout Massachusetts. SBDC business advisors foster the start, growth, and sustainability of small businesses by providing high-quality, in-depth advising, training, and capital access and connecting clients to the community, including chambers of commerce, community development corporations, and economic development organizations.
