Staff
Susan Penka
Business Advisor
Email: Susan Penka
Susan Penka joined the Kansas SBDC at Fort Hays State University in 2020 as a Business Advisor, initially serving Northwest Kansas and now supporting entrepreneurs in the Southwest region. She brings over 20 years of experience in public relations, sales, and marketing, combined with practical knowledge gained as a business owner and a novice web designer. Susan holds a BBA in Marketing and a BA in French from Fort Hays State University and is currently pursuing her MBA.
Susan's responsibilities include providing confidential, no-cost, one-on-one advising and consulting to clients at all stages of their business journey, from concept to start-up, existing business, or exit. Susan's goal is to prepare and educate clients to make informed business decisions, ultimately achieving financial success. She is passionate about helping Kansas businesses thrive.
Brenda Hampton
Senior Operations Director
Email: Brenda Hampton
Brenda is located on the campus of FHSU in Hammond Hall. Brenda is a member of the Kansas SBDC Lead Center Team assisting with day-to-day operations. Brenda is the client relationship management system administrator for the Kansas SBDC network, managing data collection, verification, data input and reporting of data. Additional responsibilities are to work with the Kansas SBDC’s regional directors and advisors to be a resource and provide training for our CRM.
Brenda brings over 30 years of experience with administration, supervision, management, public relations, fundraising, planning & development, to the Kansas SBDC position. Previously, Brenda was the Director of Athletics for Iowa Western Community College and recently inducted into both the NATYCAA and NACDA Hall of Fame. She earned her master’s degree in athletic administration from the University of Nebraska and her B.S. and B.A. degrees from Chadron State College.