Carolyn Wilburn, Director
Carolyn Wilburn has been with the SBTDC at East Carolina University since its inception in 1985, and has been the Regional Director since June 2005.
Carolyn is a native of Lancaster, South Carolina. She earned an associate degree in business from the University of South Carolina. From 1977-1980, she worked with her husband in historical research in both England and South Africa. East Carolina University brought them to Greenville in 1983. Carolyn obtained her BSBA in Finance and her MBA from ECU.
Carolyn works with prospective and existing business owners in preparing business plans, financial projections, marketing plans, and loan packages. Carolyn particularly enjoys working with individuals that are interested in operating child-care centers.
Mariam Ciesielski, Office Manager
Mariam Ciesielski has been the Administrative Assistant with the SBTDC at East Carolina University since November 1999. She is responsible for providing the public with information, organizing our events, and referring clients to the appropriate service providers.
Originally from Kentucky, Mariam moved to Greenville, NC with her husband and four children. Prior to joining the SBTDC, Mariam worked with a local law firm and has over 20 years of experience as an Executive Secretary and Administrative Assistant.
Debbie Hathaway, Business Counselor
Debbie Hathaway is a native of Pitt County. She went to high school in Rocky Mount and re-located back to Greenville in 1980. She earned a B.S. degree in Business Education from East Carolina University in 1984. After graduation through 1988 Debbie worked with The Center for Applied Technology at East Carolina University. For the last 20+ years, Debbie has owned and consulted with several small businesses in Pitt and Beaufort counties. Debbie lives with her husband, and two children.
Robbie Dunbar, Business Counselor
Robbie received his undergraduate degree from East Carolina University in 1987 and his MBA in 1991. For the past 12 years he has been involved in various finance related positions, including Wachovia bank and most recently the East Carolina Bank. As credit policy officer at ECB, Robbie was in charge of lender training, loan compliance, SBA, and most importantly, loan approvals and reviews on commercial credits.
Robbie lives in Greenville and his wife, Wendy and two children.
Katie Harshberger, Business Counselor
Katie Harshberger is our new NC PTAC counselor located at East Carolina University (ECU). She was born and raised in Michigan, and entered the Air Force in 1987. After training, she served as a Supply Technician until 1998. She then entered the field of contracting where she remained until retirement in 2007. During her 9 years in contracting, she served as buyer, administrator and contracting officer. While she dabbled in commodities and services, she found her niche in construction. The construction contracts ranged from housing to repair to sewer lines and streets to renovation of buildings.
Katie earned a Bachelors of Applied Science degree in Business Management from Mount Olive College, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2003. She also has associate degrees in Logistics and Contracts Management. She currently holds a Level II certification in the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP).
Katie is married and has 2 daughters.
MBA/MSA Interns
MBA/MSA students are provided by the East Carolina College of Business. Students assist counselors in reviewing business plans for potential business start-ups. In addition, students conduct market research and formulate financial forecasts and projections for clients. Each student contributes special knowledge depending on their field of study and work experience.
