UAFS names new ASBTDC director
by March 8, 2025 2:17 pm 886 views
Ty Barrett is director of the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC) Regional Office at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith, the university has announced.
Barrett, 55, will lead efforts to support entrepreneurs and small businesses in the River Valley. His annual salary is $61,200. Bill Sabo left the position in the fall and became the new Director of Economic Development for the City of Shreveport on Nov. 1.
Barrett has more than 30 years experience in finance and community banking, according to a UAFS news release, and he brings expertise in business consulting, loan development, and strategic planning to the ASBTDC. He most recently was president and CEO of Spiro State Bank, where he worked for 27 years, including a decade as chairman of the board.
“I am excited to join the team at the UAFS Center for Economic Development and work with small businesses in the River Valley to ensure that they have the resources and the support they need to establish and grow a successful business,” Barrett said. “The River Valley continues to be a vibrant and growing area of Arkansas for new and existing business opportunities.”
Kendall Ross, associate vice chancellor for economic and workforce development at UAFS, said Barrett’s experience as a bank president and small business owner makes him well-suited to lead the ASBTDC.
“Ty’s leadership in banking and small business ownership gives him a deep understanding of the financial and operational challenges entrepreneurs face, making him the ideal choice to head the ASBTDC Regional Office,” Ross said. “His extensive expertise in business consulting, loan development, and strategic planning aligns seamlessly with the ASBTDC’s mission.”
In addition to his professional career, Barrett has been involved in nonprofit leadership, serving as vice chairman of the Carl Albert State College Development Foundation for more than 15 years and holding leadership roles with the Trinity Catholic School Foundation and Christ the King Catholic School Foundation in Fort Smith.
The ASBTDC provides business consulting, training, and market research services to small businesses and entrepreneurs across the state. The UAFS Regional Office works with businesses in Sebastian, Crawford, Scott, and Polk counties.