Professional Business Training | Entrepreneurial Assistance and Training

Executive Director - Jerry Ross

Jerry Ross is an experienced entrepreneur and businessman whose two decades of experience include leadership positions with AT&T, Ohio Bell, and Goal Systems Software. His local entrepreneurial ventures include Sky-Tracker of Florida, Semco Properties and Maverick Business Magazine.

Jerry was selected in a nationwide search to become the Executive Director of the Disney Entrepreneur Center located in Orlando, Florida. The Entrepreneur Center is a unique public/private partnership, and is home to 11 business support organizations who are dedicated to the development and growth of businesses throughout Florida.

Jerry has been called a “virtual business incubator” and “a small business grower” by the Orlando Business Journal for his entrepreneurial success and his on-going support of the small business community. He has been nominated for small businessman of the year by the Seminole County Chamber of Commerce, has published numerous articles on small business, and is a frequent guest on business radio.

Jerry speaks for business conventions throughout the U.S. and has participated in business conferences as far away as Merida, Mexico and Cairo, Egypt. He has an MBA from Dayton University and is a Certified Business Consultant from the University of Central Florida and he calls Orlando home.

Read the Director's Blog! Click here to see what Jerry has to say!

Assistant Director - Julie Matthews

Julie A. Matthews was named Assistant Director of the Disney/SBA National Entrepreneur Center (NEC) in Orlando, Florida in August 2005. In August 2007, Ms. Matthews served on the project team that facilitated the rebranding of the NEC to the Disney Entrepreneur Center (DEC). As Assistant Director of the DEC, she manages the daily operations of the center. This includes fiscal & facility management, grants management, strategic planning, human resource management, client coordination, community outreach and assists in the implementation of specialty programs and services. Additionally, Ms. Matthews voluntarily worked as Interim Director from March 2006 until Feb 2007 while a national search for a permanent director was conducted. Today, Ms. Matthews works closely with the DEC Executive Director to ensure the Mission & Vision of the DEC is being served and creating a positive impact on Central Florida's small business community.

Ms. Matthews joined the University of Central Florida in October 2003 as the Program Coordinator for the Downtown Orlando Technology Incubator. She oversaw the design & build-out of the 4,000 square foot facility, as well as marketing and promotional activities, client coordination and general facility management. Ms. Matthews served as the UCF Technology Incubator's On-site representative to the Disney/SBA National Entrepreneur Center (NEC) and represented them on the NEC's management board since inception of the Center in June 2004.

Ms. Matthews is the immediate past Program Manager for the Florida Business Incubation Association (FBIA), an organization which provides information and program development to support the growth and operation of business incubation in the State of Florida.

Currently, Ms. Matthews serves as a Director on the Board for the National Association of Woman Business Owners (NAWBO) Orlando Chapter. Ms. Matthews is also serving as Program Chair for the chapter helping to ensure members stay engage in the mission of NAWBO as well as connecting them to opportunities to help grow their businesses.

Ms. Matthews was born in Indianapolis, Indiana and received her Associates Degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Small Business Management from Valencia Community College in Orlando, Florida; Ms. Matthews has over 18 years of practical business experience. She is married to an entrepreneur, which has given her first hand knowledge of the daily challenges that small business owners face. In her down time she loves boating, fishing and scuba diving as well as spending time with her family.

Facilities Scheduler - Pam Turlington

Pamela G. Turlington joined the Disney Entrepreneur Center in January 2007. She works closely with the Directors to assist with administrative support, office management, and special projects. Her key responsibilities are to assist clients, Service Providers, and all organizations that enter the DEC. This includes scheduling training seminars, meetings and networking events held at the DEC.

Ms. Turlington graduated with an Associates of Science Degree at Brevard Community College in Melbourne, Florida. Before coming to the Disney Entrepreneur Center, Pam worked for CNA Commercial Insurance. During those eight years, she was the primary liaison for 51 agencies and assisted senior underwriters with one of the largest books of business in the company. She was responsible for securing, pricing and retaining commercial accounts within an assigned territory. Pam has over 25 years in the administrative field.

Meet The Staff

Read the Director's Blog! Click here to see what Jerry has to say!