Jodi Henson

Jodi Henson is a champion of small-business success, blending high-stakes corporate strategy with the authentic "boots-on-the-ground" experience of a local business owner. In her role as Associate Director of Consulting, Jodi leads a dedicated team of consultants across the 18-county region, ensuring they deliver the highest-caliber 1:1 advisory services, community outreach, and specialized training for entrepreneurs.

Jodi’s career is defined by navigating volatility and driving growth. Her tenure in the telecommunications industry honed her ability to lead through complexity. At BellSouth, she spearheaded the most successful product launch in the company’s century-long history, earning a J.D. Power Award for excellence. This corporate rigor, combined with her later experience as a VP of Sales, provided a masterclass in scaling operations and driving market penetration.

It was her move to northeast Florida in 2011 that solidified her passion for the SBDC mission. As the owner of a local franchise, Jodi experienced firsthand the "exhilarating and grueling" reality of small business. Having navigated the path from launch to profitability and community job creation, she possesses a rare empathy for the founders she now serves.

Today, Jodi leverages her extensive business acumen to oversee the SBDC’s consulting operations.  A dedicated mentor to both CEOs and her own staff, Jodi is committed to fostering a thriving business ecosystem in north Florida. In addition to her leadership role at the SBDC, she serves as an adjunct professor for the University of North Florida Coggin College of Business.  Jodi leads the classroom through experiential learning, giving her students front-row access to entrepreneurship, marketing, and consulting through collaboration with SBDC clients.

"The resources the SBDC brings to the table are life-changing for a founder," Jodi says. "My mission is to ensure our team delivers those tools with the precision and passion that every small business owner deserves."