Elinski Named Yavapai College Program Director for SBDC

Longtime Cottonwood resident Ruth-Ellen Elinski has been named program director for the Yavapai College (YC) Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Elinski moved into that position in early August. She earlier had been a certified business analyst at YC, according to a college news release.

In her new role, Elinski will help provide no-cost business consulting services and counsel to help small businesses start, grow or, if necessary, exit their businesses. She will have a support staff of seven people.

Elinski will serve all of Yavapai County with her office located on the Yavapai College Verde Valley campus in Clarksdale.

Elinski has been a certified business analyst for YC SBDC since 2018. She earned a degree in public affairs management from Indiana University, and she also has an associate’s degree in accounting from Northern Arizona University. She is a Fellow in the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership Flinn Brown Academy. At one time, she served in the Peace Corps.

Her husband is Cottonwood Mayor Tim Elinski.

“Ruth-Ellen is the right person at the right time to head the SBDC to new levels of service in our community,” said SBDC Executive Director Richard Hernandez. QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN