Nora serves as a business consultant for the UGA SBDC in Rome. She has a diverse background with extensive experience in management, human resources, manufacturing, quality assurance, and accounting/tax planning. Prior to joining the SBDC, Nora worked for a fortune 500 manufacturing company, an international software/education company, and operated her own consulting firm. 

Nora was born in Michoacán, Mexico but moved to North Georgia at age 12. She attended high school in Rome and received her undergraduate and MBA from Shorter University.  When not at work, Nora continues to pursue her passion for helping others.  In 2010, she founded a non-profit entity, Casa Michoacán, with the mission of enhancing the wellbeing of the community through enhancements in infrastructure.   Nora is fluent in both English and Spanish. 

Education 

• MBA, Shorter University (Management) 
• BS,  Shorter University  (Business Administration) 

Certifications 

• QuickBooks Pro Advisor 
• Bookkeeping, American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers  
• Immigration Law Certificate University of Georgia 

Experience 

• UGA SBDC (Business Consultant) 
• NG Consulting, LLC (Owner CEO) 
• Shaw Industries (Training Manager ) 
• Wolters Kluwer (Tax and Accounting) 

Accomplishments

• Coordinated/led product-planning process between product manager, marking and sales departments.  
• Developed first Spanish language AIPB bookkeeping certification course for Wolters Kluwer. 
• Concept development, launch, and funding of a non-profit which funded infrastructure projects in Michoacán, Mexico. 

Leadership

• 20 under 40 for the Rome Life Magazine in 2016 

Mr. Montanaro brings more than 20 years of experience as a senior executive to his role as an SBDC area director. Montanaro’s industry experience includes textile and apparel manufacturing, specialty chemical manufacturing, and investment banking/consulting with responsibility for facilities and relationships in the US, Mexico, Central America/Caribbean, Spain, Northern South America and China.

Mr. Montanaro grew up in North Georgia attending high school in Dalton, receiving his undergraduate from Berry College in Rome, GA and receiving his MBA from Kennesaw State University. While Richard has spent the last several years working across the United States and internationally, he has always maintained his home in North Georgia. Mr. Montanaro speaks both English and Spanish fluently and is learning Brazilian Portuguese.

Matt’s previous work experience includes financial management positions in the computer, freight/logistics and investment management industries. He also owned a business in northwest Georgia. He has worked in the Fortune 100, international business, and start-up operations. He brings an extensive background in the areas of financial planning and analysis, general management, business modeling, cash management, management reporting, taxes, sale & acquisition of businesses, and payroll & personnel management. With this broad background and perspective, he is able to help his clients determine the best course of action for their businesses or situations.

Emily serves as the Program Coordinator for the UGA SBDC in Rome. She has a background in event planning and public speaking, having hosted events for up to 800 attendees and 30 staff under her supervision. As a student at Toccoa Falls College, Emily held elected positions, such as Student Government Association President and Vice President. In these roles she gained extensive experience in organizational leadership and teamwork.

Having grown up under the wing of an entrepreneurial father, who owns a catering business for 25+ years, Emily has a first-hand knowledge of challenges and rewards of running a small business. She values community involvement and enjoys her role as liaison to the 13 North Georgia counties served by the Rome Office of the SBDC.

Education

• BS, Toccoa Falls College (Communication Studies)

Experience

• UGA SBDC (Program Coordinator)
• Event Specialist (WinShape Camps)

Accomplishments

• Managed team of 16 specialty positions (WinShape Camps)
• Championed new initiative to be implemented College-wide and written into the TFC Student Handbook (Toccoa Falls College)