Bill Boone is the Entrepreneur Development Specialist with the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center. He leads the SBDC’s Agribusiness Team, orchestrates the Veteran’s programs, and provides business development expertise, mostly focused in rural Georgia.

Bill is a native of Sylvester, Georgia, and graduated from Worth County High School. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Auburn University in 1972 and his Masters Degree in management from Salve Regina College in 1983. He joined the Navy as an Ensign in 1972 and served his country as a Naval Aviator for 26 years, achieving the rank of Captain.

Following his distinguished naval career, he and his family returned to Georgia where he served as Senior Project Manager for Garrett Environmental Consulting, Executive Director for the Worth County Economic Development Authority, Director of the Georgia Center of Innovation for Agribusiness, and Special Project Manager for the Georgia Department of Agriculture.

Bill also started his own company, AgriConnect, a full-service agribusiness development company based in Sylvester, GA. As President and CEO of AgriConnect, Bill brought over 10 years of experience in agribusiness projects, rural economic development and workforce development, specializing in business development, leadership, project management and process improvement.

Bill is married to the former Kay Sikes of Poulan, Ga. They reside in Sylvester, and have four children and seven grandchildren.

Education

• BS, Auburn University
• MBA, Salve Regina College (Management)