CONSULTANTS' BIOGRAPHIES

A.B. Bonner

Mr. Bonner is a consultant with The Federal Technology Center and provides government contract counseling to SBDC clients. He worked for the Defense Contract Management District West for 20 years. During that time he served in various capacities, including Director of the Small Business Program, Small Business Specialist, Procurement Analyst and Contracts Negotiation Team Lead.

Mr Bonner also has 30 years of experience in the Navy where he served as a Logistics and Operations Officer, Naval Procurement Officer, and Command Contracting Officer. He obtained his bachelor of science degree from Alabama State University and his master's in Business Administration from National University.

Dr. Barbara A. Sweet

Dr. Barbara A. Sweet, founder and president of HR Confidential, has more than 19 years of HR executive experience with various sized companies across diverse industries.  She has extensive experience working with all levels of management in the design, development and execution of human resources strategies and initiatives including recruitment and staffing, employee relations, organizational learning, performance management, career development, compensation and benefits, and strategic planning.

Dr. Sweet is also a faculty member at University of Phoenix's MBA Program. She received a doctorate degree in Organizational Leadership from Pepperdine University, an MBA from University of Redlands, and a bachelor's degree in Economics from Rutgers University. 

Dr. Sweet is certified by HR Certificate Institute as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) for her knowledge mastery of that discipline.  She is an affiliated member of the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), and the American Society of Training and Development.  She is an accomplished human resources speaker at meetings and conferences and author of “The Positive Transfer of Learning from Training to Change Behaviors at the Job”.  

Sharon Peterson

Sharon Peterson has over 15 years experience in various marketing and sales roles in Fortune-rated companies such as Avery Dennison, ConAgra Foods, PepsiCo, R.J. Reynolds and General Motors-Hughes Electronics Corporation. She currently serves as President of Peterson Consulting providing marketing services to growing businesses and also serves as a business consultant with the SBDC.

Ms. Peterson holds a master of science degree in Industrial Administration from Carnegie Mellon University and is an adjunct professor at DeVry University and the University of Phoenix. She is currently pursuing her doctorate degree. Ms. Peterson is an expert in assisting businesses with developing business and marketing plans.

Darick Simpson

Darick Simpson's expertise includes, but is not limited to, business leadership development and management, personal development, and business colloboration.