U.S. SourceLink names new director

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U.S. SourceLink welcomed a familiar face as its new leader.

U.S. SourceLink, a nationwide resource network for entrepreneurs, announced Thursday that it hired Rob Williams as its director. U.S. SourceLink is the parent organization of KCSourceLink, a group that provides support and resources to Kansas City area entrepreneurs.

Williams, a previous U.S.SourceLink affiliate with IASourceLink, is already familiar with the collaborative work required in his new role. U.S.SourceLink As an affiliate at the University of Iowa, Williams was part of a team that developed and later scaled statewide programs such as Dream Big Grow Here and Iowa Business Concierge, which assists entrepreneurs with launching a business. He has also been active in building and growing entrepreneurial ecosystems.

“I am elated to be joining the U.S.SourceLink team,” Williams said in a release. “I look forward to collaboratively working with all of our partners to continue to improve the way entrepreneurs are able to find and access resources all across the country.”

In his role as director, Williams will lead both affiliate program relations and implement new projects. He also will help U.S.SourceLink expand into new cities throughout the nation, with the first expansion in Baltimore, Md. Additionally, he will work with U.S.SourceLink clients to develop and strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems in their respective communities.

Maria Meyers, founder of both U.S.SourceLink and KCSourceLink, praised Williams’ work.

“Rob has been able to hit the ground running,” she said. “He has been a ‘SourceLinker’ for a long time, bringing lots of experience from IASourceLink. Right now he is deeply involved introducing himself to other U.S.SourceLink communities and helping them improve the environment for their entrepreneurs.”

U.S.SourceLink is a national organization designed stimulate economic growth through entrepreneurial empowerment and small business support. With over 20 active networks across the country, U.S.SourceLink continues to grow in the Midwest, with affiliated networks including AKSourceLink, IASourceLink, KCSourceLink, MOSourceLink, and NetWork Kansas.