Oregon Chamber Member Connect (AM) - January 2025

Heather Ferguson is a dedicated learning and development professional with a proven track record of empowering entrepreneurs and busy professionals to transition into new roles, develop critical skills, and navigate complex topics with confidence. She excels at creating engaging and actionable learning experiences tailored to meet diverse learner needs.

As Program Manager at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Heather works to design, deliver, and refine educational programs that address the evolving needs of adult learners. Whether she is teaching, facilitating, or working alongside a subject matter expert to co-create the best learning experience, Heather prioritizes approaches that include real-world examples, thought-provoking questions, and engaging small-group discussions. 

She works closely with the SBDC business consulting team to stay attuned to client experiences and incorporates direct participant feedback, emerging entrepreneurial trends, and real-world client concerns into the SBDC’s programs to ensure they remain relevant and impactful. She also informs and engages clients and stakeholders through curated newsletters, an active social media presence on Facebook and LinkedIn, and the Center’s website.

Heather also received an inaugural national ASBDC 40 Under 40 award in 2022, and was nominated for Wisconsin SBDC State Star in 2021 and 2024. She has a B.A. in English and Journalism from Northern Illinois University and an M.S.Ed. in Higher Education from Western Illinois University.