Our Staff  

Our Staff

Jim Thomas, Project Operator

Mr. Thomas is the MBEC™ Project Operator and specializes in general management and organizational and administrative systems assistance.

Jim is an economic developer with a background as a commercial loan officer. His 16-year career in the banking industry has provided him with extensive experience in small business and community economic development. As founder and Executive Director of Community Capital Development’s nonprofit organizations since 1997, he has been responsible for establishing strategic and operating plans and budgets. His work has enabled the organization to achieve its mission of developing new entrepreneurs, creating jobs, growing loan funds, and nurturing business assistance programs. Jim has built lasting relationships with investors, supporters, and partners as well as with the general public and community development organizations.

Jim earned his undergraduate (BA) and graduate degree (MBA) in Business Administration at the University of Washington in Seattle.

Victor Valdez, Project Director

Mr. Valdez is the Project Director for the MBEC™. He specializes in supplier diversity, marketing and assists with financial packaging.   Most recently he served six years as the President of the Northwest Minority Business Council.

He brings a strong background in minority business development and international trade.   He was an International Sales Manager at Johnson International Company. Prior to coming to Seattle, he spent several years as the Associate Director with the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, managing a variety of economic development programs. 

Linda Koenes, Program Manager

Linda Koenes is the Vice-President and Project Manager for the MBEC™.  She has been a Certified Business Advisor for over four years, working with entrepreneurs throughout all areas of business and in throughout all industries. 

With over 18 years of personal business experience, Linda is able to assist businesses in areas including financial analysis, strategic planning, marketing, management, funding and more.

Having previously owned, operated and sold a successful business, Linda has hands-on knowledge, resources and training expertise to assist entrepreneurs with their business growth and success.  While working with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Linda assisted her clients with achieving millions of dollars in financial growth.

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