Greater Houston Women's Chamber of Commerce

Scott Actkinson is a co-founder and a Managing Director of Statesman´s Lender Services Group where he manages the firm’s field examination and government guaranteed lending services (Statesman is not a CPA firm). Scott is widely regarded as one of the most knowledgeable authorities on government guaranteed loan structuring and packaging in the country. Prior to founding Statesman, Scott operated an independent financial advisory firm working with small businesses. His previous business experience includes serving as a Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for a registered government securities broker-dealer and an environmental waste company. Scott began his career in the audit practice of a Big 4 accounting firm.

Shirley Brooks is Vice President – Operation East Region,36 Counties. Created in 1994, ACCION Texas Inc. has grown to hold the nation’s largest microlending portfolio, disbursing over $125 Million since conception. The nonprofit agency provides small loans and management training to microenterprises of all kinds — from startups to established businesses — and operates in the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee as well as Texas.