Lisa Shimkat

Lisa Shimkat is the Associate Administrator for the Office of Field Operations. She is also serving as the Office of Manufacturing and Trade’s Acting Associate Administrator. 

Previously, Lisa was the state director for Small Business Development Centers in Iowa. She has extensive experience in economic development, having managed a multimillion-dollar revolving loan fund to assist rural entrepreneurs and manufacturers in expanding their businesses, as well as serving as a plant manager for an agricultural rebuilder. 

Lisa earned her Associate of Arts degree from Iowa Central Community College, followed by a Bachelor’s and Master of Business Administration from Iowa State University. She has a long-standing commitment to small business advocacy, previously serving on the Securities and Exchange Commission Advisory Committee on Small and Emerging Companies and currently holding a seat on the Iowa Economic Development Authority Board since 2019. Additionally, she has served three terms on America’s Small Business Development Center, National Association Board, and is an elected member of the Fort Dodge Community School Board of Education.

Her contributions to economic development and entrepreneurship have earned her numerous accolades, including being recognized as a Distinguished Iowa Central Alum and Hall of Fame Inductee in 2022. In 2023, she was honored as a Woman of Influence in Iowa by the Des Moines Business Record.

Lisa is passionate about fostering small business success, ensuring equitable access to SBA programs, and strengthening the national support system for entrepreneurs to thrive and grow.