Staff

David Terry

David Terry cofounded the WTAMU Enterprise Center with his mentor, Mr. Don Taylor. David is an entrepreneur and sought-after speaker and trainer. He attained his MBA from West Texas A&M University in 2000, and has received CEG certification in 2009 through Coach University.

In addition to coaching entrepreneurs, David leads the WTAMU Enterprise Center as Executive Director. He is treasurer of the National Business Incubation Association board of directors and a member of its executive committee. In 2009, David was chosen by the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce as a recipient of the inaugural Top 20 Under 40 award for business leaders. He also owns ChopChop Japanese Steakhouse.

Jeff Reid

Jeff Reid is a long-time resident of the Texas Panhandle. His experiences as a banker and small business owner have uniquely positioned him to understand the many issues his clients face on a daily basis. Jeff has received CEG certification in 2010 through Coach University and pursing a Master of Science degree in economic development & entrepreneurship from the University of Houston in Victoria.

In addition to his coaching responsibilities, as Associate Director Jeff manages the Enterprise Center’s day-to-day operations, monitors and evaluates client performance within the incubator program, and assists in the development and implementation of client training programs. He is keenly interested in helping his clients achieve their personal goals.

Cori Burns

Cori Burns has consulted and coached entrepreneurial companies through strategic planning and growth for more than 11 years. She attained an MBA with an emphasis in marketing from West Texas A&M University in 2001 and CEG, professional coaching certification through Coach University in 2010.

Cori coaches entrepreneurs and serves as Marketing Director for the Enterprise Center. She is responsible for all communications, advertising, and program implementation. In addition to her role with the WTAMU Enterprise Center, Cori owns Cori Burns Consulting, an advertising and marketing consulting company that currently serves several healthcare practices, more than 60 individual physicians, and several individual coaching clients.

Ann Stanford

Ann Stanford has been in administrative office management for almost 30 years. She now serves as Administrative Services Coordinator for the WTAMU Enterprise Center, where she is responsible for all administrative services including lease management, building access, bookkeeping, purchasing and vendor relationships, financial reporting, and coordination of the Amarillo EnterPrize Challenge.

Ann was recognized by the Amarillo chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals as member of the year in 2010. Ann and her husband, Steve, own S&M Automotive in Borger, Texas.

Melissa Kalka

Melissa Kalka grew up in an entrepreneurial family in Amarillo. She owned and managed a successful retail store for more than 20 years. Melissa’s unique background provides an added value to clients of the WTAMU Enterprise Center.

In her role as Client Services Coordinator, she is responsible for client communication and reception. She will often be the first person a potential client will encounter. In addition, she is responsible for database management, events and program coordination, and client communication. Melissa is very active in the Amarillo community.

Drew Whipple

Drew Whipple has 10 years’ experience in the construction industry and 22 years’ experience in turf grass/lawn maintenance. He attained a Bachelor of Science degree from West Texas A&M University in 1991.

As a former business owner, Drew can empathize with the needs of entrepreneurs. He
serves as the Facilities Supervisor for the WTAMU Enterprise Center, working diligently to maintain facilities and to create a great working environment for entrepreneurs to start and grow.

Brian Whipple

Brian Whipple received his BBA in Marketing from West Texas A&M University in 2010, and has now filled the position of Program Coordinator at the WT Enterprise Center. In this position, Brian assists in the implementation of the programs at the WT Enterprise Center in order to build the entrepreneurial community. Brian will be starting and managing the coworking space for the WT Enterprise Center, and will be assisting pre-incubation entrepreneurs through early stage trainings and programs. Brian also fills the role of social media manager, and assists in other day-to-day marketing efforts.