James Vasquez Joins CSM as Small Business Development Center Regional Director

The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) has named James Vasquez as the new regional director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Southern Region. Vasquez began regional director duties Feb. 10.   

In his new role, Vasquez will lead CSM’s SBDC, which provides no-cost training and professional, confidential business consultation for new and existing businesses in Southern Maryland.  Before joining CSM, Vasquez was working as a start-up business consultant in Charles County and in conjunction with SBDC.   

“James Vasquez is a highly accomplished professional with extensive entrepreneurial, marketing, business development, and project management experience,” said Ellen Flowers-Fields, vice president of Continuing Education and Workforce Development for CSM. “James has a proven track record of success in brand development and customer diversification strategies. He has played a pivotal role in driving efficiency and innovation in his previous roles. Passionate about entrepreneurship and business development, he remains committed to delivering excellence and driving impactful results.”   

“I look forward to leveraging the resources at the College of Southern Maryland to support their work-based learning programs, creating valuable opportunities for students and businesses alike,” Vasquez said. “By aligning SBDC’s mission with CSM’s pillars of success, we can further strengthen our local business ecosystem in our southern region – expanding access to capital, enhancing workforce development, fostering public and private partnerships, advancing innovation, and championing diversity. Together we will drive economic impact, growth, and long-term prosperity in Southern Maryland.”   

“Throughout his career, James has demonstrated strong leadership, problem solving, and strategic planning capabilities,” Flowers-Fields added. “He is known for his ability to develop cutting-edge solutions leading to improved performance results.”   

Vasquez has a master’s degree in Business and Marketing Management, and a bachelor’s degree in Advertising from the New York Institute of Technology.   

Vasquez replaces Wynne Briscoe, who stepped away from the position after eight years as regional director and after earning numerous awards including being named one of Maryland’s 2024 Manufacturing Stars -- to enter semi-retirement. 

To learn more about CSM’s Small Business Development Center, visit https://www.csmd.edu/programs-courses/non-credit/businesses/sbdc.html.