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SCORE Expands Its Leadership Team with New Board Members

On July 10, 2026, SCORE, the largest network of volunteer business mentors in the US and a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), announced the addition of four new members to its Board of Directors. The new members are set to provide valuable insights and experience to help further SCORE's mission of empowering small businesses to thrive.

The new board members—Carlos Blanco, Kelly Spillane, Rachel Wei West, and Sunny Zhang—bring a wealth of expertise from various sectors including technology, finance, entrepreneurship, and artificial intelligence.

New Board Members

• - Carlos Blanco has spent over three decades in leadership roles across high-growth organizations, enhancing partnerships globally. With a strong background in technology and entrepreneurship, he has played pivotal roles at companies like Citrix and Jamf, aiding numerous startups in their growth.
• - Kelly Spillane has dedicated more than 25 years to small business advocacy. As the current head of emerging-brand investments at Whole Foods Market, her experience as a small business advocate for Texas further aligns with SCORE’s objectives of supporting entrepreneurs.
• - Rachel Wei West is known for her venture investment expertise, especially in artificial intelligence and fintech. With a strong advisory background with major firms like Fidelity and Bank of America, she also champions women entrepreneurs through her organization, VentureWomen.co.
• - Sunny Zhang, a seasoned educator and entrepreneur, brings 25 years of insights from behavioral science and technology. As the founder of TrueLeap Inc. and currently developing an AI operating system, her innovative approach continues to drive entrepreneurial growth.

Leadership Statements

Julie Poland, Chair of the SCORE Board, expressed enthusiasm about the new appointments, highlighting how their diverse backgrounds will enhance SCORE's capabilities: "Their perspectives and expertise will guide our growth and improve our resources for entrepreneurs in this fast-evolving business landscape."

The new directors represent a significant augmentation to SCORE's capabilities as they aim to expand support for entrepreneurs nationwide. As SCORE continues to grow, the board's collective experience stands to guide the organization in addressing the needs of small business owners facing contemporary challenges.

SCORE’s Commitment to Entrepreneurs

Since its inception in 1964, SCORE has been instrumental in helping over 20 million entrepreneurs start, grow, and exit their businesses successfully. With a network of 7,000 volunteers in all 50 states, SCORE offers free mentorship, resources, and educational services tailored to meet the varied needs of entrepreneurs.

In addition to the new members, the Executive Committee continues to foster SCORE’s mission with experienced leaders like Vice Chair Julie Christiansen and Secretary Ray Lee, who contribute to strategic decision-making with decades of expertise across various industries.

As SCORE embarks on this new chapter with these remarkable leaders, they reaffirm their dedication to equipping small businesses with the tools, knowledge, and mentorship necessary to navigate the complexities of today’s economy. To learn more about the services offered or to find a mentor, visit SCORE.org and join a community committed to entrepreneurial excellence.