United States Judges
Erik Dithmer
Erik serves as the vice president and general manager of Dell's Small and Medium Business group for North America. Since joining Dell in 1997, Erik has served in numerous leadership roles. Most recently, he was the vice president of U.S. Small and Medium Business sales.
Dr. Mark Schenkel
Mark is assistant professor of entrepreneurship at Belmont University. His research and teaching interests focus on the role entrepreneurial cognition (e.g., opportunity recognition and assessment) and strategic decision-making play in new venture creation, and corporate venturing activities. Mark is also a member of the International Council for Small Business.
Dr. Ayman El Tarabishy
Ayman is the executive director of the International Council for Small Business and a visiting assistant professor at the George Washington University's School of Business. He teaches in the full-time, part-time, and executive MBA programs and leads the primary entrepreneurship and case study methods course for GW Healthcare MBA program.
John Lanier
John serves as senior vice president of operations for the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). He is responsible for the critical functions that support the entire organization in its efforts to safeguard the interests of small-business owner.
