Ruth Ellen Elinski

Ruth Ellen Elinski is the Associate State Director of the Arizona Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, where she works to strengthen Arizona’s small business ecosystem and expand access to resources that help entrepreneurs launch, grow, and succeed. She brings more than 25 years of experience in business management, economic development, project development, strategic communication, and organizational leadership.

An entrepreneur herself, Ruth Ellen has launched and managed businesses in manufacturing, retail, and destination-based hospitality. She is the co-founder and co-owner of PinDrop® Travel Trailers, an award-winning travel trailer manufacturing company established in 2018 and headquartered in rural and historic Miami, Arizona. PinDrop was named one of America’s Top 100 Small Businesses by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 2024 and recognized among the Top 3 Hottest Things Made in Arizona by the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Prior to her current role, Ruth Ellen served as Director of the Yavapai College SBDC, where she advised entrepreneurs on business planning, financial management, strategic operations, marketing, and access to capital. She has worked extensively with businesses, community organizations, economic development partners, and public-sector leaders to build partnerships and advance sustainable economic growth. She is a new member of the USMCA Small and Medium Enterprise Counselor Network and participated in the Arizona Sustainable Economic Development Learning Lab, a project supported by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).

Ruth Ellen is a Fellow of the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership’s Flinn-Brown Academy and a returned Peace Corps Volunteer. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Policy from Indiana University’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs and an Accounting Certificate from Northern Arizona University. She currently serves on the Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District Governing Board.