ENtrepreneurship

Director of Entrepreneurship

Cynthia Terry

Cynthia Terry, Director of Entrepreneurship, joined Communities Unlimited (CU) as a Management Consultant in 2004 and became the E-Team’s Director in 2016. She oversees fundraising, partner relationships, and daily operations, leading a team across CU’s seven-state service area.

The Entrepreneurship Program supports businesses at every stage, offering tailored one-on-one consulting, webinars, workshops, and an on-demand learning platform with 30+ courses. Its core focus is problem-solving growth challenges, developing strategic plans, and implementing solutions alongside business owners.

Cynthia has led key initiatives, including MEMShop, a retail popup model with the City of Memphis, and CU’s Wealth Builder program, helping entrepreneurs set realistic wealth-building goals. A lifelong small business advocate, she has also supported her husband’s business for 20 years. Cynthia holds an MBA and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Memphis and has been a licensed Tennessee attorney since 2003.

Area Director

Brian Wells

Brian Wells, Area Director for Communities Unlimited (CU), works with rural communities, small businesses, and entrepreneurs to solve problems and grow through consulting and innovative lending programs.

He began his career as a command pilot in the United States Air Force and later served as Chief Financial Officer for a multi-line firm. His diverse experience helps him develop practical, tailored solutions for clients. Brian holds degrees in Mathematics and Accounting from the University of Arkansas and an MBA in Finance from Indiana University Bloomington.

Area Director

Dale Rutherford

Dale Rutherford joined Communities Unlimited (CU) as a Senior Management Consultant in 2021. He is based in Little Rock, Arkansas, and is now an Area Director. Dale works with clients to develop financial models and budgets for both existing and startup businesses. He conducts assessments to identify client needs, solve challenges, and create actionable plans to achieve their goals.

In addition to being a published author, Dale holds a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification. He earned both his MBA and Bachelor of Science in Management from Henderson State University.

Area Director

Marnell Love

Marnell Love, an Area Director based in Memphis, Tennessee, joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in 2020. He supports small business owners and entrepreneurs with one-on-one guidance to help them grow and sustain their businesses.

He also serves as a chaplain for the Sardis Fire Department in Mississippi and provides care to hospital and palliative care patients. Marnell holds degrees in Accounting and Business Management, an MBA in Finance, a Master of Science in Industrial Management, and a Doctor of Education in Management and Employee Training Practices.

Senior Management Consultant

Rhett Douglas

Rhett Douglas, a Senior Management Consultant located in Memphis, Tennessee, joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in October 2020. He works with small businesses and entrepreneurs to prepare financial and operational plans for clients, conduct webinars on digital marketing and corporate structure, and assess small businesses for loan readiness.

Rhett comes from a business background, having successfully launched, and promoted two new franchise concepts in Collierville, Tennessee. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Concentration with a minor in Business from Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas. He has a Master of Business Administration in Sales-Marketing from Christian Brothers University in Memphis, Tennessee.

Management Consultant

Trent Thomason

Trent Thomason, MBA, joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in January 2023 as a Management Consultant. He works with small businesses to identify challenges, build capacity, and connect them to funding and training opportunities.

Trent has more than a decade of experience as an entrepreneur, including launching Fit Camp Austin and Enlightened Eating seminars. He previously worked in event logistics and tour management. He holds an MBA in Finance from the University of Texas Permian Basin.

Training Coordinator

Latoyia Morgan

Latoyia Morgan, Training Coordinator, joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in September of 2021. Latoyia works alongside business management consultants to develop course content. She also coordinates and facilitates training and other events and assists in providing advice and services to business clients.

Latoyia has a previous background in training. Latoyia received her MBA in Human Resources from the University of Phoenix-online. Before coming to CU, she served as a Training Coordinator for Agape Child and Family Services in Memphis.

Management Consultant

LaKetter Cannon

LaKetter Cannon started Communities Unlimited (CU) as a Management Consultant in November of 2022. She assists aspiring and existing business owners in starting and growing their business. LaKetter helps them with business plans and financial forecasts.  

LaKetter has been a Diversion and Inclusion Specialist for the United States Army Joint Forces in Jackson, Mississippi, since 2021. She has an MBA from William Carey College in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. 

Senior Management Consultant

James Custer

James Custer, Senior Management Consultant, joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in 2023 and was promoted to his current role in 2024. He supports complex, time-sensitive cases and manages special projects for the Entrepreneurship Team.

James provides one-on-one consulting to help business owners strengthen financial and operational skills, while also developing training materials and a QA/QC program for the team. He holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from West Texas A&M University and is based in Amarillo, Texas.

Management Consultant

Joe Meszaros

Joe Meszaros, MBA, joined Communities Unlimited (CU) as a Management Consultant in February 2026. He works with small businesses across Northwest Arkansas to identify challenges, connect entrepreneurs with funding and training opportunities, and help guide businesses toward long-term success.

Before joining CU, Joe served as a Senior Economist with S&P Global Commodity Insights and previously held leadership roles with Simmons Prepared Foods in Siloam Springs. He also operated J. Meszaros & Associates, a consulting firm focused on product development and brand strategy for small- and mid-sized companies.

Joe holds an MBA in Marketing from Tulane University Freeman School of Business and a Bachelor of Arts in Government from St. Lawrence University.

Associate Management Consultant

Ariana Palmer

Ariana Palmer, Associate Management Consultant, joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in March 2026. In her role, she supports small businesses and entrepreneurs by providing outreach, training, and one-on-one consulting to help them strengthen operations, improve financial management, and grow sustainably. She also assists in developing partnerships, facilitating workshops, and contributing to training content that equips business owners with practical tools and skills.

Prior to joining CU, Ariana served as a Program Coordinator with EforAll Northwest Arkansas, where she worked closely with entrepreneurs to support business development initiatives.