OEI Staff
Leadership Team
Phil Shellhammer – Executive Director
An accomplished business executive and serial entrepreneur, Phil leads the Office of Entrepreneurship & Innovation. Phil’s unique blend of experiences allows him to pursue his passion to help other entrepreneurs in their journey from idea to launch. Phil also serves on the boards of Arkansas Athletes Outreach (AAO) and Students Acquiring Knowledge through Enterprise (SAKE).
Deb Williams – Senior Director, Operations & Student Programs
In her role, Deb creates opportunities to connect students to initiatives that give them a practical application for what they learn in the classroom and during workshops or trainings. She oversees the Venture Intern Program and the execution of the Heartland Challenge, a global high-growth startup competition that brings graduate student entrepreneurs to the NWA region. Deb holds a master of science in Counselor Education from the University of Arkansas and is originally from the great state of Iowa.Student & Community Programs
José E. Cartagena Ortiz – Instructional Designer, Training & Workshops
José is a curious learner, art aficionado, avid walker and biker, passionate gardener, and adventurous traveler from Puerto Rico living in NWA. He holds a B.A. Ed. in Visual Arts Education and an M.A. Ed. in Instructional Systems and Educational Technology. With over twenty years of experience in both the public and private sectors, José is passionately committed to designing and delivering exceptional learning solutions centered on the needs of people.
Allie McMurry – Program Assistant
Allie oversees our Office Hours program and provides administrative assistance. She graduated from the University in 2021 with her degree in Marketing. When she is not in office, she is likely adding to her vintage collection or curating items for her vintage shop, Ephemeral Collections.
Ericka Talley – Entrepreneurship Program Manager
Ericka serves as an Entrepreneurship Program Coordinator, bringing experience in inclusive program design, bilingual business consulting, and early-stage founder support. She’s passionate about advancing equitable access through intentional engagement and strategic business development. Ericka holds both a BBA and an MBA from the University of Central Arkansas.
Business Incubation
Elizabeth Quinn – Sr. Program Manager, GORP Around the State
Quinn began her career as an instructor at the U of A, but left to work for a startup focused on food-system based rural economic development. She spent the past several years scaling an e-commerce business owned by Arkansas regenerative livestock farmers. She transitioned to GORP to further economic development by building a program of entrepreneurial support for entrepreneurs focusing on improving access to and enjoyment of one of the state's greatest resources — it’s public land and waterways.Marketing & Communications
Brandon Howard – Communications & Social Media Specialist
Brandon is an experienced communications professional with an extensive background in print and broadcast media. He is an Arkansas native and a proud graduate of the University of Arkansas.
Josh Mast – Media Designer
Josh is a multifaceted creative specializing in layout design and photography. A published poet and artist, he's responsible for many of the pamphlets and handouts we distribute and for some of the signage we use in our programming. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Photography from John Brown University.Operations
Jerra Hill – Associate Director, Operations
Jerra assists with the operations at the Office of Entrepreneurship & Innovation. Originally from North Carolina, Jerra has been with the University of Arkansas for 11 years.
Michelle Mittiga – Operations and Events Coordinator
Michelle is an operations and events professional with experience in museums and live event venues. She is passionate about creating welcoming environments where people can connect and engage. She studied Music Business and Management at Middle Tennessee State University. Outside of the office, you’ll likely find her outdoors or enjoying live music.
Alysia Pera – Fiscal & Operations Analyst
Alysia manages budgeting, financial planning, and operational processes that support all of OEI’s programs and initiatives. She brings a unique service-minded perspective to the role with a background in hospitality management and a bachelor's degree from the Culinary Institute of America.