Newsmaker: Catherine Tyson

Noteworthy: The Association of Small Business Development Centers honored Tyson as a Pennsylvania State Star for outstanding client service and dedication to the state's Small Business Development Center program in the past year. Tyson's adaptability and ability to handle complex issues encountered with small-business clients earned her the award, said state Director Christian Conroy.

Age: 61

Residence: Sewickley

Family: Married to husband Ray; six children and three grandchildren

Background: Tyson is a senior management consultant with the Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence at the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh. She joined the institute in 1993 and has provided consulting services to thousands of clients at Pitt's Small Business Development Center.

Education: Bachelor's degree from California University of Pennsylvania

Quote: “I work with people's dreams, and I try to prevent those dreams from becoming nightmares,” said Tyson, who ran her own small business, a natural food store, when she was 25. She sold it when her first child was due to be born. “I wouldn't trade that experience for anything. It helps me understand the risks (entrepreneurs) are taking and the rewards.”