Phoenix, Arizona: December 10, 2008 -

ASBA, the Arizona Small Business Association, today announced the departure of Chief Executive Officer Joan Koerber-Walker at the end of 2008 per the expiration of her contractual agreement. ASBA's Executive Committee is working expeditiously to conduct a formal CEO search within ASBA spheres of influence to find the right person to assume the Executive leadership position, while Koerber-Walker will focus on new opportunities in 2009 including a more active role at Ribomed Biotechnologies, Inc. where she has served on the board of directors since 2007.

Leslie Barrett, ASBA's Chief Operating Officer and 14 year veteran of the growing association, will assume the senior staff position in the organization, reporting to ASBA's Board of Directors. Barrett joined ASBA in 1994 and was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in 2006.

"We expect to have a very smooth transition due to Joan Koerber-Walker's efforts in her two year tenure. She accomplished a great deal and helped establish a more solid foundation for the ASBA team to execute in 2009," stated Eden Sunshine, ASBA President and President of E-Quest Development Co. "The development of the 2009 strategic plan was a collective effort between the board, leadership and staff, so everyone has a buy-in to implement the plan," Sunshine proclaimed.

"We regret having to perform a CEO search, but remain impassioned to connect Arizona businesses to the information, people, education and resources they need - and fulfill the ASBA mission," stated Stephen Heitz, ASBA Vice President and Director of Interactive Services for The Lavidge Company in Scottsdale.

Ms. Koerber-Walker joined ASBA in December 2006 as CEO of the 3,000 member statewide organization. She was instrumental in streamlining and systematizing operations and technology, raising visibility in the media, adding key sponsors and spreading the word about ASBA's mission to grow Arizona businesses and through them, the Arizona economy. In addition, Koerber-Walker made significant enhancements to the Association Healthcare Plan in 2008 and the ASBA Academy™, ASBA's online learning management system that supports small business workforce development activities through a broad range of on-line courses.

"My two year term as CEO at ASBA has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career," shared Ms. Koerber-Walker. "While I am moving on to new opportunities, I will treasure the relationships with staff, volunteers, and members that have been built over my time in the organization. ASBA has the unique advantage of combining a talented team of staff and member volunteers with the entrepreneurial spark that is the hallmark of every great organization. The partnerships, initiatives, and solutions ASBA brings to our state are more vital now than ever. Joining ASBA as a member company was one of the first things I did when I launched my company, CorePurpose, Inc. in 2002. In the years to come, I know that my business can take full advantage of all of the opportunities ASBA presents its members in connecting to the people, information, and resources we all need to grow."