The Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network wishes to recognize Paul Johnson, former Associate State Director and Program Manager for the SBDC’s Cyber Program for the last three years, for his leadership and commitment to business owners across the Equality State. As this impactful chapter draws to a close, Paul and the now-completed Cyber program leave behind a strong legacy to be built upon.
Paul earned his Master’s in Communications from the University of Wyoming in 2017. He spent most of his career in educational publishing before joining the SBDC in May 2019 as the team’s Associate State Director through 2023.
In 2023, the Small Business Administration (SBA) began requiring SBDCs to offer cybersecurity advising services. When a grant-funded opportunity became available and was awarded, the Wyoming SBDC Network Cybersecurity for Small Businesses Program was established, focusing on cybersecurity certification, readiness, prevention, and recovery.
Under Paul’s guidance, the initiative transformed daunting technical language into practical, actionable defense mechanisms for businesses across Wyoming. The program’s impact spans over 40 educational webinars and over 100 personalized advising engagements.
“We estimate that the monetary impact of the program is easily over $520,000 in cost savings due to the prevention of cyber-attacks, attainment of government contracts, and direct mitigation to avoid cyber scams,” Paul says. “Beyond direct financial metrics, the focus remained squarely on building long-term awareness and readiness.”
This spirit of collaboration extended across the program team, fostering an environment where innovation and accessibility thrived. Marree Reed, a Web Accessibility Specialist for the University of Wyoming who served as an assistant in the Cyber Program, underscored the rewarding nature of the team’s mission and culture.
“Working with Paul and the team has been one of the best parts of this job,” Marree shared. “He is a great leader, and I could not have asked for a better team to work with.”
Together, the team tackled emerging security concerns - ranging from password hygiene and social engineering to the burgeoning complexities of artificial intelligence - ensuring local entrepreneurs felt supported in a rapidly developing field of critical importance.
Throughout his tenure, Paul consistently championed the unwavering resolve of local business owners, while reminding them of the irreplaceable value of human connection and expert guidance. Reflecting on the broader scope of his work and the spirit of entrepreneurship, Paul observed, “Single-mindedness is the special sauce of entrepreneurship, but that laser-focused vision can sometimes make you feel alone or like you are wearing too many hats.” He noted that while modern digital tools and AI offer quick answers, leaning on real human expertise is what truly lightens the load and drives sustainable success.
P.J. Burns, Regional Director for the Wyoming SBDC Network, highlighted Paul’s lasting impact as a mentor and colleague. “It has been such a pleasure working alongside Paul over the last six years. He provided guidance, insight, and mentorship that helped me grow in my role. I am truly grateful for all the memories, conversations, laughs, and experiences we’ve shared.”
As Paul prepares for his next chapter which will include well-deserved leisure time with family alongside pursuits in youth vocational development and hunger relief, the foundation laid by the Cyber Program surely sets the standard for great work to come. Thanks to dedicated leadership like Paul’s, strong partnerships like CyberWyoming, and a passionate team, Wyoming’s small business community stands better equipped to face the digital future with confidence.
Please join us in thanking Paul for his service to Wyoming’s entrepreneurs and our communities! Best wishes on your next adventure!
