Gwynne Rukenbrod Smith specializes in small business growth with an emphasis on creative businesses. Originally trained as a hot glass artist, Gwynne ran a glass business for 7 years before moving solidly into the arts administration side of the craft field. 

Gwynne has served as the first Fine Craft Curator for Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, the Executive Director for the International Society of Glass Beadmakers, HandMade in America, and the Society of North American Goldsmith (SNAG), and the Senior Director of Programs for the American Craft Council.

She has worked with both rural and urban communities teaching her professional development and entrepreneurship workshops across the country over the last 20 years.  Gwynne believes in helping small business owners expand their markets and create sustainable businesses.   Gwynne currently serves as the Business Growth Specialist at Mountain BizWorks and lives in Asheville, NC with her husband and three dogs.