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Ellen Kirton helped Tucson entrepreneurs start and expand their businesses. It was exhibited in 2015 with one of their clients, Ray Montoya of Engineering and Environmental Consultants.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star 2015
Ellen Kirton, longtime director of the Small Business Development Center at Pima Community College, died on Sunday of complications from an illness.
After a long career in banking, Kirton became a director of the Pima County SBDC in 2012.
The SBDC joined the Workforce Development Division of Pima Community College in 2016.
“Through her work to support and inspire entrepreneurs to start, grow and expand their small businesses, Ellen has created lasting economic influence for future generations,” said Pima Community College Chancellor Lee Lambert and other Pima officials in a press release.
Kirton’s family will be planning a memorial service later this spring to celebrate life here, the college said.
Kirton’s 35-year banking career spanned a decade as vice president of Arizona Business Banking at Chase Bank.
After leaving Chase in 2004, Kirton ran a management consultancy and founded EffortlessHR in 2008, which offers an internet-based human resource management program.
She wrote a self-help book called “Cinderella is Still Dancing: 8 Choices That Can Improve Your Life,” which was published in 2009.
Kirton has served on the boards of several local nonprofits, including the Better Business Bureau, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, New Beginnings for Women and Children, and the breast cancer charity Susan G. Komen.
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/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/XGU6SM7T4ND6XMX5IQROUZBVFY.jpg "Tucson Veterans Day Parade canceled due to downtown construction")