MIDDLETOWN, RI (June 10, 2026) |
Small Business Collective (SBC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Darya Blout, Founder and CEO of Deep Blue Composites, to its Board of Directors.
Blout brings extensive experience in advanced manufacturing, engineering, and entrepreneurship to SBC’s Board of Directors. As founder and CEO of Deep Blue Composites, a Bristol-based advanced composites manufacturer, Blout has built the company from the ground up into a trusted partner for defense, dual-use, and autonomous maritime applications. Under her leadership, the company has grown from tooling and design services to full-scale production, executing programs with defense partners, universities, and emerging autonomous systems companies.
"Darya brings a rare combination of technical expertise, entrepreneurial grit, and genuine commitment to helping others succeed," said Mollie Frazer Williams, Executive Director of SBC. "She has built an impressive company here in Rhode Island while remaining deeply engaged in the broader business community. We are thrilled to welcome her to the board and look forward to the perspective and leadership she will bring as SBC continues to grow."
Blout holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Ocean Engineering from the University of Rhode Island and brings more than a decade of hands-on experience in structural engineering, manufacturing operations, and technical program development.
A passionate advocate for the region’s blue economy and advanced manufacturing sectors, Blout is committed to fostering stronger relationships with founders, researchers, manufacturers, and support organizations. Through her service on the SBC Board of Directors, she will help advance the organization's mission of creating a more connected, accessible, and supportive environment for small businesses across Southern New England.
"I've spent the last several years building a company in Rhode Island and I know firsthand how much it matters to have the right people around you," said Blout. "Too often, small businesses are doing impressive work in isolation. SBC is building the kind of community where that changes, and I'm excited to be part of it."
