Pelosi Statement on Nomination of Maria Contreras-Sweet to be SBA Administrator

Contact: Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement after President Obama announced he will nominate ProAmerica Bank CEO Maria Contreras-Sweet to join his cabinet as the head of the Small Business Administration:

“America’s small businesses are powerful engines of innovation, job creation, and economic growth.  In nominating Maria Contreras-Sweet to join his cabinet as the Secretary of the Small Business Administration, President Obama has chosen an experienced and creative leader who will ensure our nation’s entrepreneurs and small businesses have the tools they need to thrive.

“A proud Californian, Ms. Contreras-Sweet developed her keen business sense and executive skill as the Golden State’s first Latina and longest-serving Administrator of Business, Transportation, and Housing.  In those five years, she managed 14 different departments and 40,000 employees in her efforts to ensure California’s financial institutions and public infrastructure worked to foster a strong environment for business.  She later founded ProAmerica Bank, the first Latino-owned business bank in Los Angeles, providing financial investment and education that empowers Latino entrepreneurs in the Los Angeles region.

“Ms. Contreras-Sweet’s passion, expertise, and unwavering dedication to the success of our small business community will make her an invaluable voice in the President’s cabinet.  Her leadership and significant contributions will stand as a testament to a tried-and-true American principle: When women have a seat at the table, Americans will reap the benefit.  When women succeed, America succeeds.”

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