CHC ON NOMINATION OF MARIA CONTRERAS-SWEET AS NEXT SBA ADMINISTRATOR
Washington, DC- Today, Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chairman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15) and Congressman Ben Ray Luján, First Vice Chair and Diversity Task Force Chair (NM-03), released the following statements following President Barack Obama's nomination of Maria Contreras-Sweet as the next Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator. If confirmed by the Senate, Maria Contreras-Sweet will become the second Latino serving at the Cabinet-level, joining the Department of Labor's Secretary Tom Perez.
"Maria Contreras-Sweet is an excellent selection to lead the Small Business Administration. She brings to the table extensive experience in both the private and public sector, and a profound commitment to serve the community. Maria Contreras-Sweet is just the right person to direct the SBA given her remarkable personal story and proven track record. She was born in Mexico and served as California's Secretary of the Business, Transportation, and Housing Agency where she managed a multi-billion budget and oversaw a workforce of more than 40,000 employees. The CHC congratulates Maria Contreras-Sweet on her nomination and urges the Senate to act swiftly on her confirmation," said CHC Chairman Rubén Hinojosa.
“Maria Contreras-Sweet is a leader who understands the challenges and unique needs facing small businesses across our country. As the founder of a community bank, Mrs. Contreras-Sweet has supported other small business owners and demonstrates the entrepreneurial spirit that is a source of our nation’s strength. Her distinguished record and depth of knowledge from first-hand experience creating and running a business will serve her and America’s small businesses well in this important role,” said First Vice Chair and Diversity Task Force Chair Ben Ray Luján (NM-03).
Maria Contreras-Sweet is the Founder and Chairwoman of the Board of ProAmérica Bank, a Latino owned community bank focusing on small businesses and non-profits in Los Angeles. She has a distinguished record of public service, having served as the first Latina cabinet secretary in the history of the State of California and overseeing one of the largest state government agencies in the country.