Additional Obama Appointments
Karen Mills - Administrator, Small Business Administration
Venture Capital Expert
Founding Partner, Solera Capital equity firm
Former Economic Advisor, Governor John Baldacci, Maine
Nominated: December 19, 2008
Obama’s comments:
“A venture capitalist who invests in small businesses, Karen understands the challenges faced by both small-business owners and the workers they employ. With a background in the private sector and experience helping Maine’s governor promote growth across the state, I am confident that Karen will lead an SBA that will not only help small-business owners realize their dreams, but help our nation rebuild our economy.”
—The Washington Post
Others’ comments:
“One prominent SBA critic doesn’t believe Mills deserves even a honeymoon when she takes control of the agency.
“‘On day one she needs to start solving the SBA’s number one problem, which is the diversion of federal small business contracts to corporate giants,’ said Lloyd Chapman, president of the American Small Business League, which has been battling the SBA over the awarding of federal contracts. ‘We’re concerned Mills, a venture capitalist, will support policies that will divert even more small business contracts to companies owned by venture capitalists.’”
—Long Island Business News
Sworn in: April 6, 2009
Appointment Impact:
“‘Through budget cuts and mismanagement during the last eight years, the SBA has become nothing more than a shell of the agency it used to be,’ said Nydia Velázquez, the U.S. House Committee chairwoman. ‘Reversing this course is essential….’”
—The Washington Post
“Small business advocates are hoping she’ll stick around a little longer than her predecessors.
“Thomas Shinick also hopes she can redress the grievances of local small business owners. ‘There are a lot of frustrations out there,’ said Shinick, who teaches courses in small business at Adelphi University and is chairman of the university’s School of Business Advisory Board.
“‘There has been a lack of communication from the SBA to small businesses, Shinick said. ‘A lot of them aren’t even aware of what the SBA does for them,’ he said. In addition, past sudden changes at the top have triggered a sense of futility within the population the SBA is charged to serve.
“Change can happen more rapidly in good or bad ways at the SBA as opposed to other federal agencies because of its size, according to Thomas Sullivan, who served for seven years as the SBA’s chief counsel for advocacy under the Bush administration.
“‘The SBA’s position is like a motor boat compared to, for example the Department of Agriculture, which is like a cruise ship,’ Sullivan said. ‘You’re able to navigate quicker and change direction.’
“Most people associated with small business believe the Mills appointment is crucial to an economic recovery. ‘Economic circumstances will demand that Karen Mills be in the conversation that is usually reserved for West Wing staff,’ Sullivan said.
“Shinick said if Mills can improve communication on the local level by meeting and listening to small business advocates and owners, the economy can begin to grow. He especially is pleased with Mills’s theory of improving ‘economic clusters.’ This concept takes innovative businesses with a wide geographic reach and helps them attract additional suppliers and investors to their area.”
—Long Island Business News
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