Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced the appointment of Jorge Silva-Puras, as the regional administrator in Region II, to oversee the SBA's programs and services in New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
"Both the SBA and small businesses of New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands will benefit greatly from Jorge's career in public service and commitment to community and economic development," said SBA Administrator Karen Mills in welcoming Silva-Puras. "With his background as a small business advocate and business leader, Jorge will be a tremendous asset for small businesses and entrepreneurs across the region, especially at this critical time when so many are facing tough challenges as a result of the recession."
The Region II office, headquartered in New York City, oversees the SBA's district offices in New York City, Buffalo and Syracuse, N.Y.; Newark, N.J.; San Juan, P.R.; and St. Croix, V.I.
"I am honored to join SBA's team of talented individuals who are committed to the development of small businesses across New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and USVI. As Regional Administrator, I look forward to leveraging SBA's tools and programs to help create more opportunities for small businesses to succeed, create jobs and drive local and national economic growth," said Silva-Puras.
Silva-Puras, who has ample management, legal, marketing, financial and government experience, is currently president of Interaktiva, LLC, a management consulting firm that focuses on identifying new markets and merger opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses, as well as funding and incentive opportunities for public and private entities. Previously, he served as Chief of Staff to the Governor of Puerto Rico; Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Industrial Development Company; President of the Economic Development Bank for Puerto Rico; and as Puerto Rico's Secretary of Economic Development & Commerce. Previous to his government roles, Silva-Puras worked for The Procter & Gamble Company at its corporate headquarters in Cincinnati, and at its San Juan office, where he managed marketing efforts for the US Hispanic and Caribbean regions. He also has experience in banking and law.
During his tenure as Secretary of Economic Development, Mr. Silva-Puras served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the: Puerto Rico Industrial Development Company, Puerto Rico Tourism Company, Puerto Rico Commerce and Trade Company, Puerto Rico Science and Technology Trust, among several other boards. He also served as member of the Board of Directors of the Government Development Bank and the Economic Development Bank for Puerto Rico. He received his BA degree from Yale University, J.D. with honors from University of Puerto Rico and MBA in International Management from the University of Texas at Austin.
For more information about all of the SBA's programs for small businesses, call the SBA Answer Desk at 1-800 U ASK SBA or TDD 704-344-6640.Also, visit the SBA's extensive Web site at www.sba.gov.
Release Number: 10-12
Contacts:
U.S. Small Business Administration
Natale Goriel,
212-264-7750
Internet Address: http://www.sba.gov/news