María de los Ángeles de Jesús, who eight years ago joined the U.S. Small Business Administration (US SBA) as deputy director of SBA’s Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands District Office, has been appointed acting district director, according to Regional Administrator Steven Bulger.
“One of the greatest assets the SBA has is its people, especially those with respected agency tenure and on-the-ground knowledge like María. She is a lifelong resident of Puerto Rico and knows the small business community across the area intimately. Her leadership and know-how will help small business owners rebuild and recover while continuing to power the economies of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands,” said Bulger, who oversees the federal agency’s operations in the Atlantic Region of Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, New York and New Jersey.
J. Adalberto Quijada, SBA district director of Orange County-Inland Empire in California, who last month was appointed acting Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands District director, has been delegated other responsibilities in support of SBA’s national operations.
“It has been a pleasure leading SBA’s team in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands during a time of transition and extraordinary circumstances for all,” Quijada said. “As I assume national responsibilities within the SBA, I reiterate my support to María de los Angeles and the entire district office, as they continue to serve the small business community with the passion and dedication for which they are known.”
De Jesús said, “Today more than ever, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands small businesses need our support to help overcome the economic challenges they are facing. I am committed to leading our district office to ensure we provide that assistance, and, in turn, help maintain the jobs that will keep our economy moving forward.”
De Jesús began her career with the federal government at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Rural Development Puerto Rico State Office, where she served for 27 years prior to joining the SBA in 2012.
During her last seven years with USDA, de Jesús held the title of business and cooperative program director, managing a commercial loan guaranty program with a $25 million loan limit, as well as federal grants to create and save jobs through commercial initiatives.
For more information on SBA’s programs and services, visit www.sba.gov/pr.
