Hector V. Barreto (born 1961) was the 21st Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, confirmed on July 25, 2001. George W. Bush nominated him to the post. He resigned on April 25, 2006 following a controversial tenure as SBA chief.
Hector Barreto
In July 2001, Hector Barreto was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the 21st administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration. In this capacity, he oversaw the delivery of financial and business development tools to America's entrepreneurs. With a portfolio of direct and guaranteed business loans and disaster loans worth more than $45 billion, the SBA is the largest single financial backer and facilitator of technical assistance and contracting opportunities for the nation's small businesses. Barreto also sat as an ex officio member on the President's Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans.
As administrator, Barreto met significant criticism for the Administration's response to the September 11 terrorist attacks. Although the agency oversaw the distribution of over $5 billion to businesses around the country following the attacks, the Associated Press reported that most businesses neither requested nor needed such aid. This was later confirmed by an internal investigation. The SBA was also criticized for the slow response to the Gulf Coast hurricanes of the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season. [1]
On April 25, 2006, Barreto resigned as SBA chief. Steven C. Preston was nominated soon thereafter to replace Barreto. [2]
He recently wrote a book "The Engine of America: The Secrets to Small Business Success From Entrepreneurs Who Have Made It!". hbarreto
| Government offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Aida Valaree |
Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration 2001-2006 |
Succeeded by Steven C. Preston |