Trump administration appoints first SBA minority regional director

New regional director will supervise eight southern states for agency

Feb 26, 2018

The White House has appointed the Small Business Administration first person of color to a regional directorship.

Ashley Bell will be sworn in as the director of the SBA’s Southeast Region on Monday. He will oversee eight states in the area for the agency.

“The SBA plays a critical role in helping to start and grow businesses,” Bell said in a statement, according to Black Enterprise. “Now, more than ever, the economy is growing and we must do our part to help America’s small businesses.”

Honored to serve as the new Regional Administrator for the Southeast under the leadership of @SBALinda ! #SBAOpen4Biz #SmallBusiness pic.twitter.com/iOvJUxgjb6

— Ashley D. Bell (@AshleyBell45) February 22, 2018

Bell, a former Georgia politician and Gainesville native, had served as associate director at the Peace Corps and mentioned his service in his statement.

“I’ve enjoyed my time serving our country in foreign affairs the last year with both the State Dept. and at the Peace Corps,” Bell said. “I’m honored that the administration gave me this opportunity to come back to Georgia in helping to create jobs and opportunities in the southeast.”

A history of service and political involvement

Bell’s credentials also include serving on the National Conference of Black Mayors, National Association of Black County Officials, and National League of Cities – Black Caucus. He was part of the Congressional Black Caucus Internship program before staffing for Congressman Sanford Bishop of the 2nd District of Georgia.

Bell was also a Republican National Committee senior strategist before the 2016 election and served as national director of African-American Engagement for the RNC. He also actively worked as a Trump surrogate during the election.