John M. Garcia
District Director U.S. Small Business Administration New Mexico District Office
John M. Garcia is the District Director of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) New Mexico District Office. Garcia is responsible for the statewide delivery of SBA programs and services to the 33 counties in the state. He supports business owners in starting and growing their businesses, creating jobs and developing local economies throughout New Mexico.
Garcia is both an experienced small business owner and public servant and has earned high acclaim for his achievements as a veteran advocate and small business champion at the city, state, and national levels. As past president and owner of Garcia and Associates, a service-disabled veteran owned consulting company, he advised both public and private sector senior leaders in strategic planning, tactical marketing, and business development with a special emphasis on veteran wellness and entrepreneurial development. As the White House appointed Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Garcia oversaw the agency’s Intergovernmental, Tribal Government, International and Consumer Affairs programs. In this role, he worked with mayors, governors, tribal leaders, and international governments to the benefit of our country’s veterans, including the VA National Veteran Business Outreach efforts. He has served as a strong advocate for veteran small business owners through appointments to the National SBA Veteran Business Advisory Board, the U.S. Association of Veterans in Business, and the White House Task Force on Veteran Business Development.
In addition to being a national champion for small business and veterans, Garcia has been integral to veteran’s advocacy and economic development in his home state of New Mexico. Garcia served honorably in the U.S. Army in Vietnam with the 4th Infantry Division and upon returning home, he began what is now a rich legacy of service to veterans and their families.
His advocacy on behalf of veterans and their families includes an appointment as the first Cabinet Secretary of the New Mexico Department of Veterans Services under then Governor Bill Richardson. He established the New Mexico Veterans Business Outreach Center under his tenure. He also served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Cabinet Secretary for Economic Development under Governor Bruce King’s administration, where he oversaw international trade and economic development throughout the state.
Garcia has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to veterans, small businesses, and economic development through numerous recognitions. Most recent awards include the Profile of Courage Award from the Vietnam Veterans of New Mexico, the New Mexico Veteran Small Business Advocate of the Year from the SBA and the Iron Mike Award from the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs for his leadership as president.
Throughout his career, Garcia has demonstrated cultural sensitivity, planning and project management skills and a strong tactical understanding of the needs and concerns of small business owners, veterans, their families, and members of the military. Garcia brings his solid background and a wealth of experience in service to the small business owners and veterans of our state.
Panel Information
Friday, August 4
11:00 AM MDT
General Session- Driving Progress: The Indomitable Influence of Latinos in U.S. Economic and Workforce Development
Latinos have long played an integral role in shaping our nation’s economy, innovating across various sectors, and strengthening the fabric of our diverse workforce. From starting small businesses that drive local economies to holding key roles in multinational corporations, Latinos have become synonymous with entrepreneurship and leadership. They've shown resilience and innovation, overcoming challenges and consistently proving to be the backbone of our economic infrastructure.
Latino workers also continue to transform workforce development, carving out new opportunities and opening doors for the next generation of diverse talent. They not only contribute to our economy but also foster inclusive growth, ensuring a vibrant and resilient future for all.
Join us as we celebrate these remarkable accomplishments, delve into the unique experiences of Latino economic empowerment, and explore the ongoing, crucial role of Latinos in the ongoing evolution of America's workforce and economy.