Francisco Sanchez
Associate Administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
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Francisco Sánchez Jr. is the Associate Administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) where he oversees the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience (ODR&R). He was appointed by President Joseph R. Biden in January 2022, becoming the first non-banker and presidential appointee to hold this position. In his role, Francisco is helping to lead the nation's economic recovery from COVID and natural disasters by providing the necessary resources to America's 33 million small businesses, private non-profits, renters, and homeowners to weather any storm and emerge stronger than ever.
Before joining the SBA, Francisco served as the Deputy Homeland Security and Emergency Management Coordinator for the Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management in Texas, the third largest county in the United States. During his tenure, Francisco led strategic development, planning, public affairs, and community preparedness initiatives, making him an experienced leader in building resilient communities where small businesses can grow, local economies can thrive, and people can prosper.
Under Francisco's leadership, the SBA has been implementing bold new initiatives that for the first time in the agency’s history are tying recovery to resilience. The SBA has placed a stronger emphasis on engagement with survivors, partners, and stakeholders, and is working more closely with local leaders than ever before.
Additionally, the SBA is actively addressing climate change and community preparedness through their Mitigation Assistance Option for Disaster Loans, which has become a critical resource for individuals and businesses impacted by disasters. In 2022, the U.S. declared 18 separate billion-dollar weather and climate disasters, each exceeding $1 billion in damages.
Lastly, the Disaster Assistance for Rural Communities Act enables the SBA to create disaster declarations and provide low-interest federal disaster assistance loans to those who were previously ineligible for such support. Francisco is excited to continue leading SBA in its next chapter and delivering to the American people.
He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Houston and a master's degree in public administration from Sam Houston State University. He also received the President's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015 and is the proud pup parent of Boston, Winston, and Quincy.
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Panel Information
Friday, August 4
11:00 AM MDT
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.