New SBA deputy administrator confirmed by Senate

The Senate has unanimously confirmed Marie Collins Johns to become deputy administrator of the Small Business Administration.

Johns will be the second-ranking official at SBA, with responsibilities for management, policy development and program supervision.

Johns has held various roles in small-business advocacy. She founded the DC Technology Council in 1999 and also was chairwoman of the DC Chamber of Commerce.

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Currently, Johns is a managing member of L&L Consulting, a public policy consulting practice. Previously, she served as president of Verizon Washington. She retired from Verizon in 2004, after 21 years in the telecommunications industry.

“Marie Johns comes to the SBA with an impeccable record of leadership and public service,” Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.), chairwoman of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, said today. Johns testified before the committee in May.

“Marie’s strong leadership will help provide small businesses with the guidance, support and tools they need to grow, create jobs and continue to drive economic recovery throughout the country,” SBA Administrator Karen Mills said today.