Small Business Administration Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

The Small Business Administration has 9 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, technology, and finance.

Dedicated to fostering economic resilience, Small Business Administration empowers entrepreneurs through vital resources and advocacy, driving national small business development and recovery.

Leadership Roles at Small Business Administration

  • Deputy Chief Financial Officer - Deborah Chen
  • Chief Operating Officer - Wilson Li
  • President - Jean-Paul Haessig
  • President - James Soufleris
  • President - Steven Ballina
  • Chief of Staff - Wesley Coopersmith
  • Chief Information Officer - Reid H.
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Benjamin Grayson
  • Chief Information Officer, Office of the CIO - Hartley Caldwell
  • Chief Information Officer, Dcio, Office of - Douglas Robertson
  • Deborah Chen - Deputy Chief Financial Officer

    Deborah Chen, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer at Small Business Administration, supports the Chief Financial Officer in managing the agency's fiscal operations and financial integrity. Chen oversees the allocation of resources for programs supporting entrepreneurship and small business development across the nation. The Deputy Chief Financial Officer plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with financial regulations and optimizing the use of funds for loan guarantee programs and other financial assistance initiatives. Deborah Chen contributes to the development of financial strategies that strengthen the small business ecosystem and provide entrepreneurs with necessary capital. This position is essential for maintaining the agency's capacity to offer an extensive array of services and support disaster recovery efforts effectively. Chen's financial oversight ensures the sustainable operation of initiatives aimed at fostering economic resilience and community stability.

    Wilson Li - Chief Operating Officer

    Wilson Li, the Chief Operating Officer at Small Business Administration, oversees the day-to-day operations of the federal agency, ensuring efficient delivery of services to entrepreneurs nationwide. Li manages the implementation of business planning assistance, management training, and access to capital through loan guarantee programs. The Chief Operating Officer drives operational strategies that support small business development and sustainability across diverse communities. Wilson Li ensures that the agency's extensive array of services are accessible and effectively utilized by small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. This role is pivotal in optimizing the agency's internal processes and resource allocation to maximize market reach and impact. The Chief Operating Officer also plays a key part in coordinating disaster response and recovery efforts, mobilizing resources to help affected businesses rebuild and sustain their operations.

    Jean-Paul Haessig - President

    Jean-Paul Haessig, the President at Small Business Administration, directs the overarching strategy and vision for supporting entrepreneurship and small business development across the nation. Haessig leads initiatives to strengthen the small business ecosystem by ensuring access to vital resources, including comprehensive counseling and financial assistance programs. The President oversees advocacy efforts aimed at empowering entrepreneurs and fostering an environment conducive to growth and sustainability. Jean-Paul Haessig drives the implementation of programs designed to provide small business owners with the necessary tools to launch, grow, and sustain their ventures. This leadership role is critical in coordinating the agency's response to economic challenges and facilitating opportunities for market expansion. Haessig's guidance is also central to the organization's disaster response and recovery operations, ensuring affected businesses can rebuild and thrive.
    Jean-Paul Haessig

    James Soufleris - President

    James Soufleris, the President at Small Business Administration, spearheads strategic operations focused on bolstering entrepreneurship and small business development nationwide. Soufleris directs the enhancement of the agency's service offerings, including robust counseling, management training, and critical financial assistance programs. The President oversees initiatives that ensure small business owners have access to the resources required for launching and expanding their enterprises. James Soufleris drives the effective deployment of loan guarantee programs and other capital access solutions, fostering economic resilience. This leadership position is vital for navigating complex market dynamics and advocating for the needs of small businesses. Soufleris also plays a significant role in coordinating disaster relief efforts, enabling affected businesses to recover and rebuild their operations, thereby contributing to community stability.

    Steven Ballina - President

    Steven Ballina, the President at Small Business Administration, leads the agency's mission to champion small business growth and development across the United States. Ballina directs the strategic execution of programs that provide entrepreneurs with essential support, including business planning assistance and access to capital through loan guarantee initiatives. The President oversees efforts to strengthen the national small business ecosystem and ensure entrepreneurs can launch and sustain their ventures. Steven Ballina drives the delivery of comprehensive services tailored to the diverse needs of business owners, facilitating market reach and expansion. This role is crucial for advocating for small business interests and ensuring the agency's responsiveness to economic shifts. Ballina's leadership is also integral to the organization's capacity to provide timely and effective assistance during national disaster recovery operations.

    Wesley Coopersmith - Chief of Staff

    Wesley Coopersmith, the Chief of Staff at Small Business Administration, directs strategic initiatives and operational alignment across the federal agency. Coopersmith ensures that the organization's objectives for supporting entrepreneurship and small business development are effectively translated into actionable plans. This leadership position involves coordinating efforts between various departments to enhance the delivery of counseling, financial assistance, and advocacy programs. The Chief of Staff oversees the implementation of policies designed to strengthen the small business ecosystem nationwide. Wesley Coopersmith drives the execution of programs aimed at providing entrepreneurs with essential resources for launching and growing their ventures. This role is critical in managing the flow of information and strategic direction from executive leadership to operational teams, ensuring cohesive progress towards the agency's mission of economic resilience and community stability.

    Reid H. - Chief Information Officer

    Reid H., the Chief Information Officer at Small Business Administration, leads the agency's technology strategy and digital transformation efforts. H. is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of IT infrastructure that supports entrepreneurship and small business development across the nation. The Chief Information Officer ensures that technological resources are leveraged to enhance the delivery of counseling, financial assistance, and advocacy programs. Reid H. drives initiatives to modernize systems, improve data security, and expand access to digital tools for small business owners. This role is crucial in enabling the agency to provide an extensive array of services tailored to the diverse needs of entrepreneurs. The Chief Information Officer also plays a vital role in disaster response, ensuring that technology systems are robust and available to support recovery operations for affected businesses.

    Benjamin Grayson - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Benjamin Grayson, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Small Business Administration, supports the Chief of Staff in directing strategic initiatives and ensuring operational efficiency across the federal agency. Grayson assists in coordinating cross-departmental efforts to enhance the delivery of essential resources for small business development and entrepreneurship. The Deputy Chief of Staff plays a key role in managing the implementation of policies and programs designed to strengthen the national small business ecosystem. Benjamin Grayson contributes to the oversight of initiatives that provide entrepreneurs with necessary tools for launching and sustaining their ventures. This position is integral to maintaining the cohesive flow of strategic direction and operational execution, supporting the agency's commitment to economic resilience and community stability through comprehensive business support and advocacy.

    Hartley Caldwell - Chief Information Officer, Office of the CIO

    Hartley Caldwell, the Chief Information Officer, Office of the CIO at Small Business Administration, directs the strategic vision and execution of information technology across the agency. Caldwell oversees the modernization of IT infrastructure, ensuring robust support for entrepreneurship and small business development nationwide. The Chief Information Officer, Office of the CIO drives initiatives to enhance digital service delivery, improve data management, and strengthen cybersecurity protocols. Hartley Caldwell ensures that technological advancements align with the agency's mission to provide comprehensive counseling, financial assistance, and advocacy programs. This leadership role is critical in enabling the organization to effectively serve a diverse range of small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs, facilitating access to capital and market opportunities. Caldwell's oversight is also vital for maintaining resilient technology systems during national disaster response and recovery efforts.

    Douglas Robertson - Chief Information Officer, Dcio, Office of

    Douglas Robertson, the Chief Information Officer, Dcio, Office of at Small Business Administration, leads critical technology initiatives that underpin the agency's support for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Robertson directs the implementation of advanced IT solutions to enhance service delivery, streamline operations, and bolster cybersecurity defenses. The Chief Information Officer, Dcio, Office of oversees the strategic deployment of technology resources, ensuring they effectively support financial assistance programs, counseling services, and advocacy efforts. Douglas Robertson drives innovation in digital platforms to improve access to capital and market opportunities for small business owners nationwide. This role is instrumental in maintaining the technological infrastructure necessary for both routine business development support and rapid mobilization during national disaster response and recovery operations, reinforcing the agency's commitment to economic resilience.
    Douglas Robertson

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Small Business Administration Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Small Business Administration?
    Small Business Administration is led by Deborah Chen (Deputy Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Wilson Li (Chief Operating Officer) and Jean-Paul Haessig (President).
    Who is part of Small Business Administration’s executive team?
    The executive team of Small Business Administration includes leaders such as Deborah Chen (Deputy Chief Financial Officer), Wilson Li (Chief Operating Officer), Jean-Paul Haessig (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Small Business Administration have?
    Small Business Administration has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Small Business Administration’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Small Business Administration includes roles such as Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President, President, President.