Full Name
The Honorable Maria Contreras-Sweet
Job Title
Former Administrator
Company
Small Business Administration
Speaker Bio
The Honorable Maria Contreras-Sweet is an American businesswoman, banker and civic leader who served on President Obama’s cabinet as the 24th Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration. The U.S. SBA provides business owners with capital through government-backed loan guarantees, a complex international counseling network, and by directing to them 23% of the federal procurement spend. The SBA manages the world’s largest fund of funds and the largest seed fund in the world. Her achievements in bringing efficiencies and modernization to large scale organizations have earned her international acclaim.

Secretary Contreras-Sweet was the Founder and executive chairwoman of ProAmérica Bank. Prior, she managed a private equity firm and earlier served as the California cabinet Secretary of Business, Transportation, and Housing overseeing over 47,000 employees.


Dr. Contreras-Sweet is the recipient of five honorary doctorate degrees, including from her alma mater Cal State University, Los Angeles and Tufts University. The Maria Contreras-Sweet Public Policy Impact Award was established in her honor for her efforts to expand entrepreneurship around the world and deepen democracies.

Administrator Contreras-Sweet is currently serving on the Boards of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE) and Regional Management Corporation (NYSE: RM), The Bipartisan Policy Institute, The Aspen Institute Benefits Advisory Board and the World Affairs Council TownHall Board.
The Honorable Maria Contreras-Sweet