New District Director to Begin Duties in May
HELENA, MT – Dan Hannaher, Region VIII Regional Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, today announced the selection of Joe McClure as the new district director for the Montana SBA office.
Commenting on the selection of Mr. McClure, Hannaher said “I’m confident that Joe McClure is going to be an outstanding leader for the Montana SBA district office. Joe brings with him a depth of knowledge in economic development and he understands the needs of small business. But even more importantly, he knows Montana; its people and its culture. The future looks bright for the SBA in Montana.”
McClure has 18 years of economic development experience and 11 years of executive level management experience. McClure comes to SBA from the City and County of Broomfield, Colorado as Director of Economic Development. Prior to his position in Colorado, he was Executive Director for Yellowstone County Big Sky Economic Development Authority and Big Sky Economic Development Corporation in Billings for nearly 7 years. He was responsible for the overall leadership of the organization and directed a staff of 15 for this multi-program, county-wide economic development organization and oversaw the administration of a $1.5 million budget. His knowledge and understanding of the needs of both small business owners and the small business lending community will support him in the position of District Director.
“I am honored to have been selected for this very important position in Montana,” stated McClure. “Small business is key to the state’s economy with small firms comprising nearly 98% of the state’s employers, and the SBA has been a part of the success of so many of those businesses. I’m also excited to have the opportunity to return to Montana and join the excellent staff at the Montana District Office and work with my good friends and colleagues in the lending and economic development communities throughout the state. During my almost 18 years in economic development, I have had the pleasure of working with the many SBA programs and services. I now look forward to supporting the small business community from within the agency and to build upon the success of my predecessor, Michelle Johnston, who served the state’s small business community for so many years.”
“When you look for a new director for a SBA district office, you look for someone who is the right fit for the office, our SBA partners and for the community the office serves. After review of a broad selection of highly qualified candidates, I believe in Joe McClure we have found the right fit for the small business community in Montana,” added SBA Regional Administrator Dan Hannaher.
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