JOSEPH M. FOLSOM
DISTRICT DIRECTOR
U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
DES MOINES, IOWA

Joseph M. Folsom of Hudson, Wis., was named District Director for the SBA in Iowa on May 17, 2004.

"Joe Folsom brings to Iowa a vast amount of business marketing and rural-based economic knowledge, combined with hands-on experience in developing rural communities and providing business technical assistance," said SBA Administrator Hector V. Barreto in announcing Joe’s selection. "He is uniquely qualified to provide the quality of leadership the Iowa small business community needs."

Joe comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development in St. Paul, Minn., where he worked for 27 years, after serving as its community and cooperative development program director and supervisory regional economist. During his USDA career, Joe served as a district loan specialist, assistant district director and a cooperative development specialist, specializing in the development of rural communities and cooperative business planning.

As District Director, Joe is responsible for the management and delivery of SBA’s financial assistance, business development and counseling programs throughout Iowa. He oversees both the SBA District Office in Des Moines and the SBA Branch Office in Cedar Rapids.

Joe is a graduate of St. Cloud State University with a Masters degree in Business Administration and the University of Minnesota with a B.S. in Agricultural Economics and Animal Science. In addition, he has completed graduate level courses in Applied Public Financial Management from American University in Washington, DC.

Joe’s community activities have centered on serving as a venturing crew advisor, assistant scoutmaster and den leader for the Boys Scouts of America. Other activities have included organizing and serving as president of the local figure skating club, serving as an officer and board member of the local ice arena and hockey associations, and serving on a community center task force.

Joe and his wife, Patti, have 3 children - a son and daughter attending college, and a daughter in high school.