Everett M. Woodel, Jr.

Everett M. Woodel, Jr., is the Great Lakes Regional Administrator serving Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin. He is a transformational leader with extensive experience in strategic planning, change management, and public affairs. Prior to this appointment, Mr. Woodel served as the SBA district director in Columbus, Ohio, for six years, overseeing programs that facilitate billions in small business lending and federal contracting. During his tenure in Columbus, the region boasted the nation’s largest micro lender and the nation’s top SBA lender.

Previously, Mr. Woodel held executive roles in both the public and private sectors, including serving as regional director for VEIC and director of business development at American Structurepoint, Inc. He also held leadership positions in Ohio state government, including director of public affairs for the Ohio Treasurer’s Office and director of operations for the Industrial Commission of Ohio. Additionally, he spent over a decade in congressional service as district director and deputy communications director for Ohio’s Fifth Congressional District.

On January 20, 2025, Mr. Woodel was designated by President Donald J. Trump to serve as the acting administrator of SBA until the confirmation of current Administrator Kelly Loeffler.

A U.S. Army veteran, Mr. Woodel holds an MBA from Ohio University and a Bachelor of Science in Education from Bowling Green State University. In June 2019, he was named to the Association of Ohio Commodores by the Ohio governor. The association recognizes those who are dedicated to Ohio’s advancement in all areas contributing to economic growth and development of the state.