James “Jim” Spencer

James “Jim” Spencer was appointed as the SBA’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator on March 17, 2025. In his role, he is responsible for field staff of loan, business, and community outreach specialists overseeing the delivery and management of the federal agency’s small business programs, financial assistance, and business development initiatives. The Mid-Atlantic Region serves Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia.

Mr. Spencer has more than 35 years of experience in economic development and local government. Prior to accepting the White House appointment, he most recently served as the executive director of the Bluefield Economic Development Authority, where he oversaw the development of numerous key projects, including Intuit’s Downtown Prosperity HUB that created over 300 jobs, the OMNIS Building Technologies plant that is proposed to create over 150-300 jobs, and the launch of a food truck incubator providing entrepreneurial support, access to training, and utilization of a food truck. During his time at BEDA, Mr. Spencer developed the Bluefield Commercialization Station, a 60,000 square foot manufacturing-focused incubator. 

He also previously served as Tazewell County administrator and administrator of the Tazewell County Public Service Authority. He is a graduate of Bluefield State College with bachelor’s degrees in applied science and civil engineering technology.