Labor Secretary Appoints Jose A. Lira Director of Office of Small Business Programs

WASHINGTON—U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced the appointment of Jose (Joe) A. Lira as director of the Department of Labor’s Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP).

“Small business employers are responsible for the majority of new jobs created in this country. Joe has years of knowledge and experience in helping small business employers and entrepreneurs grow their businesses and create jobs. Small business employers and workers will benefit from Joe’s diverse skills in the public, private and nonprofit sectors,” said Secretary Chao.

Lira was most recently president of Lira & Associates, a Texas-based business development, consulting, and marketing group that provides assistance and counsel to minority-owned small businesses. Prior to that, Lira served as the director of the U.S. Commerce Department’s Minority Business Development Agency from 1990 to 1993. He has also served as the national administrator of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Lira received his B.S. in business management and administration from Indiana University.

OSBP administers programs to ensure Labor Department procurement opportunities for small businesses, small disadvantaged businesses, and women-owned small businesses. In addition, it serves as the department's central contact for small business regulatory compliance inquiries and information under the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act, and manages the department's minority colleges and universities program and other minority outreach programs.

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Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.