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Jane Sawyer named SBA Hawaii District director

By Staff | Feb 4, 2010

Sawyer

HONOLULU — The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that Jane A. Sawyer is the new director of its Hawaii District office.  

Sawyer, a 16-year veteran of the Hawaii office, succeeds Andrew K. Poepoe, who retired in early January 2009. 

Karen Sakihama, normally the deputy district director, has served as acting director.

Sawyer will oversee all activities of the federal agency, from loans and lending relations with financial institutions to small business training and counseling assistance through SBA resource partners, such as the Small Business Development Centers, SCORE, and Women’s Business Centers. 

In addition, she will work to ensure small businesses receive government procurements through the use of SBA’s contracting programs and certifications.

In Fiscal Year 2009, the Hawaii District office guaranteed 420 loans with a value of $55.5 million. With a broad range of business consulting, workshops and seminars, the office also assisted more than 10,300 small business owners and entrepreneurs directly and with their funded resource partners.

The 8(a) Business Development and Government Contracting programs provided support for a portfolio of approximately 170 firms with $231,642,420 in federal contracting awards in 2009.

“Jane Sawyer will continue the strong tradition of the SBA Hawaii District office assisting existing and aspiring entrepreneurs through loan programs, training and counseling, and assistance with government contracts,” said Alberto G. Alvarado, SBA’s acting regional administrator for the western United States. 

“With Jane’s experience and background, her transition to the top SBA position in Hawaii will be a smooth one.”

Sawyer will lead a team of 13 managers and business specialists at the Hawaii District and Guam Branch offices. 

The district territory includes the State of Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam and other affiliated Pacific Islands.

A Hawaii resident since 1983, Sawyer brings previous experience in education and curriculum development, sales and marketing, and small business ownership to her new position.