Former ServiceMaster Exec Sworn In As SBA Chief

Steven Preston was sworn in Monday as administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Preston, who succeeds Hector Barreto and is the twenty-second person to hold this position, previously was executive vice president of The ServiceMaster Co., a major franchising organization whose brands include TruGreen Chemlawn, TruGreen LandCare and Terminix, among others.

He was confirmed by the U.S. Senate by unanimous consent on June 29. The Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship had unanimously recommended Preston’s confirmation earlier in the day.

“I am grateful to President Bush for the opportunity to serve in a way that so directly affects the lives of so many Americans,” Preston says. “I am also humbled by the bipartisan support I have received in Congress and am committed to fostering a strong relationship with the many stakeholders of the SBA.”

During his confirmation hearing on June 21, Preston emphasized the importance of sophisticated financial management, operational responsiveness and a customer service culture at the SBA. “None of this happens by accident,” he said. “It requires dogged focus to move the ball forward each and every day.”