WASHINGTON, May 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- United States Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., Chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, and Ranking Member Olympia J. Snowe, R-Maine, today held a confirmation hearing for Marie Collins Johns, President Obama's nominee to be Deputy Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA). Johns was nominated by President Obama on December 17, 2009.

"Filling the post the Deputy Administrator is a critical component to revitalizing the SBA into a robust agency as we confront the challenges facing small business across the country," Sen. Landrieu said. "Mrs. Johns background in the business community and her community service make her an excellent candidate to fill this position. Administrator Mills has a vision of expanding this position to provide more extensive outreach and support to small businesses, and Mrs. Johns experience and long history in the public are sure to accomplish that goal. I look forward to her swift confirmation, and am eager to begin working with her and the Administrator as small businesses continue to lead the economic recovery."

Senator Snowe remarked, "Mrs. Johns' professional experience and commitment to excellence truly epitomize the American Dream." "Her extraordinary career illustrates that hard work and dedication are the keys to professional achievement B and that=s certainly true for our nation=s small business owners as well. This is a pivotal time for both the SBA and our nation's economy, thus it is vital that the Agency be led by individuals, like Mrs. Johns, who understand how critical it is to foster an entrepreneurial environment for our nation's almost 30 million small firms. If confirmed, I am certain that the SBA will greatly benefit from her passion, skills, and expertise."

A former President of Verizon Washington, D.C., Mrs. Johns has also served on numerous community service boards, including the D.C. Chamber of Commerce, where she Chaired the Small Business Committee; the Washington D.C. Technology Council, which she founded; The Greater Washington Board of Trade; and Girl Scouts USA. Marie Johns also serves on the Board of Trustees at Howard University, and is Board Chair for the Howard University Middle School of Math and Science.

The Small Business Committee plans to vote on the nomination of Mrs. Johns next week.

The complete video of today's confirmation hearing can be viewed by clicking here.

SOURCE U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship

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http://sbc.senate.gov