Today, it is with mixed emotions that I write my final message to you as the Agency Director of the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD). It has been my tremendous honor to serve in this capacity for nearly seven years, and I will greatly miss this work and you, our partners and friends of the Agency.
The great news is that I am leaving you in very capable and talented hands! On Friday, Governor Ralph Northam announced the appointment of Jennifer Mayton, our Agency Deputy Director and Chief of Staff, as the Interim Director.
Please join me in congratulating Jennifer. She has literally been my right-hand partner, and she has a deep knowledge of the agency and an unwavering passion for our mission.
Many of you have worked directly with Jennifer, but in case you do not have her full contact information, I’m sharing it here:
Jennifer L. Mayton,
VCO, CGFM
Agency Interim Director
Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD)
We’ve achieved so much together, and we’re so proud to share a few accomplishments below:
Deployment of $100 million to more than 2,500 small businesses in Virginia struggling to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Enhancement of our IT systems to support the growth and development of our small businesses to include the Certification Portal, Expenditure Dashboard, and the Business One Stop Portal.
Development and introduction of the Scaling4Growth program to support Virginia small businesses scaling to the next level in revenue generation and job retention/creation. Virginia's program has been deemed one of the best in the nation.
Reduction in the SWaM certification processing timeframe for small businesses to less than 60 business days, ensuring they have access to contract opportunities.
Implementation of a statewide disparity study to understand the barriers facing women- and minority-owned businesses to support policy change.
Thank you for your support over the last seven years. There is still much work to be done on behalf of pursuing the American dream of entrepreneurship. We are counting on your continued partnership under Jennifer’s leadership, as she continues to lead the agency and advance our mission.
I’m sure Jennifer would love to hear your ideas to ensure she continues SBSD’s important work.
Sincerely,
Tracey G. Wiley
Former Agency Director
Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity
