Virginia Smith named SBA deputy district director for Buffalo district office

The U.S. Small Business Administration announced the selection of Virginia Smith as the new deputy district director of its Buffalo district office, effective Sunday, Feb. 11.

Smith brings over 20 years of leadership experience from the public, private and nonprofit sectors to her new role. She previously served with the SBA in the Buffalo district office as the Rochester branch manager and the Syracuse district office as a lender relations specialist.

Before joining the federal government, Smith worked at a community development nonprofit supporting the underserved community in Central New York. Prior to that, she worked in the private sector advising federal government clients on a variety of projects. Smith holds a Master of Public Administration degree from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University.

“Ms. Smith’s designation as the new deputy district director of the Buffalo district office will bring added experience, leadership and value to Buffalo’s small businesses,” said Marlene Cintron, regional administrator, region II.

Smith said, “I’m honored to be selected to assist Ms. Victoria Reynolds, district director, Buffalo district office, in supporting and growing the vibrant small business ecosystem in the Western and Finger Lakes region.”

Reynolds said, “Virginia Smith has been a vital member of the Buffalo district for over 10 years leading our efforts in the Rochester market. She brings a wealth of knowledge in not only the SBA product and services that we provide, but also a knowledge of the community that we serve. We are fortunate to have her in this new leadership role.”

The Buffalo district office (NYDO) services 14 of the westernmost counties of New York, with offices in Buffalo and Rochester, and serving Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, Wyoming, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Seneca, Wayne and Yates counties.

It supports the mission of the agency in a market that is made up of 149,000 firms, employing 3,016,500 people and producing $140 million in annual payroll.