Melanie R. Sabelhaus sworn in as SBA deputy administrator

Melanie R. Sabelhaus, an experienced small-business owner and entrepreneur, was sworn in last month as deputy administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration in a ceremony at the SBA headquarters in Washington, D.C., according to an announcement from the SBA.

She was nominated by President Bush for the post, and was confirmed unanimously by the U.S. Senate.

Woman entrpreneur

Sabelhaus, the founder of a property rental and management company in Baltimore and Washington, D.C., brings more than 25 years of successful business and corporate experience to her new role at the SBA. Before she started her business, Exclusive Interim Properties Ltd., in 1986, she enjoyed a 15-year management career with IBM, where she was one of the pioneers in the development of the IBM Product Center. At its peak Sablehaus' company employed 75 people and generated $10 million annually.

In 1997 her company merged with four other companies to become Bridgestreet Accommodations. Bridgestreet became a publicly held company the same year, when it made its initial offering of stock to the public. Sabelhaus served as vice president of global sales at Bridgestreet Accommodations until 1998.

Philanthropic efforts

She has spent the last three years actively supporting numerous civic and professional organizations. She has dedicated her time to community fund raising and women's business issues. Sabelhaus has served on various boards of directors including the United Way and the Alzheimer's Association of Central Maryland. She also served as co-chair for the National Summit on Women in Philanthropy. She is a recipient of the 2002 Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year Award for Maryland, awarded by the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

"I am especially proud to welcome Melanie Sabelhaus as deputy administrator of the SBA," said Hector V. Barreto, SBA Administrator. "Her proven track record as a successful business owner will strengthen SBA's ability to better serve the small business community.

"Melanie's business credentials are impeccable," he said. "Her experience and record of business success will help the SBA provide even better entrepreneurial services to our small business customers."

Sabelhaus added, "I am gratified that the Senate has approved my nomination as deputy administrator of the SBA. The greatest joy of my life was building my small businesses with my team. I am thrilled to have the chance to help so many other entrepreneurs do the same thing. I plan to take everything I've learned over the past 32 years and help as many businesses succeed as I can."

Sabelhaus also pledged to help lead the way for woman entrepreneurs and to help provide greater opportunities for all small businesses.