SBA appoints new head of intergovernmental affairs

The U.S. Small Business Administra-tion in a news release has announced the appointment of Toni C. Casey as director of the agency's Office of Intergovern-mental Affairs in Washington, D.C.

As director, Casey will develop outreach and communications efforts to strengthen ties with federal, state and local governments.

According to the release, Casey will serve as the principal adviser on matters relating to intergovernmental efforts de-signed to enhance support for small business. She will also coordinate inter-agency task forces that provide a voice for small businesses.

"I am proud to name Toni Casey to this important position within the agency," said SBA Administrator Hector V. Barreto. "Her broad experience and knowledge of small business development and her distinguished record of public service will be an asset to the office."

Casey said that she shares Barreto's "vision of creating more public/private partnerships, thinking out of the box, and meeting with local and state officials to brainstorm entrepreneurial solutions that will create jobs and enhance the environment for small businesses."

Casey has 20 years of experience in government regulations, strategic planning and marketing. She has designed and implemented business, marketing and government relations strategies for Fortune 500 corporations, small businesses and new ventures. Before joining the SBA, she provided business development leadership and consultation to Internet-based start-ups. She identified and secured strategic alliances and key partnerships allowing clients to increase company value prior to venture and IPO funding, and to strategically position their business platform to maximize market share opportunities.

Prior to business development, Casey spent 10 years as a lobbyist in the bio-tech and insurance industries. She has worked with legislative bodies and state regulatory agencies in California, Flor-ida, Texas, Rhode Island, Georgia, Louisiana, Colorado and Nevada.

She most recently served as the mayor in her third four-year elected term on the Los Altos Hills (Calif.) City Council. She served as mayor from 1989-90 and 1998-99. She served as co-chair for the Bush Presidential Committee for San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.

Casey holds a master's degree in business administration from Stanford Uni-versity and a master of science degree from Stanford Medical School. She also holds a bachelor's degree in history and political science from Emory University in Atlanta.