SBA-Springfield names branch manager

The Springfield branch of the U.S. Small Business Administration has selected a new branch manager, more than a year after its previous office leader retired.

Suzanne Stearman, who started in Springfield Dec. 3 after working as a lender relations specialist for four years at the Nebraska SBA district office, succeeds Walter Cowart, who retired from the position Aug. 26, 2011. Janice Bowman, economic development specialist for the Springfield office, said she led the office in the interim.

Stearman leads a staff of two - Bowman and Lender Relations Specialist Brent Jones, Bowman said.

As branch manager, Stearman is charged with advocating for small businesses in the 28-county area served by the branch as part of the Kansas City district. She oversees the office's goals of expanding and developing the southwest Missouri small-business community by providing SBA loan guarantees and business development services, according to a news release.

Prior to joining the SBA, Stearman most recently worked as an auditor for the Missouri attorney general's office.