Kettering vice mayor appointed to SBA post
Scott one of six new administrators named by Trump.
Kettering Vice Mayor Rob Scott started a new full-time job this week as regional administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration for the Great Lakes Region, which covers six states, including Ohio.
The post was appointed by President Donald Trump. Scott was an early Trump supporter, served as Trump’s deputy campaign manager in Ohio and was an elector for Trump at the Electoral College.
Scott said he is looking forward to implementing Trump’s vision for the agency under director Linda McMahon.
“The SBA is something that in my opinion is the best agency one can work for in the federal government,” Scott said in an interview Thursday. “Small business is the driving force behind the economy in America. That’s where our jobs are coming from.”
He said, among other things, the agency hopes to maintain its focus on helping develop underserved markets in rural as well as urban areas.
The SBA offers loans, loan guarantees, contracts, counseling sessions and other forms of assistance to small businesses. The Great Lakes Region is headquartered in Chicago. But Scott said he will maintain an office in Columbus and travel when necessary.
This will allow the Kettering native to keep his seat on City Council, Scott said. City Council seats are nonpartisan so the positions pose no conflict under federal law, he said.
Scott was one of six new regional administrators announced this week.
“I will rely on them heavily as we move forward in 2018 and beyond and look forward to working closely with each one of them,” McMahon said in a release.
Scott holds an undergraduate degree from Wright State University and law degree from the University of Dayton.
He previously worked at the Dayton Daily News, ran his own consulting firm, practiced law at a firm in Clayton, and worked as a legislative aide and on political campaigns across Ohio including Congressman Jim Renacci’s recent run for governor. Contact this reporter at 937328-0374 or email Josh. Sweigart@coxinc.com.