SBA Regional Administrator
Region 6-SouthCentral
Administrator Edward "Ted" James was appointed by President Joe Biden to serve as the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Regional Administrator for Region 6 South Central Region in December of 2021. In this position, Ted will oversee the administration of SBA products and services in ten district offices; with one each located in Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Arkansas and six located in Texas.
Ted’s passion for leadership is driven by a deeply held desire to impact the lives of others while transforming the community he simply calls “his village.” The Baton Rouge native was taught at an early age the value of service, the strength of community, the importance of a quality education, and the principles of social justice.
Upon being admitted to the Louisiana Bar, Ted began his career working in the Office of Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco where he was actively engaged in policy reform efforts targeted at establishing affordable housing solutions across the state of Louisiana. As the Governor’s policy advisor on housing and community development Ted assisted in securing a $25 million investment into the Louisiana Housing Trust Fund. Ted later served on the Louisiana Commission on Housing and Community Development, where he continued his dedication to establish affordable housing solutions for the people of Louisiana. Under the leadership of Governor Blanco, he dedicated himself to the revitalization and rebuilding of Louisiana in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005.
Upon completing his service in the Blanco administration, Ted worked as a staff attorney with the Louisiana House of Representatives. His tenure as a staff attorney helped to provide him with the unique perspective and insight, he used during his decade long service in the legislature. In 2009, Ted was appointed to serve as Confidential Assistant to the Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Revenue where he was charged with developing the Department’s legislative strategy. His leadership led to an appointment by Governor Bobby Jindal to serve on the Louisiana Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations where he effectively managed relationships with other governmental agencies to further the well-being of the people of Louisiana.
Elected in November of 2011, Ted served as a Louisiana State Representative for over a decade rising to leadership as Chairman of the Administration of Criminal Justice