WASHINGTON, D.C. – Philip D. Lovas, a businessman and former member of the House of Representatives of Arizona, has joined the Office of Advocacy as the small business advocate for federal Region 9. In his new role, Lovas will be the direct link between the region’s small business owners, state and local government agencies, state legislators, small business associations and the Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Federal Region 9 covers Arizona, California, Hawaii and Nevada, as well as Guam, American Samoa, Trust Territories and the Commonwealth of the northern Mariana Islands.
“Phil Lovas is a wonderful addition to our team,” said Major Clark III, acting Chief Counsel for Advocacy. “Small business owners on the west coast and in U.S. territories have an exceptional advocate in Mr. Lovas. His experience as both a businessman and state representative will allow him to immediately start making meaningful contributions to the Office of Advocacy’s role as the small business watchdog for unnecessary and overly burdensome regulations,” he continued.
As the representative for District 22, Lovas chaired the Rules Committee, and served on the Insurance and Banking Committee. Prior to becoming a member of the state legislature, he worked in the hotel industry for over a decade with Cendant, InterContinental Hotels Group and Red Lion Hotels Corporation.
Lovas received a Master of Arts in political science from Baylor University in Texas. He received a bachelor degree of science in Journalism from E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, Ohio University.
The Office of Advocacy’s regional advocates help identify new issues and concerns of small business owners in the nation’s 10 federal regions. They also monitor the impact of federal and state policies on small business at the local level. They work closely with local government officials, state officials and legislators and the chief counsel for advocacy to develop programs and policies that help, rather than hinder, small business growth.
For more information, visit the Office of Advocacy website at www.sba.gov/advo.