Regional Advocates
The Office of Advocacy has regional advocates in each of the 10 federal regions. This team identifies new issues and concerns of small business owners. They work closely with local government officials, state officials and legislators, and the Chief Counsel for Advocacy to develop programs and policies that support small business growth.
Region 1 Advocate
Janet Fogarty is a banking and finance executive with a prominent career in commercial and residential mortgage lending and providing working capital solutions to small businesses and individuals.
Region 1 covers CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT
Region 2 Advocate(s)
Tom Rossomando & Elmo Rinaldi
Region 2 covers NJ, NY, PR, VI
Region 3 Advocate
Elmo Rinaldi served as a Regional Advocate during the first Trump Administration and has built a network with small business owners to discuss regulations that impact local businesses.
Region 3 covers DE, PA, MD, VA, WV, DC
Region 4 Advocate
Michael Vallante has over thirty years’ experience in business management, strategic communications, and public affairs consulting.
Region 4 covers AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, TN
Region 5 Advocate
Andrew J. Coffield is a seasoned professional with extensive experience at the intersection of government and small business policy.
Region 5 covers IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI
Region 6 Advocate
Bill Gravell began serving as the Region 6 Advocate for the Small Business Administration in March 2025. He holds a degree in theology from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.
Region 6 covers AR, LA, NM, TX, OK
Region 7 Advocate
Joe Krenzelok serves as the Regional Advocate for Region 7 at the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy.
Region 7 covers IA, KS, MO, NE
Region 8 Advocate
Trent Staggs is a proven leader in both public service and business. After four years on the city council, Trent served as the mayor of Riverton, Utah.
Region 8 covers CO, MT, ND, SD, UT, WY
Region 9 Advocate
Steve Owen is an economist with a bachelor’s degree from the University of California and a master’s degree from the London School of Economics.
Region 9 covers AZ, CA, HI, NV, AS, GU, MP
Region 9 Senior Advisor
James C. Sherman, III
Bio coming soon.
Region 9 covers AZ, CA, HI, NV, AS, GU, MP
Region 10 Advocate
Apollo Fuhriman is the Pacific Northwest Regional Advocate. He previously served in this role during the first Trump Administration, working to find and cut unnecessary regulations.
Region 10 covers AK, ID, OR, WA
National Special Advisor
Geoff Grove is a management professional and former business owner. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from Clarkson University.
National Rural Affairs Advocate
Joe Knilans is a dedicated advocate for small businesses, currently serving as the National Rural Affairs Advocate for the SBA’s Office of Advocacy.
Tom Rossomando
Director of Regional Affairs
Your Local Link to Federal Advocacy
We bring your small business voice directly to Washington.
Whether you’re dealing with a burdensome rule or simply want to make your voice heard, your Regional Advocate is here to help.
What Regional Advocates Do
- Listen to small businesses and identify regulatory challenges
- Amplify regional concerns in federal comment letters and agency meetings
- Engage with chambers of commerce, trade associations, and business networks
- Report back to Washington with real-world insights that shape national policy
How to Reach Out
Contact your regional advocate directly using the list on our Staff page or email them directly from their bio page. Simply tap the button for your region above.