Office of Advocacy
Everett M. Woodel, Jr.
Acting Chief Counsel
“I am honored to serve as Acting Chief Counsel for Advocacy at the U.S. Small Business Administration, and I am grateful to President Trump and Administrator Loeffler for their continued trust and confidence.”
“Throughout my tenure at the SBA, I have become deeply familiar with both the regulatory challenges facing small businesses and the importance of strong advocacy on their behalf within the federal government. I look forward to building on that experience by modernizing the Office of Advocacy as an effective force for regulatory reform as part of the Trump Administration’s work to cut red tape, lower costs, and empower America’s small businesses.”
Biography
Everett M. Woodel, Jr., is the Acting Chief Counsel for Advocacy. He is a transformational leader with extensive experience in strategic planning, change management, and public affairs. Mr. Woodel also served as the SBA district director in Columbus, Ohio, for six years, overseeing programs that facilitate billions in small business lending and federal contracting. During his tenure in Columbus, the region boasted the nation’s largest micro lender and the nation’s top SBA lender.
Previously, Mr. Woodel held executive roles in both the public and private sectors, including serving as regional director for VEIC and director of business development at American Structurepoint, Inc. He also held leadership positions in the Ohio state government, including director of public affairs for the Ohio Treasurer’s Office and director of operations for the Industrial Commission of Ohio. Additionally, he spent over a decade in congressional service as district director and deputy communications director for Ohio’s Fifth Congressional District.
On January 20, 2025, Mr. Woodel was designated by President Donald J. Trump to serve as the acting administrator of the SBA until the confirmation of the current Administrator, Kelly Loeffler.
A U.S. Army veteran, Everett holds an MBA from Ohio University and a Bachelor of Science in Education from Bowling Green State University. Everett was named to the Association of Ohio Commodores in June of 2019. The association recognizes those who are dedicated to Ohio’s advancement in all areas contributing to economic growth and development of the state. In 2025, Everett was inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame recognizing his outstanding post-military achievements in Ohio and the Great Lakes Region.