Nevada included in small business announcement

The U.S. Small Business Administration announced the appointment of Michael Vallante as Regional Administrator for SBA Region IX, which covers Nevada, California, Arizona, Hawaii and Guam.

A former small business owner, Vallante has extensive experience in communications and public relations.

His company provided consulting and strategic communications services for small businesses and nonprofits around the country.

Vallante most recently served as chief of staff to the co-chairman of the Republican National Committee in Washington, D.C.

Before that, he was chief operating officer of the California Republican Party from 2003 to 2007. He also served as the chief of staff for the nonprofit Minneapolis-St. Paul Host Committee.