Karen Gordon Mills is a distinguished American businessperson and former government official, best known for her role as the 23rd Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Nominated by President Barack Obama in December 2008, she was confirmed unanimously by the Senate and sworn in on April 6, 2009. During her tenure, Mills elevated the SBA to a Cabinet-level agency, significantly enhancing its influence on policy decisions. She played a pivotal role in implementing key provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which led to a remarkable increase in small business lending, with average weekly loan volume rising by over 60 percent.

Before her appointment as SBA Administrator, Mills was the president of MMP Group, a private equity firm focused on growing businesses across various sectors. She was also a founding partner of Solera Capital, a venture capital firm that invested in women-owned businesses. Her leadership in these roles showcased her commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth, particularly in underserved markets. Mills’ expertise in regional innovation clusters further solidified her reputation as a leader in economic development.

After leaving the SBA in September 2013, Mills continued to influence the business landscape as a Senior Fellow at Harvard Business School and the Kennedy School of Government. She authored several influential papers on small business lending and entrepreneurship, contributing valuable insights to the discourse on economic mobility and innovation. Her work has been instrumental in shaping policies that support small businesses and enhance access to capital.

Mills remains active in various leadership roles, including serving on boards and advisory committees for organizations focused on entrepreneurship and economic development. Her contributions have earned her recognition, including the U.S. Navy’s Distinguished Public Service Award. As a regular contributor to Fortune and other publications, Mills continues to advocate for small businesses and the vital role they play in the economy.