Teri Coaxum is the new regional advocate for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy’s Region II, covering the states of New York, New Jersey, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. She will be the Office of Advocacy’s direct link to small business owners, state and local government agencies, state legislators, trade associations, and small business organizations.
“We are proud to have Teri Coaxum join our team as the Regional Advocate for Region II,” said Chief Counsel for Advocacy Winslow Sargeant. “Her career has focused on helping individuals in their dealings with government, both at the local and federal levels. She understands the importance of partnership and listening to those we serve.”
“I am honored to serve the small business community in New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands as Regional Advocate,” said Coaxum. “Small businesses help our economy grow and prosper; they are the cornerstone of our communities.”
Prior to her appointment, Coaxum was the deputy state director (from 2004 to 2010) for New York Sen. Charles Schumer and advised the senator on issues ranging from economic development to job creation.
From January 2001 to August 2004, she served as an administrative manager in the Kings County district attorney’s office, where she coordinated a community development arm to begin economic empowerment, job readiness, and technological advancement.
Coaxum has a master’s degree in business administration from Metropolitan College of New York. She also has a master’s degree in public administration and a bachelor of arts degree in criminal justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
The Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is an independent voice for small business within the federal government. The presidentially appointed Chief Counsel for Advocacy advances the views, concerns, and interests of small business before Congress, the White House, federal agencies, federal courts, and state policymakers.
