WASHINGTON D.C. — The Department of Commerce has promoted David J. Byrd to national director of department's Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), succeeding Henry Childs.
The MBDA is dedicated to the growth and global competitiveness of minority-owned businesses in the U.S.
Mr. Byrd is an experienced entrepreneur who's been in public service for the past 28 years at the local, state and federal levels. He joined the MBDA in October 2019 as national deputy director after serving close to three years years in the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
In a prepared statement, Mr. Byrd said, "I look forward to continuing the agency's work ensuring the resiliency and growth of America's minority-owned firms today, tomorrow, and for future generations of minority entrepreneurs."
As MBDA national director, Mr. Byrd will oversee the development and implementation of the agency's initiatives, policy agenda and federal grant programs.
Prior to joining the MBDA, he was deputy assistant secretary, Office of Policy Development at HUD. Outside of his public service, Mr. Byred is CEO/founder of Byrd's Eye L.L.C., a consulting firm that offered government relations, political consulting, executive and life skills coaching services.
Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross cited Mr. Byrd's "vast experience in public service and as an entrepreneur" as "true assets" that will benefit the MBDA, and said, "I fully expect him to continue to provide the type of leadership that will lay the foundation to usher in the next 50 years of opportunities and growth for minorities as well as the country as a whole."
Mr. Childs left the MBDA in May after 21 months at the agency's helm. He continues as a special adviser to President Trump under the auspices of the National Minority Supplier Development Council Inc. a private enterprise that seeks to advance business opportunities for certified minority business enterprises and connect them to corporate members.