Allen Gutierrez serves as the Director of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU). Director Gutierrez is responsible that small business policies and goals of the Secretary of Transportation are implemented in an efficient and effective manner to serve the small businesses. His office also provides opportunities, technical assistance, and financial services to the small business community to prepare them the to compete in the agency’s procurement opportunities.
Mr. Gutierrez was the founder of The MCA Group based in Maryland with emphasis on External and Public Affairs Strategy, Advocacy, Federal and Private sector procurement, Project Management Oversight, and Federal Compliance. Renowned national leader that has helped countless entrepreneurs on how to start, grow and expand their business.
Allen Gutierrez previously served as the Associate Administrator for the Office of Entrepreneurial Development (OED) at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). As Associate Administrator, Allen was dedicated to enhancing the nationwide network of 1,200 offices, business executives, and mentors that support current and aspiring business owners as they start, grow, and compete in today’s global market. During his tenure SBA counseled and trained more entrepreneurs nationwide which created a higher number of jobs created and capital infusion to small businesses and entrepreneurs. Expanding outreach and impact to the underserved communities was pillar that was accomplished under his leadership by expanding 37 new women business centers a record number for SBA, stronger partnership with Historically Black College and University (HBCU) by granting 5 new women business centers another first since the creation of SBA and launching first ever women digital platform for the agency that focus on women entrepreneurs.
Prior to SBA, Mr. Gutierrez was the National Executive Director of The Latino Coalition (TLC) a leading advocacy and membership organization. Under his leadership, TLC grew to include 1.2 million Hispanic business owners and over 90 coalition partners, transforming TLC into one of the nation’s largest and most effective Latino advocacy groups in the country.
Mr. Gutierrez began his federal career in the SBA that spanned from 2001 to 2006 where he served as Senior Advisor to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Senior Advisor to the Office of International Trade (OIT). Mr. Gutierrez was also a member of the senior team that executed the President’s Management Agenda to create a more transparent and results-orientated agency, as well as the Executive Resource Board advising the Administrator on senior management matters. During his tenure in the OIT, Gutierrez served as the key representative for SBA during the CAFTA-DR negotiations, which was signed into law as the first free trade agreement between the United States and a group of smaller developing countries.
Mr. Gutierrez served as the Chief Operating Officer of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC). He served on the USHCC senior management team at a time of tremendous growth for the organization and accomplished record-breaking partnership with Corporate America, as well as high level participation from its membership at their annual and legislative convention.
Prior to his entry into the public and nonprofit sectors, Mr. Gutierrez career began in corporate America with a focus in Healthcare Industry. Mr. Gutierrez spans over 20 years’ experience working with firms like Aetna, Great West Life, Maxicare Health Plans and UnitedHealthcare in the areas of National, Divisional and Ethnic marketing initiatives which increased product recognition and narrowed the gap of uninsured. Mr. Gutierrez experience of working with key stakeholders in the community stems from his past management of over 200 Life and Health business clients with overall $100 million dollars of assets under management.
Born in San Jose, Costa Rica, Mr. Gutierrez immigrated to California in 1974, where he achieved his dream of becoming the first member of his family to graduate from an accredited four-year college. Mr. Gutierrez earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Southern California. On his spare time Mr. Gutierrez enjoys being part of the official Spanish broadcasting team for the NFL Baltimore Ravens.
Today, Mr. Gutierrez lives in Maryland with his wife, and their three children.
