Washington, DC–(HISPANIC PR WIRE – BUSINESS WIRE)–June 24, 2005–The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the selection of Michael L. Barrera as its new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Mr. Barrera will assume his new post July 5, 2005. The selection was made following an extensive nationwide search led by David Gomez & Associates, a premier diversity executive search firm based in Chicago, IL, specializing in Hispanic/minority placement.

Mr. Barrera is presently the National Ombudsman for the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) having been appointed to the position by President Bush in 2001. His primary role is to lead the national effort on behalf of the country’s small businesses to ensure fairness in the enforcement of Federal regulations. In addition to National Ombudsman, Barrera has led the Office of Capital Access, which oversees a $76 billion dollar loan portfolio, the Office of Government Contracting/Business Development, the Office of Entrepreneurial Development and, the SBA’s highly successful Business Matchmaking contracting program.

“I am excited and deeply honored to join the premiere business organization of the 21st century and I thank the Board for giving me this incredible opportunity to lead the USHCC forward,” said Barrera. “The USHCC Board has empowered me to focus on increasing business opportunities for Hispanic entrepreneurs, and working more closely with our local chamber members and our corporate partners. We will focus on projects that create value for all of our stakeholders and continue to advocate for the economic development of the Hispanic community. With the support of the USHCC Board, the talented staff and our chapters nationwide, I plan to implement an ambitious agenda with well-defined goals that will ensure the USHCC’s continued path to growth and success,” added Barrera.

“Michael Barrera’s wide-ranging expertise in Government, entrepreneurship and his commitment to the Hispanic business community will be a tremendous asset to our organization,” said David Lizarraga, Chairman of the Board. “The USHCC Board was searching for an accomplished business leader with strong D.C. and Federal Government experience, extensive Hispanic Chamber experience, a corporate background, proven credentials in managing national programs and a well-cultivated entrepreneurial spirit. Michael Barrera not only possesses all of these qualities but he is a proven leader and we couldn’t be more pleased to have him on-board.” added Lizarraga.

A native of Kansas City, Missouri, Mr. Barrera received his law degree from the University of Texas School Of Law in 1989 and a bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University in 1982. He is former member of the Missouri Bar Association, Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, Texas Bar Association and Co-founder and past President of the Kansas City Hispanic Bar Association.

In private practice, Mr. Barrera co-founded two law firms in Kansas City focusing on general civil litigation, small business startups, workers’ compensation, criminal defense, and personal injury. Barrera’s legal experience includes service as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Jackson County, Missouri.

Prior to studying law, Mr. Barrera was a marketing representative and area manager for the Miller Brewing Co. from 1982-1986 in Atlanta, GA and Corpus Christi, TX, respectively. Mr. Barrera’s small business experience includes the management of two family-owned restaurants in the Kansas City area. Barrera’s ties to the USHCC run deep. He is the former Chairman and President of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City. Additionally, when the USHCC was based in Kansas City, Barrera would volunteer time assisting his father, Richard Barrera, a founding member of the USHCC as well as its first convention coordinator and a former Board member.

The USHCC represents the interests of more than 2 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States and Puerto Rico, which earn more than $200 billion annually. It serves as the umbrella organization for more than 200 local Hispanic chambers nationwide and it actively promotes the economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs. Visit http://www.ushcc.com for more information.

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CONTACT:

United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC)

G. Meneses, 202-445-1570