An Indian-American, Santanu K Baruah, has been nominated for the post of Administrator of the Small Business Administration.
Baruah, who is currently serving as Assistant Secretary for Economic Development in the Department of Commerce, was nominated to be the Administrator of the SBA after its former Administrator, Steve Preston, was nominated Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Hailing Baruah's nomination, Indian American Republican Council (IARC) said "President George W Bush can be commended for many firsts."
He was the first President to nominate an Indian American, Kharan Bhatia, with the rank of Ambassador and the first President to successfully nominate an Indian American, Amul Thapar, to become a Federal Judge. He was the first President to appoint the highest number of Indian Americans ever in an Administration. He was the first President to dramatically move forward the strategic partnership between the US and India by initiating the civilian nuclear agreement," IARC said in a statement.
"Now the President has taken another historic step: he has appointed an Indian American to head a Federal Agency. This demonstrates the business acumen, leadership, and political skills of Indian American Republicans, like Baruah. He is eminently qualified for this position and we proudly commend our President for making this important nomination," it said.
Baruah received his Bachelors Degree from the University of Oregon and his Masters from Williamette University.
{{/usCountry}}Baruah received his Bachelors Degree from the University of Oregon and his Masters from Williamette University.
{{/usCountry}}He has served in the Presidents Administration since 2001 and has served with distinction for many years as a public servant, the IARC has said.