U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross has announced that David J. Byrd has been appointed the new National Director of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA).

“David’s vast experience in public service and as an entrepreneur are true assets to MBDA and the Department of Commerce,” said Secretary Ross in a press release.

As the National Director, Byrd will oversee the development and implementation of agency initiatives, policy agenda, and federal grant programs.

“I am honored to be selected by Secretary Ross to lead the Minority Business Development Agency,” said Byrd.

Before he accepted the fourth presidential appointment of his career at MBDA, Byrd had served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Policy Development, at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.