He was a key member of the senior team implementing the President’s Management Agenda, advancing transparency and results-driven operations, and served on the Executive Resources Board, advising on senior management matters. As SBA’s representative during the CAFTA-DR negotiations, he played a pivotal role in the U.S.’s first free trade agreement with a group of smaller developing countries.

Later, as Associate Administrator for the Office of Entrepreneurial Development, Mr. Gutierrez led efforts to strengthen a nationwide network of over 1,200 offices, mentors, and business advisors supporting entrepreneurs at all stages. Under his leadership, the SBA saw significant growth in counseling and training services, resulting in increased job creation and capital access for small businesses. He championed outreach to underserved communities, establishing a record 37 new Women’s Business Centers, and launching five new centers at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)—a first in SBA history. He also led the development of the SBA’s first digital platform focused on supporting women entrepreneurs.

Prior to his tenure at the SBA, Mr. Allen Gutierrez served as the National Executive Director of The Latino Coalition (TLC) a prominent advocacy and membership organization. Under his leadership TLC expanded to represent 1.2 million Hispanic business owners and over 90 coalition partners, becoming one of the nation’s largest and most influential Latino business advocacy groups.

He also served as Chief Operating Officer of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC), where he played a key role in driving organizational growth, forging record-breaking corporate partnerships, and increasing member engagement at national events.

Before entering the public and nonprofit sectors, Mr. Gutierrez built a successful corporate career in the healthcare industry, holding leadership roles at Aetna, Great-West Life, Maxicare Health Plans, and UnitedHealthcare. With more than 20 years of experience, he led national, divisional, and multicultural marketing initiatives that improved product visibility and reduced the uninsured rate. He also managed a portfolio of over 200 life and health clients, overseeing assets totaling more than $100 million.

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. In 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.