Mark Walsh has joined the U.S. Small Business Association (SBA) as associate administrator for the Office of Investment and Innovation.

The office administers the agency’s Small Business Investment Companies (SBIC), Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.

In his new role, Walsh will oversee equity capital, long term loans, management assistance, and the SBIR/STTR program which helps entrepreneurs market and make a profit from their products and services.

Walsh has experience with running large public and private founded startups and invested and nurtured venture and growth companies. He has previously held senior leadership positions at HBO, GE, AOL, Verticalnet and GeniusRocket.com, and brings experience and expertise in consumer acquisition, financial management, strategic partnerships, customer service and mergers and acquisitions.

“We are delighted to welcome Mark to the SBA team. As a seasoned entrepreneur and executive, Mark has made public-private partnerships a focus of his career. With his deep understanding of small businesses in the technology sector, we know he will bring a fresh perspective and pioneering spirit to the Office of Investment and Innovation. We look forward to his leadership and dedication on behalf of America’s small businesses,” SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet said in a statement.