The Small Business Administration has named the executive director of SEED Corp. in Taunton its 2014 financial services champion in Massachusetts and the New England region.

Maria Gooch-Smith was recognized for her work helping small businesses in Southeastern Massachusetts obtain financing, often through the SBA.

"SEED Corporation is a very active SBA lender, and approved more than $16.5 million worth of SBA-backed loans in 2013," Robert H. Nelson, Massachusetts SBA District Director, said in a statement.  "This is due in large part to Maria Gooch-Smith, who works tirelessly on behalf of small businesses in the state. Maria has been partnering with SBA for many years and is a true friend to the small business community in Massachusetts."

At SEED Corp., Gooch-Smith manages four loan programs: the SBA 504 program, the SBA 7(a) program as a community advantage lender, the SBA microloan program and the Revolving Loan Fund program. Charles Smith, a senior vice president at Eastern Bank, nominated her for the award.

In addition to running SEED, Gooch-Smith also volunteers on the boards of several organizations, including the Massachusetts Small Business Advisory board.

The SBA will honor Gooch-Smith and other Massachusetts Small Business Week 2014 winners at an awards breakfast in May.