R.I. SBA chief named interim regional head

Mark S. Hayward, the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Rhode Island District director, has been named acting New England regional administrator.

He will replace Charles Summers, a lieutenant commander in the Navy Reserve who is being deployed to Iraq.

Hayward will continue to serve as the SBA’s Rhode Island District Director, a position he has held since the year 2000.

As SBA’s acting regional administrator Hayward will be responsible for managing the district offices in the six New England states.

Hayward began his SBA career in 1990, when he was appointed the U.S. Small Business Administration’s acting chief counsel for advocacy.

Prior to 1982, he served as mayor of the city of East Providence, R.I.

Summers will report to active duty July 6 and serve with Naval Strategic Communications in Baghdad’s Green Zone. – JEFF FEINGOLD