WASHINGTON—U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced the appointment of Jose (Joe) A. Lira as director of the Department of Labor’s Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP).

“Small business employers are responsible for the majority of new jobs created in this country. Joe has years of knowledge and experience in helping small business employers and entrepreneurs grow their businesses and create jobs. Small business employers and workers will benefit from Joe’s diverse skills in the public, private and nonprofit sectors,” said Secretary Chao.