Francisco Sánchez Jr. is a nationally recognized leader in emergency management and economic development. As Hagerty’s Senior Advisor for Economic Development, he brings more than two decades of experience guiding disaster response, recovery, and resilience efforts across the public sector. Most recently, Francisco was appointed to serve as Associate Administrator of the United States (US) Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Office of Disaster Recovery & Resilience (ODR&R) by President Biden in January 2022. He was the first presidential appointee and non-banker to hold this position.

At the SBA, Francisco led a comprehensive transformation of the agency’s disaster operations. He modernized its organizational structure, lending policies, technology platforms, and customer service. Under his leadership, the SBA responded to over 1,500 disaster declarations and delivered nearly $15 billion in long-term, low-interest loans. He also steered the agency through its post-COVID transition and directed federal recovery efforts for some of the nation’s most significant disasters, including Hurricanes Ian, Fiona, and Helene; the 2023 Maui Wildfires; the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse; and the 2025 Los Angeles Wildfires.

Previously, Francisco served as Deputy Homeland Security and Emergency Management Coordinator for Harris County, Texas, the nation’s third-largest county. There, he led programs in disaster planning, recovery, public affairs, and homeland security. Additionally, he played a key role in the response to several of the costliest disasters in US history, including Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Ike, and Harvey.

A sought-after voice in crisis leadership and disaster communication, Francisco is frequently invited to speak at national and international forums. He also serves as an Advisory Board Member and Adjunct Professor at the University of Houston’s Hobby School of Public Affairs.

A proud Texas native, Francisco holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston and a master’s in public administration from Sam Houston State University. In 2015, he received the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his distinguished contributions to public service.

Degrees

Bachelor of Arts - Political Science and Radio and Television Communication, University of Houston

Master of Public Administration - Sam Houston State University