Stephen J. Adams is the Office of Advocacy’s Regional Advocate for Region I, covering Connecticut , Maine , Massachusetts , New Hampshire , Rhode Island , and Vermont . He is the direct link between small business owners, state and local government agencies, state legislators, small business associations, and the Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Adams has a wealth of experience in both the public and private sectors. Most recently, he was President and CEO of Pioneer Institute, Massachusetts ’ premier policy research institute. Adams also directed Pioneer’s Center for Urban Entrepreneurship which is focused on the support network needs of low/moderate-income entrepreneurs. Before working at Pioneer Institute, he was Vice President and Director of Research and Strategy for the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC). Adams ’ public sector experience includes eleven years as economic policy advisor to governors in Maine including a stint as Director of the Maine State Planning Office. He also served as Assistant Treasurer for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts .

Adams received his bachelor’s degree in Political Studies from Queens University in Kingston , Ontario , Canada , and his Masters of Public Administration from Pennsylvania State University .

As a Regional Advocate, he helps identify new issues and concerns of small business owners. He also monitors the impact of federal and state policies on small business at the local level and works closely with local government officials, state officials and legislators, and the Chief Counsel for Advocacy to develop programs and policies that help, rather than hinder, small business growth.