Accion Texas Inc. – the nation’s largest microlender – announces the appointment of Harold Oliver as chief external affairs officer.

With more than 20 years of experience in communications, government and corporate relations, economic and community development and legislative work, Oliver brings a wealth of experience to his new position.

He oversees all legislative, communications and development team processes and personnel for Accion Texas. He is responsible for all aspects of public relations, marketing and other outreach that enhance Accion’s public image and brand. In addition, he is charged with developing and maintaining all external and internal constituencies, monitoring Accion’s legislative and policy priorities throughout its 21-city, eight-state footprint – and representing Accion at the state and federal levels.

“Harold is a wonderful addition to our senior management team and I am very happy that he has joined us,” said Accion Texas President and CEO Janie Barrera. “His breadth of experience and strong relationships with leaders in the private and public sectors will be a tremendous asset to our organization as we continue our mission of helping small businesses and entrepreneurs to succeed and thrive.”

Prior to joining Accion, Oliver was the managing principal of TX Capitol Consulting Group LLC, from 2005 to 2013. In that capacity, he represented his clients’ interests before the Texas legislature and local governments, particularly in the fields of economic development, community and neighborhood development and transportation.

From 1994 to 2004, he worked as legislative assistant to the late Texas State Senator Frank Madla, assisting on the Senate Committee on Transportation Infrastructure and Homeland Security as well as the Senate Committee on Business and Commerce.

Oliver’s extensive and successful legislative work with Madla included the creation and funding of the new Texas A&M campus in San Antonio, and drafting and negotiating the bill that created the Defense Area Management Authority for San Antonio. He was part of the state’s negotiating team for the Toyota Motor Manufacturing project for San Antonio and helped draft the legislation relating to Toyota’s incentive package.

Further, Oliver was intimately involved in the creation of the Defense Readjustment Zone for Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio and the accompanying Defense Readjustment Fund with the initial funding of $20 million. Finally, he rewrote the State of Texas’ policy on Insurance Solicitation and Financial Modernization.

Oliver currently serves on the board of the Texas A&M University-San Antonio Foundation and served as inaugural chairman. Other civic involvement has included serving as the chair of the South San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, a director of The Texas Lyceum, the chair of the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s Legislative Committee and co-chair of the 2011 San Antonio March of Dimes “Fund the Mission” gala. He also has served on the boards of the Friends of Big Bend National Park and the Jewish Family and Children Services Organization.

He earned a bachelor of arts degree in history and political science from Incarnate Word College (now the University of the Incarnate Word) and a master of science degree in public administration from St. Mary’s University. He also studied law at the University of Oxford in England and completed his juris doctorate degree at St. Mary’s University School of Law.

About Accion Texas Inc.
Established in 1994 in San Antonio, Accion Texas Inc.’s financial and business-support services help entrepreneurs strengthen their businesses, stabilize and increase their incomes, create employment and contribute to the economic revitalization of their communities.

Accion Texas manages the nation’s largest nonprofit microloan portfolio in the nation and is the largest member of the Accion U.S. Network. It is committed to providing capital to entrepreneurs who do not have access to loans from commercial sources and to providing educational services to help them succeed. Since its inception, Accion Texas has made 13,700 loans totaling nearly $148 million. Accion now operates in 21 offices in eight states – Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas. For more information, visit www.acciontexas.org.