I learned earlier today that Grande Lum has accepted a position in the Small Business Administration, directing the Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUB Zone) program.  A brief article appears here.  The HUB Zone program has faced a considerable scrutiny in recent years for some of  its practices, and I think it’s safe to say that Grande has taken on a real challenge.  Although I am sad for our colleagues at Hastings who will be without Grande’s services for a while, I am grateful to Grande for his willingness to serve the country in this way.  He has a wonderful set of experiences and skills, and I am sure that he will do great things with this important program.

My understanding is that Melissa Nelken and Carol Izumi will step forward to help lead CNDR, respectively as acting director and acting associate director so Hastings is clearly in great hands.

MM