"Harold possesses a deep knowledge of this agency and is committed to ensuring the success of our small and local businesses," said Mayor Gray. "His experience in this sector within the District of Columbia has prepared him well to lead with great competence and wisdom in this new endeavor."

Harold B. Pettigrew, Jr. most recently served the District as the Administrator for Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) Business and Professional Licensing Administration (BPLA). While at DCRA, Pettigrew focused on improvements to make it easier for businesses to do business in D.C. In April 2011, Pettigrew launched DCRA's Small Business Resource Center (SBRC), a new service designed to assist small businesses with navigating the District's regulatory environment. Pettigrew developed strategic partnerships with key business organizations in the District across the public and private sectors to launch the SBRC.

Pettigrew returns to an agency where he once served as Chief of Staff. He earned a Masters of Urban Planning degree from the Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service at New York University and a bachelor's degree from North Carolina State University, where he has also served as a member of the school's Board of Trustees. Pettigrew is a native Washingtonian, and is a lifelong resident of Ward 7, where he currently resides.