Governor Polis Appoints Antonio Soto as Director of Minority Business Office

DENVER – Governor Polis and the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) announced today that Antonio Soto has been named Minority Business Office (MBO) Director.

Antonio Soto

Soto joined the Minority Business Office in February 2021 as a program manager, but it quickly became clear that he has the skills, experience and vision needed for the director position.

“Soto has proven to be an invaluable asset for the Minority Business Office,” said Patrick Meyers, Executive Director at OEDIT and the State’s Chief Recovery Officer.  “He has built connections with community members across the state and is using those contacts to strengthen the network of support we are building for the minority, women and veteran-owned business community.” 

As MBO director, Soto will work with business and community groups, including the Minority Business Advisory Council, to develop and implement MBO strategic planning. He is responsible for the direction, management and evaluation of all agency operations, programs and services. Soto will also provide leadership to the nonprofit and for-profit minority industries and organizations in Colorado. 

The Minority Business Office has an established network of public, private and government resources that can be leveraged by businesses of all types and sizes to help businesses get in front of the right people and increase prospects locally, nationally or internationally.

Soto comes to OEDIT with a decade of experience in finance and accounting, in addition to significant volunteer experience supporting the minority and business communities. Prior to joining OEDIT, Soto worked at Re: Vision as the director of operations and served a local nonprofit organization working with individuals in marginalized communities to develop leaders and cultivate more equitable food systems. 

“Soto is an experienced community connector and proven leader in empowering communities,” said Glenn Plagens, Director of Business Support and Rural Prosperity at OEDIT. “He is a critical team member for the Minority Business Office and will now be able to take his ability to collaborate and build community support even further as our new director.” 

Soto begins his assignment immediately. 
 

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